Job Discussion Forums

Veddie Edder · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 15 Location: HK

I've been at my SNET position now for a year. Other than the usual stresses of a learning the new system, heavy workload, nominal support, and a very steep learning curve, it's been a fairly good year. That may sound a bit gloomy, but I am actually proud of the year that's been. I am looking forward to next year, as I will be able to start the 2nd year of my contract actually knowing what's going on, and what the situation actually is. However, over the course of this year I have come to realize that I might be better suited to be a PNET. I have 4 years experience at the Secondary level (not all in HK, obviously), with sporadic experience at the Primary level. I don't dislike Secondary, but I have really enjoyed teaching Primary in the past and feel that I would be happier and of more use there.

My question is this: How difficult is it to switch from Secondary to PNET? Ever heard of anyone doing it? Is it something I should organize though the EDB or just start looking for a PNET job during the school year next year? I plan on completing the 2nd year of my SNET contract before changing over, if that helps.

I've heard that PNETs are classed lower on the master pay scale, or that they are even capped at a certain level. True? Actually, I'm only at around a point 22 on the scale now, but would they reduce that ranking as well? I wouldn't mind taking a small pay cut for a job I would prefer, but it would have to be within reason. Other NETs mention that there is apparently quite a shortage of NETs at SNET and PNET levels, but I have no idea if that is really the case or not.

Any thoughts?

briandwest · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 98 Location: Hong Kong

Why not ask some PNETs, www.hkpnetsforum.com ?

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

Can't answer your question about the pay scale but I do know it is possible to change from SNET to PNET and vice versa as I have known people who have done both.

Veddie Edder · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 15 Location: HK

Yes, I will surely ask any PNETs I know as well as the PNETs forum. I was just hoping that maybe some of you had heard that this had been done in the past.

Anninhk, do you have any idea at what time of the year the person began the process of applying? Or to what body the person actually applied? Did they go through the EDB or just look for a PNET job privately?

Horizontal Hero · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:50 pm Post subject:

It's definitely been done by a reasonable number of people. I've spoken to some myself. You are free to apply to any job you want personally, and/or go through the EDB. I don't think they even ask if you are a sexual pervert, which is quite different from back where I come - where anything with male genitalia is guilty until it provides documentation to prove otherwise.

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

I think that it is a similar process to changing jobs within the SNET/PNET. One friend left the country after the first contract and then came back after the holiday and found PNET job. The other was in Australia and applied for SNET jobs for her return. This was done via the EDB.
I suggest you join the PNET forum and find out where there are vacancies and begin applying in April/May next year.

Veddie Edder · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 15 Location: HK

Thanks guys, will do.
Smile

saroq · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 77

I'm a secondary teacher who worked as a PNET for 2 years. I was a very steep learning curve but very fulfilling. It depends on your personality but I enjoyed working with the primary kids. Although I never worked as a SNET I left the scheme grateful that my experience was in the primary schools.