Give it a go

Each week we explain how to look for work experience. This time, primary teaching

Primary teaching is a rewarding career, especially if you're the mind-moulding type. The number of people applying for placements in primary schools is on the up. That's because places are popular not just with transition-year student but also with those training to become special-needs assistants and people doing primary-teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

This type of experience will be crucial when you eventually look for a full-time post. This is why so many people apply for placements. Don't worry, though. Levels of experience, whether you're in transition year or at university, are no match for the organised and enthusiastic applicant.

"We're under pressure to accommodate all the applicants, so we have some criteria," says Peter Coakley of Maynooth Boys' National School, in Co Kildare. "Generally you will find that schools will accommodate people from their own locality and past pupils first. So the first thing that I would advise is to apply early as you may be in a queue. You should also send in a CV. It doesn't need to be too in-depth - just about who you are and what your interests and hobbies are."

Make sure to put down all your interests. You'll be amazed what types of skills come in handy in teaching. "There are many transferable skills for the classroom. Musical, artistic and athletic ability are all helpful, and they are all talents which are useful for extracurricular areas," says Coakley. "It also shows that you can contribute to school life."

Primary teachers work with children aged between four and 13.

A number of teaching degrees are available, both here and in the UK. (The drawback to studying in the UK is that you are not examined on your Irish-language skills, which are required by all schools in Ireland.)

It's a good time for those interested in the sector, as jobs are becoming more plentiful. "There are lots of opportunities at the moment," says Coakley. "There is still a much higher demand from females for placements. Of our staff of 25 we have nine men, and it is an all-boys school. This is a fairly good ratio of males.

"For a number of years the pupil-teacher ratio has been falling," he adds. "At the moment its 27:1. In three year's time it will be down to 24:1.

This translates directly into more vacancies."

If you do get a work placement in a school, you need to be fairly serious about it. "I would emphasise that it's a working environment," says Coakley. "When a student comes to my school they must treat it like a job. So punctuality and the way you dress and behave are all important.

"We give an assessment at the

end, and if you've genuinely made an effort you will be commended. If you haven't we will still send back an honest report."

... John Holden