Cumbria Education Trust (CET) has welcomed its first trainee teachers.

The county's largest multi-academy schools trust has become a trainee teaching provider, offering a new route for aspiring educators.

The first group on CET's Initial Teacher Training programme will combine in-school experience with a curriculum from Ambition Institute, a leading education charity.

Jo Daulby, the trust's ITT lead, said: "They are embarking on an exciting journey into teaching and will play a crucial role in shaping the future generations.

"We are thrilled they have taken this first step in their career.

"And what a wonderful group we have.

"I am confident that each trainee will blossom into a great teachers for our young people."

The programme will equip trainees with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become educators.

They will learn from experienced leaders, gain hands-on teaching experience, and collaborate with fellow trainees and experienced colleagues across CET.

Each trainee has an in-school mentor they meet with weekly to provide support, reflect on successes, and check on workload and wellbeing.

Applications for the 2025 ITT programme open on Tuesday, October 8.

Details can be found at www.cumbriaeducationtrust.org

CET is responsible for the education of more than 5,000 pupils and students in Cumbria across three secondary schools, 10 primaries, and West Coast Sixth Form.

The trainees gathered for an induction conference at the trust's Newtown Primary School in Carlisle to start their teaching journey.

They will be school-based and part of the teaching team from the beginning.