Australia’s construction industry could help build a solution to the nation’s growing teacher shortage, thanks to the expansion of a new STEM career transitioning pathway.
La Trobe University’s acclaimed Nexus program gives those in high-performing professional jobs the chance to construct a new career in the education sector.
A first-of-its-kind initiative, Nexus gives those interested in a teaching career a chance to learn on the job through practical experience in school settings while also paying and reimbursing them for time, travel, and accommodation.
The program has now expanded to NSW primary schools as coordinators seek out professionals in STEM construction roles who may be interested in swapping the blueprints for blackboards.
Applicants will simultaneously undertake a Master of Teaching while receiving special support, mentorship and tailored instruction throughout their in-classroom training.
La Trobe’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell, says the expansion into NSW primary schools marked a momentous juncture in the university’s continued push to address teacher shortages across the state.
“Since 2020, Nexus has been instrumental in preparing educators for regional, rural and hard-to-staff school environments through its innovative approach,” Professor Farrell said.
“By expanding into NSW primary schools, we are helping to ensure that every student in NSW and Victoria has equitable access to quality education, regardless of their background or location.”
The initiative has already proved to be a huge success in Victoria, where 94 per cent of participants were teaching full-time after graduating from the Nexus program.
La Trobe School of Education Professor Joanna Barbousas says the university has been at the forefront of evidence-informed approaches to filling the teacher shortage.
“We are proud of Nexus’ proven track record in preparing dedicated teachers who are committed to serving and making a difference in their communities,” she said.
“Graduates of our Nexus program are exceptionally passionate and committed to working in schools – a huge win for students and their communities.”
Nexus facts:
- 83 per cent of participants have graduated or on track to graduate.
- 94 per cent of participants were teaching after graduating.
- 60 per cent of participants are career changers.
- The program is open to people with bachelor of teaching degrees
- Many participants are from STEM, health and media backgrounds.
Most of the program’s participants come from diverse professional backgrounds, many of which are STEM-related fields such as civil and infrastructure engineering, construction technology, architecture and applied mathematics.
Nathan Sprowart has a degree in electrical engineering and plans to apply for Nexus NSW-based intake later this year.
He told Build-it that a transition to teaching would provide him with a greater work-life balance for when he planned to start a family.
“Many of my electrical engineering roles have required a lot of travel, which keeps me away from home for extended periods of time,” he said.
“I had been thinking about the change to teaching for a while, and until Nexus, cost factors have meant it has been implausible to stop working to go back and study.”
“But with the financial reimbursement and mentor support, I feel it’s now an opportunity I’m more likely to take.”
La Trobe will be opening applications in August for Semester One 2025 Master of Teaching for Primary and Secondary courses at their Sydney campus.
