10 Reasons Why Level 4 CET Could Be Your Next Course
If you are considering a career in teaching, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (Level 3 AET) is the course that you will probably see cropping up the most whilst carrying out your research. It is a fantastic course and a great introduction into further education teacher training, but would the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (Level 4 CET) be more suitable for you? Let’s have a look and compare these two teacher training qualifications in further detail.
1. There is no fast track with the Level 4
With the Level 3, you are able to progress through the course fairly quickly. Therefore, if you are wanting to support a job application, or even start your own training company, it is the perfect course. However, if you are wanting to take your time on a distance learning course and gain a deeper understanding of the specific topics, we would recommend the Level 4. This will help you to improve as a teacher and allow you to apply your knowledge in the classroom.
2. More feedback with the Level 4 CET
With the Level 4, lots of the evidence for the qualification is obtained through observation; you will be observed teaching at least three times. After each of these sessions, you will receive detailed feedback from your tutor, and you will also have the opportunity to reflect on your progress too. Of course you still receive feedback on the Level 3. But this is only given right at the end of the qualification. It is only based on your performance during a quick 15-minute session too.
3. There is more detail
The Level 4 covers the core topics that are included at Level 3 including behaviour, assessment, inclusivity and feedback. However, they are covered in much more detail in the Level 4 and you will be required to carry out your own research on these subject areas too. There are some extra topics such as resources, lesson planning and delivery within the Level 4.
4. More studying
Don’t let this put you off the Level 4, more studying is actually a good thing! Taking the time to read books on the subject you are studying will help to improve your overall understanding of the subject area. Studying via distance learning can be a struggle sometimes. By reading around what you are learning, this will help go towards your evidence in understanding the theory with the Level 4 qualification.
5. It is a good step between the Level 3 and Level 5
You might find yourself in a position where you have completed the Level 3 and are looking towards the next stage. However, the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training is a massive step up. Not only are you required to be teaching full time, but there is lots of coursework, research and practice to complete alongside that. The Level 4 Certificate could therefore be a good intermediate for you.
6. Not everyone has the Level 4 CET
If you are wanting to stand out against other candidates, the Level 4 is the right course for you. Most awarding bodies insist that you hold the Level 3 (or the Level 5 if you are specialising), so by having the Level 4 CET you will be one step ahead of everyone else. Automatically putting you at an advantage against other candidates when applying for a new teaching role.
7. You may earn more
Of course this is down to the individual organisation; but in theory holding a higher qualification should entitle you to a higher pay grade. It is certainly something worth thinking about, and possibly bringing up when you are offered a job.
8. If you are teaching already, you can go straight into the Level 4
One of the great things about the Level 4 is that you don’t necessarily need the Level 3 first. Not all training providers will allow you to do this though, so it is always best to get in touch with our course advisors for specific information on this.
Usually, if you complete the Level 3 Unit entitled Understanding Roles, Responsibilities & Relationships in Education and Training, you are good to go. The important thing to note for the Level 4 CET is that you will need to evidence 30 teaching hours.
9. You will be able to work in a variety of sectors
With the Level 3, 4 or 5 in Education and Training you will be qualified to teach in a range of different areas, including:
- Community and adult education
- Commercial and industrial training
- Work-based learning providers
- Colleges and some academies
- NHS, private hospitals and other healthcare
- Prison or offender learning institutes
- Armed or uniformed services
10. It shows the commitment to your career
When you decide to take up any additional training course you are showing prospective employees that you are dedicated to working your way up the career ladder. The Level 4 is not only harder than the Level 3, but it is more expensive, and takes longer to complete. However, it shows a real commitment to your career development and highlights that you have the knowledge required to teach in your specialist area.
If you would like any further information about either the Level 3 Award or the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training, please contact the team at Brooks and Kirk on 01205 805 155 or email training@brooksandkirk.co.uk.
