Addressing an Ageing Population: Are You Ready To Reskill?

The Changing Demographics of the UK Population

The median age of the UK population is currently 39.9 and is projected to reach 42.2 by 2030. The largest single 5-year age group comprises those aged 50-54, numbering 4.67 million in 2018. Individuals over 50 constitute about one-third of the UK workforce and have contributed to two-thirds of the employment growth since 2011.

Implications of an Ageing Population

The demographic shift in the population and workforce affects everyone, not just those in older age brackets. The aging population has broad implications for all generations, influencing their roles and relationships as colleagues, family members, carers, and citizens. These changes present valuable learning opportunities that educational providers should be ready to address.

Educational System Response

Demographic trends, such as population aging, have been evident for some time, with the increase in longevity being widely recognized. However, the education system's response to these trends has been lacking. Despite the clear and predictable nature of these changes, the educational response has been tepid at best, missing opportunities to adapt and prepare for the evolving needs of an ageing society.

Retrain and Transform Your Passion into a Teaching Career

Consider transforming your passion into a profession by switching to a teaching career. Teaching allows you to leverage your existing skills and expertise to inspire young minds while providing opportunities for your own personal and professional growth.

To teach in most schools in England, including state-maintained primary, secondary, and special schools, you will need a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). There are various routes to obtaining QTS:

  • Now Teach: This service specifically assists individuals transitioning to teaching from other careers.
  • Postgraduate Teacher Training: If you already have an undergraduate degree, you can explore postgraduate teacher training courses to gain QTS.
  • Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) Courses: If you are concerned about your subject knowledge, SKE courses can be beneficial, especially if you have a degree in an unrelated field but possess relevant professional experience, or if you haven't used your subject knowledge in some time.

Explore these pathways and start your journey towards a rewarding teaching career.