Call for financial support for trainee teacher placement

Prospective teachers should be given financial support to cover travel and other costs of undertaking work placements to earn degrees, unions have claimed.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is backing teacher unions in the campaign to eliminate the costs for teachers on class placements that form a crucial part of their qualifications.

“Along with working part-time jobs, we’re hearing of some placements lasting 30 to 35 hours a week with no support for travel, food, or materials,” said USI president Michael Kerrigan.