VCCP lands brief to recruit further education teachers

The Department for Education has hired VCCP as its lead strategic and creative agency to spearhead the recruitment of further education teachers across England as the Government steps up its drive to bring more people from the workforce into the profession.

The appointment follows a competitive pitch through the CCS Communications Marketplace framework, with VCCP tasked with developing an integrated platform to attract and retain additional teachers, to help secure the skilled workforce the UK needs for the future. Havas was the previous incumbent.

While the number of teachers in England is at a record high, with over 468,000 across the profession, the country currently faces a significant shortage of FE teachers.

The Government estimates that between 8,400 and 12,400 additional FE teachers will be needed by 2028/29 to address rising student numbers and the introduction of T Levels. In the 2022/23 academic year, there were already 2,500 teacher vacancies in FE colleges.

FE is defined as any education for people aged 16 and over who are not studying for a degree and aims to attract people with real-world experience and a passion for sharing skills. It offers a range of opportunities, from teaching in workshops to classroom based learning and a wide range of subjects, from construction to law, and engineering to digital.

It is claimed that VCCP was appointed for its ability to uncover clear, actionable insight in a brief of national importance – a vital step in shaping communications that inspire long-term behaviour change. The agency brings together strategy, creativity, and content under one roof.

The appointment follows a number of recent wins for VCCP, including Barclays, Wimbledon, and Direct Line Group.

VCCP chief operating officer Pete Grenfell said: “We’re proud to partner with the Department for Education on such an important brief. Addressing the further education teacher shortage isn’t just about filling vacancies – it’s about safeguarding opportunity for the next generation. We’re excited to bring our integrated approach and challenger mindset to a challenge that has the potential to influence the future of the country.”

VCCP begins work with this month.