Tradee-to-teacher transitions: A potential solution to teacher shortages

Teacher shortages and out-of-field teaching are well known and are concerning phenomena. Providing alternative entry pathways and tailored supportive environments for tradespersons and out-of-field teachers to transition into highly specialised education areas such as Industrial Technology and Design, Home Economics and Hospitality are potential solutions to teacher shortages. Upskilling tradespersons and existing teachers into these teaching specialisations will ensure that appropriate pedagogies and safe environments are provided for secondary school students. This paper describes ways to attract and support transitioning mid-career tradespersons into teacher education programs. To inform educational innovations, a study consisting of an analysis of semi-structured interviews of Queensland transitioning educators revealed key factors perceived as barriers to study for mature-aged students. The themes that emerged included how adult learners need to ‘crack the code’ to successful study; how they need acknowledgment and appreciation of their ‘street credibility as experienced trade professionals; and the importance of acknowledging and reinforcing their ability to fuse schooling and the real-world in learning experiences. Universities can positively contribute to teacher shortages by collaborating with industry, schools and employing authorities to attract tradespersons and out-of-field teachers into these specialised education areas and adapting learning support to meet the unique needs of adult learners through career transitions. These hybrid Design and Technologies teachers bring real-world richness to secondary school students and communities.