Moving From Corporate Job Into Teaching

A change of career can be daunting, but making the transition into further education teaching can be an extremely rewarding decision.

It’s easier than you might think to make the change. If you’re truly dedicated to becoming a further education teacher and are willing to put in the work, there’s no reason why you can’t be successful. All you need are the right tools, the drive and the knowledge of how to get there.

In this article, we explore the routes you can take to become a further education teacher.

Qualifications

Though you don’t technically need a teaching qualification to become a further education teacher, you may struggle to find a job without one. Anyone aiming to become a further education teacher should seek to earn suitable qualifications. Not only will they aid you with invaluable tools and knowledge, but they’ll also demonstrate to employers your skills, competence and dedication for the job.

Here are the qualifications that can help you towards becoming a further education teacher:

Level 3 Award in Education and Training

The Level 3 AET is a foundation award designed for learners with no prior teaching experience. It is designed as an introductory course and is a great first step towards a career in teaching. This qualification doesn’t require a placement, and you can start it before starting any teaching role.

The course is made up of three units:

1. Understanding the Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training
2. Understanding and using inclusive learning and teaching approaches in education and training.
3. Understanding the principles and practices of assessment.

Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

The level 4 CET is the second step towards teaching in post-16 education. A nationally recognised qualification, the CET enhances your existing knowledge and develops your practical teaching skills. 

You are not required to be in a teaching role to complete the CET qualification, but you must find a teaching placement in order to complete the course. 

The course is made up of six unit:

1. Understand roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training
2. Planning to meet the needs of learners in education and training
3. Delivering education and training
4. Assessing learners in education and training
5. Using resources for education and training
6. Developing, using and organising resources in a specialist area.

Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training

You should be aiming for a Level 5 DET as a minimum if you wish to teach in further education. The Level 5 DET is a recognised teaching qualification that requires at least 100 hours of teaching practice. Earning the Level 5 DET also allows you to apply for a QTLS, an esteemed badge of professionalism in further education.

You don’t need to have earned the Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications to enrol on the Level 5 course. 

This course is made up of 7 units:

1. Developing teaching, learning and assessment in education and training
2. Teaching, learning and assessment in education and training
3. Theories, principles and models in education & training
4. Wider professional practice and development in education and training
5. Developing, using and organising resources in a specialist area
6. Inclusive practice
7. Teaching in a specialist area

Where can I do my further education qualifications?

All of the above qualifications can be completed online with CTC Training. The Level 5 Diploma will require you to be in a teaching placement.

Some of the above and more advanced qualifications can be completed at university or college.

University

Some courses can be completed at a university. If you wish to teach academic qualifications, you’ll typically need a degree in the subject you wish to teach.

Typical entry requirements include:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• A degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

Another option is to complete your course at a college. You will be expected to have a qualification and previous experience in the subject you wish to teach. You must also organise time for teaching practice.

Typical entry requirements include:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Start your journey to becoming a further education teacher with online learning courses at CTC. Simply enrol on a course and you’ll gain access to our 24/7 student portal, where you can view course content and upload assessments on a schedule that suits you. 

Take a look at our courses or contact our team for more information.