International Men’s Day: Keeping Men in Education One Apprenticeship at a Time

When Malachi was a primary school pupil, he noticed something many children quietly observe: almost all his teachers were women. 

“Despite it being one of the largest schools in the area, there were only two male teachers, and one was a dedicated PE teacher. So there was only one male class teacher opposed to a majority of female teachers. I think this had a real impact on my career aspirations, since a job as a primary school teacher was widely perceived as a female-dominated profession.” 

Today, Malachi is one of our Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentices, and one of the small percentage of men currently working in education. His experience reflects a national trend. Across our five education apprenticeships, 224 learners are enrolled, yet only 9 are male. Primary education has historically attracted more women than men, and while progress is being made, the numbers show that representation is still uneven. 

A Male Perspective 

Malachi remembers the influence the one male teacher had on him: 

“He was my class teacher when I was in year 4, and he stood out in a positive way. I felt he was a male role model I could relate to. This is why I think a mixed cohort of staff from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders works best to educate children.” 

For many children, school is the only time they’ll spend outside of their family unit. With an estimated 2.5 million children living without a father figure, school may be the only place they may see a man in a care-giving or supportive role.  

“At Shoscombe Primary School, where I work, I’ve never felt treated differently, and we do have a diverse team,” he continues. “But I know this isn’t the case everywhere – during work experience at another school, there were no male teaching staff at all. Even though we’re above average, there is still more female teaching staff overall. At school we have posters up which have content on them showing a female mechanic and a male nurse referencing how children should follow their aspirations [regardless of gender].” 

“Additionally, we are currently undertaking a PSHE unit which is about careers and aspirations, and gender stereotypes have been referenced in this. I believe this contributes significantly to why we are now starting to see improvements in terms of not having damaging stereotypes, as we are educating the next generation about this topic, who may also influence change.”  

Get The Nation Learning 

Earlier this year, we proudly signed the Get The Nation Learning Charter to support their mission that ‘when adults learn, our society and economy thrive’. We see the impact learning has on confidence, ambition and life opportunities. Part of this involves opening doors for people of all backgrounds – including those who may not see themselves represented in certain professions.  

By offering accessible pathways, such as apprenticeships, we can support learners to become positive role models and broaden representation in schools. Changes like this begin in childhood but can influence the workforce for decades to come.  

The Importance of Diversity In and Outside the Classroom 

“Malachi and his male peer TA apprentices have been integral in the classroom; bringing a balanced prospective, their own life experiences and window on the world from a man’s point of view,” says SS&L tutor, Lou. “Their professional relationships with the children, behaviour management, their nurture and encouragement, their own hobbies, interests and the way they role model in their working environment. Many children need this if they don’t have a male role model at home. These TAs and future teachers are vital in schools moving forward.” 

While today’s focus is on men in education for International Men’s Day, our commitment to inclusivity goes much wider. Children thrive when they encounter a variety of role models – men, women, and people of all backgrounds. Increasing the number of male teaching assistants doesn’t replace the invaluable work of the existing workforce; it complements it and ensures pupils see the full diversity in the world reflected in their classrooms. 

At SS&L, we welcome learners from all walks of life. If you’ve ever hesitated to apply for a course, we’d love to talk to you. Call us, email us, or pop in for a chat – our friendly enrolment team is always here to help you take the next step. 

We can’t wait to welcome you onto one of our courses. 

References:

Lost Boys: State of the Nation 

Young women are starting to leave men behind 

Half a million men have missed out on higher education – HEPI