TRAINEE teachers from across East Lancashire are benefiting from ‘on-the-job’ training as part of a new education partnership.

The trainees are learning their trade at Alder Grange Community, Technology School and Sixth Form in Rawtenstall, which is the lead school in the 'Pennine Lancashire SCITT' partnership (School-Centered Initial Teacher Training).

Assistant headteacher Russell Milnes explained that candidates apply directly to the partnership schools for a place on a training course.

Last year, the Pennine Lancashire Partnership had five trainees on the School Direct programme who completed their training in July.

Mr Milnes said the fact that they were recruited directly by the schools in the partnership had had a positive effect.

He said: “These trainees were able to come into school in the summer term prior to starting their training in September and as a result were better prepared for their first lessons.

“Many members of staff commented on how good the trainees were. All found jobs – three in partnership schools."

There are four schools in The Pennine Lancashire SCITT – Alder Grange; Ribblesdale School in Clitheroe; Marsden Heights Community College in Nelson and The Hollins Technology College in Accrington, and Edge Hill University is also part of the partnership.

The programme will lead to trainees gaining Qualified Teacher Status and also a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with credits at Masters level.

Mr Milnes said: “Right from the outset there is an element of choice from both the candidate and school. This means that trainees know which school they are going to be doing their teaching practice in, they are introduced to the school earlier, they are able to get to know staff and pupils better.”

“We are now well into term one with our first cohort of 14 trainees, training in English, mathematics, history, modern foreign languages, physics and chemistry.”

Trainee teacher at Alder Grange, 21-year-old Shona Maclean, from Birkett Road, Accrington, said she was enjoying the programme.

She said: “It has been very interesting and I have enjoyed the sessions.”

Applications will soon open for trainees who want to start in September 2015.