Unitemps Teesside partners with local Outwood Family of Schools to transform lives and student prospects

Teesside University’s student recruitment agency Unitemps has formed a partnership with Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) schools in the region to work with students as an innovative approach to address staffing challenges in local schools across the Tees Valley.

This significant collaboration comes at a time where there are increasing nationwide challenges of education staffing shortages. Unitemps Teesside is paving the way by using a structured and ethical approach to recruitment to provide a long-term solution for the education sector.

The support being delivered by Unitemps is alleviating school staffing pressures by allowing local OGAT to recruit student workers on an as-needed basis, to reduce the reliance on costly external solutions while ensuring learning environments remain supported.

Unitemps are offering a unique opportunity for students to secure roles such as classroom support assistants, exam invigilators and administrative positions to kickstart their careers and enhance their employability.

Launched in September 2024, Unitemps Teesside is a student recruitment agency based in the Student Life Building. Unitemps aims to provide students with flexible paid work to build professional skills and offer high-quality staffing solutions for organisations without the high costs typically associated with recruitment agencies.

The Outwood Family of Schools, known for their educational excellence, welcome this initiative as an impactful and transformative solution to address ongoing staffing challenges, by using Unitemps as a vehicle for talented students to act as a sustainable workforce model within local schools to positively impact pupils’ lives.

Katie Kendall, Unitemps Teesside Branch Manager said: 'Unitemps is delighted to be working with Outwood Academies in the region. This partnership is transforming lives on both sides, as schools are gaining reliable and cost-effective staffing solutions to fill skills gaps and our students are obtaining invaluable hands-on experience to strengthen their employability which will help them to build their desired career paths into education.

'This initiative is supporting the local education sector while offering a pathway for the next generation of teaching staff and education professionals.'

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal at Outwood Institute of Education said: 'We're excited to be in partnership with Unitemps Teesside University to enhance educational outcomes and aspirations for students in the Tees Valley. This collaboration encompasses several key initiatives including our ‘Be Inspired' Research Programme, in-class support from Teesside students and building on existing trainee teacher placements aimed at addressing regional recruitment challenges and promoting careers in education.

'This partnership reflects our shared commitment to developing a robust pipeline of future educators and empowering students in the Tees Valley.'

George Edwards, Talent and Recruitment Coordinator at Outwood Grange Academies Trust said: 'The partnership we are building with Teesside University is an excellent example of how educational institutions can work together to benefit young people in local communities, as well as promote Teesside-based employment within the education sector as a career pathway for graduates following the completion of their studies.

'Unitemps is allowing us to integrate undergraduate students into our classrooms, allowing them to support our pupils both academically and aspirationally, alongside helping us to promote career pathways within education.'

Stephen Wells, Assistant Principal at Outwood Academy Riverside said: 'Having only opened our doors five years ago, our school is new to GCSE examinations and we have found the support provided by Unitemps invaluable to help boost our staff availability. Being able to secure staff that are external to our own has allowed us to free up people to support other students' development, whilst at the same time helping reduce workload. The fact we can utilise Unitemps as a provider helps alleviate some of the issues that occur.'

Postgraduate Taught Masters in Physiotherapy Student Serge Saba said: 'My time so far with Unitemps and my work with the Outwood has been a great experience. I am a second year master’s degree student and I have been able to work alongside my studies as well as broaden my experiences and skillsets. I’ve really been able expand my knowledge in this field through work, as well as specific training from Outwood. As a full-time student, I would highly recommend this position to anyone looking to take a step into the world of teaching and to see what it’s all about.'

Professor Steve Cummings, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) said: 'I am delighted to share that the University’s in-house recruitment service, Unitemps, has partnered with Outwood Grange Academies Trust to provide support to school pupils across Teesside. This collaboration helps our students gain valuable classroom experience whilst in paid employment helping pupils across the region. The University and OGAT are committed to raising student aspirations and supporting local schools.'

For more information on how Unitemps can help with your staffing needs in any sector, please contact Unitemps at unitemps@tees.ac.uk or fill out the employer enquiry form at the link below.

Students can register at Unitemps.com by selecting ‘Teesside University’ as their primary branch.

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