The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) is holding a two-day event in Birmingham today and tomorrow to search for new teaching talent.

The Train To Teach exhibition, taking place at Thinktank, will showcase the benefits of teaching and will give potential recruits an insight into the rewards and challenges that teaching offers.

Attendees will also be given information on the varied routes into the profession and tips on how to make a compelling application in this increasingly competitive field.

Teaching experts, teacher training providers and experienced teachers will be running seminars throughout Friday 19th and Saturday 20th March to give advice on:

* routes into teaching;
* how to make a good teacher training application; and
* what happens on a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course.

Teachers will be on hand to share their own experiences and teaching consultants will be available throughout both days for questions and advice.

To support this, The Turves Green Girls' School & Technology College, in Northfield, was chosen to make the above video appeal for their ideal teacher.

Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the TDA said:  “Teaching is becoming the career of choice for some of the best graduates and those seeking a career change and a fresh challenge – and with good reason. Teaching offers a competitive salary and job security, coupled with great opportunities for progression.

“We’re constantly searching for talented people to become teachers and Train to Teach is the ideal opportunity for those interested in teaching to come along to find out more.”

Registration figures for the Birmingham Train to Teach event were up by 48% compared to 2009 figures and this doubles the registration figures of the London Train to Teach event (26%) and is higher than that in Manchester (7%).

The Train to Teach Birmingham event is taking place at Thinktank, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

Opening times for the exhibition are Friday until 6pm and Saturday (March 20) 10.00-16.00.  It is a chance for people interested in teaching to find out about opportunities across the Midlands.

Entrance is free, however, prior registration is advised to guarantee fast-track entry. To register now, visit www.teach.gov.uk/traintoteach