How to Become a Teacher in Further Education

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A career in teaching can be incredibly rewarding, but taking that first step can feel slightly overwhelming. It is important to carry out your research in advance so that you are prepared for the journey ahead. If you are truly dedicated to becoming a further education teacher, you will need to put in the work. But it won’t be long before you start reaping the benefits.

There are several routes you can take in order to become a further education teacher; let’s start with qualifications (our speciality).

Qualifications To Take

Technically, you don’t actually need a teaching qualification in order to become a further education teacher but this is a requirement for the majority of roles these days. You may well find yourself struggling to apply for jobs without any qualifications. The reason most education providers require people to have qualifications is that not only do they prove that you are committed to a career in teaching, but they also provide you with invaluable tools and knowledge.

Here are the qualifications that will enable you to become a further education teacher:

The Level 3 Award in Education & Training

The Level 3 AET is the foundation award, so the first foot on the ladder so to speak. If you have no prior teaching experience, then this is the course for you. It is designed as an introductory course and will give you a good basic understanding of what a career in teaching looks like. It doesn’t require you to undergo a placement at all, and it contains the following three units:

    • ‘Understanding the roles, responsibilities and relationships in education & training’
    • ‘Understanding and using inclusive learning & teaching approaches in education & training’
    • and lastly but not least, ‘Understanding the principles & practices of assessment’

The Level 4 Certificate in Education & Training

The Level 4 CET is designed for those who are currently working within the educational sector and are looking to enhance their skills and knowledge. Whilst you don’t have to be in a teaching role to complete this qualification, you must find a teaching placement in order to complete the course. This is because as part of the course you will need to collect evidence of at least three 1 hour observations to demonstrate your ability to use a variety of teaching skills.

There are six units within this course:

      • Understanding roles, responsibilities & relationships in education & training
      • Planning to meet the needs of learners in education & training
      • Delivering education & training
      • Assessing learners in education & training
      • Using resources for education & training
      • Developing, using & organising resources in a specialist area

In general, for anyone looking to work within the further education sector, the Level 3 AET is the most suitable qualification. It is the entry qualification for most teaching, training and tutoring roles within the sector. It would enable you to work at independent training providers, colleges or organisations with internal training departments. Having this qualification really would open up a lot of doors and opportunities for you within the education sector.

If you would like any further information about the courses we have mentioned, or just a chat to discuss the best route for you to take then please give us a call on 01205 805155.