More and more people are switching to education

This is where the shortened teacher training program is on the rise. And this so-called lateral influx is more than welcome in schools due to the teacher shortage. However, that shortage in our province is still not too bad.

From electrical wholesaler to the classroom

From September 1, Jeroen Ribbens from Marke will be in front of the class for the first time. He then teaches VOICE and economics to Rhizo Vivato. Jeroen will also continue to work for an electrical wholesaler for the time being. But the intention is to switch completely.

“I want to teach all subjects in which I have built up experience. That ranges from technical subjects such as electricity to languages, such as Dutch, English and French. I am open to filling the teacher shortage with great enthusiasm.”

Shortened route popular

Jeroen is 41 years old and will soon also start the shortened teacher training course. That route is on the rise. At the end of last academic year, Vives University of Applied Sciences had 400 students and Howest 360. Howest then had 80 new registrations on 1 September, now there will certainly be more than 120. The flexibility is especially attractive.

“You can spread trajectories from one year to three years,” says Wouter Van Hoorn of Howest. “You can also choose between contact or distance learning. We have locations in Bruges and Oudenaarde and soon also here in Kortrijk. You can choose a teacher training trajectory or a regular trajectory. We really look at what is feasible or possible for each student. .”

Combination with family

Jeroen will study for three years in combination with his current job, teaching and a busy family life. “I have 4 teenagers myself, now it will be a whole class. At the end of the school year I will be able to say whether they played with my feet or not.”