The Education Industry

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The number of jobs in education has grown steadily over the past 30 years. The Scottish Government wants to increase the number of teachers working in Scottish schools.

• The public schools sector employs over 78,000 people – nearly four per cent of all Scottish jobs.
• Over 95% of schools in Scotland are run by the local authorities.
• A further four per cent of jobs are in the lifelong learning sector (84,800).
• There are also teaching jobs in private schools.
• The industry exists in all parts of Scotland.

Areas included

The role of the education industry is to help people increase their knowledge and skills.

The industry includes the following sectors:

• Pre-school
• Primary
• Secondary
• Further Education
• Higher Education
• Adult Education/Lifelong Learning (for example in-work training and work related training)

There are therefore opportunities to work with people of all ages; from very young children to adults.

• A high proportion of the workforce is in professional jobs such as teacher or lecturer.
• There are also jobs in support roles such as classroom assistant.

For a full list of jobs in education see below.

What’s it like working in the Education Industry?

• This industry will appeal most who wish to work with people and develop their skills.
• The chance to work part-time is better than in other industries; almost 1 in 2 jobs.
• 82% of teachers in Scotland are female.
• 93% of all primary school teachers are female.
• The numbers in self-employment in this industry are low.
• The workforce is ageing; particularly in FE and HE.
• Prospects for school leavers are limited.

Future trends

• The number of jobs is expected to remain stable over the next 10 years.
• There is most demand for teachers in; maths, physics, languages and religious education.
• There will be a need to replace over 40% of the workforce by 2017

Find out more about where the jobs are in your area.

Useful Information

Lifelong Learning is the Sector Skills Council for part of this industry.

Teaching in Scotland and The General Teaching Council for Scotland - information on teaching in Scotland.

Gaelic Teaching - information on Gaelic teaching

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Occupations

Art and Design Teacher
Cleaner - Industrial
Clerk
Community Worker
Fitness Instructor
Further Education (FE) Lecturer
Higher Education (HE) Lecturer
Information Scientist
IT Trainer
Learning Support Teacher
Lecturer
Nursery School Teacher
Outdoor Pursuits Instructor
Physical Education Teacher
Primary Teacher
Scientist
Secondary Teacher
Sports Coach/Instructor
Sports Scientist
Teacher
Teacher of English as a Foreign Language
Training Officer