New teachers are struggling to get jobs in areas which have previously been blighted by classroom shortages as staff stay put during the pandemic.
Freshly qualified teachers have historically been desperately needed to boost the threadbare ranks at schools across the north and north-east.
But now, with fewer vacancies cropping up, they are being told instead to register for supply positions.
One new teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Press and Journal of her frustration at not being able to find work in Aberdeenshire.
She said: “Given Aberdeenshire Council’s chronic lack of teachers, which has been highly documented in recent years, I am surprised that they suddenly have too many.”
Typically, probationary teachers who wish to remain in the region are interviewed and offered places where vacancies have arisen.
In Aberdeenshire, that usually means that between 120 and 150 new educators take up positions.
Though the area has experienced recruitment woes in the recent past, last year’s school term began with the lowest number of unfilled teaching posts for several years.
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “Traditionally, there have always been sufficient posts due to our teacher shortages in recent years.
“However, this year there has been less movement and change due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We would be happy to discuss next steps with any individual teachers over the phone or in a digital meeting. We apologise for any uncertainty caused.”
Education committee chairwoman, Gillian Owen, added: “I would like to reassure those probationers who wish to continue their teaching career in Aberdeenshire that there are ways they can do so, such as registering for the supply list.”
Moray schools have suffered similar shortages traditionally, but the authority has received fewer resignations at its primary schools this year.
A spokeswoman said: “Therefore we’ve been unable to offer as many permanent primary positions.
“For the adverts we have placed, we are seeing increased number of applicants.”
In secondary schools, there has been “more movement” and all newly qualified teachers have secured jobs.
Highland Council explained that it was only advertising internally for teaching posts as it battles a “significant budget shortfall”.
For schools in Aberdeen, lockdown has led to a “significant increase” in the number of probationer and new teachers seeking employment locally.
