A Trainer’s Journey: The Rewards of Working with Trainee Teachers

Rachel Almond, D&T Subject Expert for Cheshire East SCITT

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Over the last 3 years I have been working as a trainer in a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (Cheshire East SCITT) programme, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is working with trainee teachers, especially those training to teach Design and Technology. It’s not just about sharing my expertise in a subject I’m passionate about—it’s about helping shape the future of D&T itself. With D&T being a shortage subject, there’s an even greater sense of responsibility and purpose in training the next generation of educators.

The SCITT route gives D&T trainee teachers practical experience in real classrooms from the start of their training. It is especially valuable as trainees gain workshop experience, develop machine and practical skills, and observe experienced teachers demonstrating techniques and best practice. This helps trainees build confidence, improve health and safety awareness, and prepare for a successful career in teaching.

Through my experience, teachers considering a role in teacher training, I would highly recommend creating a subject knowledge audit (download link below) for trainees to reflect on and assess their D&T knowledge before the course begins, with regular checkpoints throughout the year to identify knowledge gaps and help plan future subject days tailored to the needs of the trainees. It is also beneficial to book DATA high-risk machinery and secondary materials training courses early in the programme so trainees can become confident in the workshop and are able to produce and model exam-style projects for students. In addition, subject days should be carefully planned to cover all D&T areas, including electronics, systems, textiles, food, materials, graphics and communication, alongside practical workshop days where trainees can complete GCSE-standard projects and develop their confidence and practical skills.

Subject Knowledge Audit in Design & Technology R ALMOND.docx

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D&T is more than just a subject to me—it’s a vital part of preparing young people for the future. As industries evolve and technology advances, we need skilled professionals who can think critically, design creatively, and problem-solve effectively. Yet, D&T has been facing a recruitment crisis, with fewer teachers entering the profession.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of the solution to this challenge. By training new teachers, especially in a shortage subject, I know I’m not only impacting the classroom but also the future of the subject. These trainees are the ones who will inspire and educate the next generation of designers, engineers, and innovators. Watching them develop their skills and passion for D&T makes me feel like I’m playing a small part in keeping this subject alive and thriving in schools.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is watching trainees grow from novices into confident, reflective practitioners. D&T is such a hands-on, practical subject, and I love seeing how trainees find their unique teaching styles while developing the technical knowledge and creative thinking needed to engage their students. It is very rewarding watching them go from being unsure of their ability to lead a lesson, to planning and delivering outstanding tasks that capture students’ imaginations.

The best professional development I have experienced in recent years is the chance to visit different schools and see a wide variety of teaching styles, behaviour management, routines, personal development opportunities and curriculum planning. Having visited 24 secondary schools across Cheshire East and Stoke-on-Trent in the past 3 years it has been an invaluable experience and also allowed the opportunity to network with other departments and curriculum leaders which has strengthened my practice and created some collaborative opportunity what will benefit our pupils.

The SCITT model gives trainees real-world experience in schools right from the start, so I get to see them apply what they’ve learned in a meaningful way. When I see them confident in the classroom, working with students on projects that encourage creativity and critical thinking, I know we’re on the right track. And as much as I’m teaching them, they’re teaching me too. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives keep me inspired and remind me why I became a teacher in the first place.

Another highlight of working with trainee teachers is the sense of community. We all have a shared purpose—to create the best educators possible—and that bond makes for a really positive, supportive environment. In a subject like D&T, where practical skills and creativity are central, there’s an even greater need for collaboration and sharing ideas.

For me, training teachers isn’t just about transferring knowledge; it’s about fostering a space where everyone can learn from each other. It’s incredibly rewarding to see trainees connect, support one another, and reflect on their experiences. As a trainer, I also learn a great deal from these interactions, which helps me improve my own practice. Every conversation, every lesson plan, every piece of feedback contributes to an ongoing cycle of growth and improvement—both for the trainees and for me.

It keeps me informed about the latest trends in technology and design, ensuring that my own knowledge is up-to-date. The variety of school placements and the diversity of classroom settings that the trainees experience give me fresh insights into how D&T is being taught across different contexts—and that’s invaluable for my own professional development.

Trainees bring new ideas and ask questions that challenge me to think critically about why I do things the way I do. It’s a reminder that teaching is always evolving, and it’s up to all of us—trainers, teachers, and trainees—to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in the classroom.

Being part of a SCITT programme, particularly in a shortage subject like D&T, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about shaping the future of individual teachers—it’s about ensuring the future of D&T as a subject in schools. Through training new teachers, I’m helping to ensure that students continue to have access to a subject that encourages creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving.

For anyone considering a role in teacher training, it’s a journey that offers far more than you might expect. It’s an opportunity to inspire, reflect, and grow—both for the trainees and for yourself.