The news that starting salaries for teachers could rise by up to £6,000 under new government plans has been greeted as a welcome boost to the sector. 

The proposal is part of a multi-billion-pound cash boost promised for schools over the next three years. 

Chancellor Sajid Javid has also pledged to invest an extra £400 million into further education for those aged 16 to 19. 

Unions say the salary rise to £30,000 by 2022-23 is necessary to attract more graduates into the profession. 

The move also means that, if you’re considering a career change, now could be the perfect time to consider heading back to the classroom… as a teacher. 

It’s easier than you might think to transfer your current skills into the world of education and, with a little extra training, get your new career off the ground.  

Whether you realise it or not, you probably already have many of the qualities that make a great teacher.  

One of the most important of these is patience. No matter what age group or level you’re teaching, students can be challenging. To make breakthroughs in their development, you must be willing to calmly repeat yourself and go over lessons again and again. Often this force of gentle, steady and unwavering repetition is what’s needed to reach that ‘eureka’ moment in developing minds. 

Perhaps you have a background in retail, customer service or hospitality and are used to working with members of the public? Dealing successfully with the often-fickle nature of customers’ needs and desires will have taught you the virtues not only of good communication but also endurance. 

To be a teacher, you also have to be able to think on your feet. Is the lesson not going the way you thought it would? No problem: you already have plans B, C and D. Awkward or unexpected questions? You have them covered because you did your homework. Varying levels of ability in your classes? You know how to adapt quickly and divert attention, focus and time to where it’s most needed. 

This is the kind of organisational talent that comes naturally to those who have worked in areas such as HR, admin and finance. 

The best teachers are supremely organised and self-motivated; so you’ll be a dab hand at paperwork, lesson planning and general admin, all of which is part and parcel of the educator’s role. If your current career sees you using all of these skills, then you’re already prepared for the challenges ahead. 

Whether you want to become a classroom assistant, science lecturer, music maestro or head teacher, management skills are important too. Great teachers are natural leaders who excel in managing not only their lessons and lesson plans but also real people and often fast-changing situations.  

An expert negotiator, you’ll be a natural when it comes to working with students from all backgrounds and of all abilities and be able to communicate clearly and effectively.  

Perhaps you have experience in customer service, sales or management? Then you’ll already know exactly what it takes to work as a motivator in a team and achieve results: the same methods can be used to bring pupils and students together into a class that learns and succeeds together. 

Of course, if you want to teach, being passionate about the welfare of your students is essential, so a measure of care, empathy and attention is vital. 

Similarly, if you want to teach a particular subject, you’ll need not only knowledge and expertise but also a real passion for your chosen specialism.  

As well as positions available in state schools, there are opportunities to teach in academies, independent schools and free schools without gaining your QTS. 

There are many different routes into education, and you should choose the one that’s best suited to you. In terms of formal qualifications for the job, first you must have a degree and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by following a programme of Initial Teacher Training (ITT).  

If your goal is to teach youngsters at primary level you should have the minimum requirements in GCSE English and maths, plus GCSE science – and then there’s the professional skills tests in numeracy and literacy before you begin your teacher training.  

Regardless of your current job – whether you’re a hairdresser, a plumber, an accountant or a florist – with a little extra study on your part, there are many opportunities available for you to convert your skills and pass on your talents to the next generation.  

So, why not take a look at the latest roles in education on x1jobs now? It could be time to make your move.