A new pathway to teaching

Have you spent years working in a trade, and are ready for a new way to use your knowledge? Could you make a difference in young people’s lives, by helping them make smart use of practical skills?

There is a nationwide shortage of qualified food and technology teachers. Teachers are needed in "hard materials" involving problem-solving, design and construction with wood, metals, plastics and more, and "soft materials", involving fashion design and textiles. Teachers are also required in food technology, home economics and hospitality-type courses.

Now, Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago have established a National Centre of Excellence in Technology Teaching. They can help you fast-track into a career as a fully-qualified food and/or technology teacher, by giving you marks for the skills you already have.

If you are already a food and/or technology teacher but don’t have a degree, we can help you upgrade your qualifications to give you the same status as your colleagues', without making you start from scratch. However, in most cases it will be necessary for you to demonstrate previous or current significant trade or industry experience in your area of expertise.

You can speed up the process even further by coming to Dunedin to study full-time. Otherwise, part-time and distance options are available.

You could already be well on the way to a new life direction – not just for you, but for the students you inspire!