Many newly-qualified teachers can find it difficult to land their first job

The review will look at how many teachers will be needed in the future, with a predicted drop in the number of pupils forecast over the next decade.

Already, hundreds of newly-qualified teachers cannot find work because too many of them have been trained.

The assembly government has already announced a possible 10% cut in trainees over the next two years.

The problem of new teachers landing their first post is especially acute in primary schools, where only a third of those qualified are able to find jobs.

This review will look at what else can be done in a complex and changing educational landscape.

It is complicated by predictions that the number of pupils needing school places is expected to fall by 50,000 over the next decade.

A fall in pupil numbers could mean the need for fewer teachers.

NUT Cymru has called for a guaranteed year of work for new recruits to ensure they do not leave the profession.

'Suitable numbers'

A scheme like that has already been introduced in Scotland.

Education Minister Jane Davidson said the review of initial teacher training provision (ITT) in Wales would seek to "more closely match demand and encourage under-represented groups into teaching".

She said: "The review of ITT provision in Wales will focus primarily on how ITT course intake targets, courses, and course availability might better deliver newly qualified teachers in suitable numbers appropriate to meet the needs of maintained schools in Wales."

The review is expected to start on 14 March 2005 and to last for some six months, with a written report and recommendations submitted by the end of September 2005.