Characteristics of Teacher Trainee Students in Malta and Their Readiness for the Labour Market

Abstract

In view of challenges related to global teacher shortages as well as teacher shortages and attrition in Malta, attracting individuals to the teaching profession and retaining them is crucial. In this regard, students’ personal life has been identified as the strongest predictor of resilience in Maltese teacher trainee students besides self-efficacy, social and emotional competence, and self-efficacy in behaviour management. Therefore, the objective of this research is to investigate the social and economic conditions of teacher trainee students in order to understand their specific needs and evaluate the extent to which these needs are being met through present education programmes in Malta. This research focuses on the profile of teacher trainee students (n=142) based on the overall EUROSTUDENT VII dataset for Malta (n=1,226). Considering the factors that influence teacher trainee students’ resilience, the research investigates teacher trainee students’ satisfaction with their workload related to studies and paid work and difficulties encountered related to studies, work and personal life. It will also explore teacher trainee students’ self-reported readiness for the labour market.