Not everybody in our NQT forum has started their induction year yet: many are doing supply while they look for a permanent role.

- Hmwarwick, a 48-year-old NQT, has completed his graduate teacher programme course, and has been applying for jobs since Easter but still hasn’t had an interview (www.tes.co.uknqtage). Understandably, he is worried and asks: “Do I have to do an induction year or can I just carry on doing supply forever and hope that someone takes me on permanently?” The message inspired other more mature NQTs to pitch in.

- Rvelvet struggled, but managed to find a job eventually: “I got my NQT post aged 40 after 10 applications and five interviews.” Maths_Caz, 43, fared better. She got a job three months before the end of her PGCE but thinks that may be because she teaches a shortage subject.

- The age debate sparked further discussions about the four-term rule for NQTs doing supply teaching. This limits the number of non-induction teaching days an NQT can do in a state school. Find more details at www.tes.co.ukfourterm

- The issue has raised the hackles of our NQTs and led to Julie Burrell setting up a petition on the Number 10 website asking for support for her proposal to abolish the 16-month limit for non-inductible supply teaching. Visit www.tes.co.ukpetition.

- Lillipad doesn’t think a petition is the answer. She says: “The supply limit is there to make sure that children are receiving quality teaching, and being taught by someone who hasn’t got their NQT year doesn’t guarantee that.”

- Mfacchinei takes the opposite view: “The whole NQT induction year should be abolished as well. NQTs have a degree plus QTS through PGCE or another teaching route and they are specialist in their subject. Surely they ensure more quality of teaching than cover supervisors?”

Join these debates at www.tes.co.uknqtforum and get your questions answered by teacher training expert James Williams.