A survey of trainee teachers has found that just half expect to have a permanent job in the profession in five years' time.
The study of second-level teachers was carried out by the Association of Secondary Teachers union.
Just 6% of those surveyed felt they would get such a job upon graduation.
Almost a quarter believe that in five years they would still be working in temporary positions.
The survey found more than one in ten student teachers did not intend seeking a teaching job in Ireland.
The survey has been published in the run up to next week’s teacher conferences at which the plight of new entrants to the profession promises to be a big issue.
More than 600 student teachers were interviewed for the study, which found low levels of confidence in their ability to secure full-time permanent teaching posts.
ASTI General Secretary Pat King said the views expressed by trainee teachers mirrored the reality.
He said newly-qualified teachers faced a bleak future, which included unemployment and emigration.
