Careers and Employability Service
Education: Teaching at Post-16 Level
This guide will provide you with some starting points to help you find out more about working in this sector and the opportunities available. There is a great deal of change in the education sector generally so it is important to keep updated on developments, particularly with regard to training.
Careers Overview
www.feadvice.org.uk/why-teach-fe – an introduction to the sector and routes into teaching as they are currently (see below for latest changes)
www.prospects.ac.uk – has a good overview of the current system of qualifications and entry requirements for teaching in Further Education, Adult and Community Colleges, Sixth Form Colleges and other settings. There are job profiles for further and higher education lecturers with an outline of the nature of the work, entry requirements, training, employers and professional bodies. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_education.htm
Latest Trends and News
www.theguardian.com/education - the Guardian education section (print version on Tuesdays)
the Times Educational Supplement www.tes.co.uk and its higher education counterpart http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/ - both also list job vacancies
A new report into qualification requirements for teaching in the FE sector has just been issued and it is anticipated that previous workforce regulations will be revoked from September 2013 and that it will be up to employers to decide what is appropriate for their staff and organisation.
http://www.lsis.org.uk/sites/www.lsis.org.uk/files/Guidance-for-Employers-and-Practitioners-2013-April.pdf
Qualifications can often be taken as part-time courses after starting work as a lecturer.Visit the Excellence Gateway website for the latest information.
Many local colleges offer the introductory PTLLS course through a variety of flexible routes and you do not have to be working as a lecturer. It can be a good foundation for teaching at whatever level.
Since April 2012, schools can employ members of the Institute for Learning (IfL) with Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status as qualified teachers, regardless of whether their background is in schools or FE. In certain shortage subject areas, some lecturers now work as instructors in schools, especially in subjects such as psychology or law where schools have not traditionally offered the subject.
For some subjects '14 to 19' PGCEs are available. These lead to QTS and enable those with the qualification to teach '14 to 19 diplomas' in secondary schools and in the lifelong sector. Use the course search at UCAS – Teacher Training for more information.
Keep up to date with other developments by reading:
Funding Sources
Loans, fee awards and grants may be available to support individuals undertaking a teaching qualification. For further information, visit FE Advice: www.feadvice.org.uk/next-steps/funding-information
Entry Requirements:
You normally need to understand the range of qualifications and training offered in the sector as well as getting some experience or observation before applying. You can approach colleges and other organisations direct.
Jobs and Vacancies:
Colleges and other education providers advertise in a variety of ways including the local and national press. Here are some websites:
FE Jobs
Jobs.ac.uk
TeacherNet
Times Higher Education (THE)
The Daily Telegraph Jobs
Guardian Jobs
Independent Jobs
Times Educational Supplement Jobs
Not all jobs are advertised. Approach organisations direct and use placements, visits and voluntary work as opportunities to network.
Other useful links:
· www.ifl.ac.uk - The Institute for Learning is the professional body for the further education and skills sector
· http://www.talent.ac.uk/ - training adult learning, ESOL and numeracy teachers
Social Media
Twitter is a quick way to develop your knowledge about the sector and find opportunities. You can read and search it without an account. You could consider following @LSIS_updates on Twitter or https://twitter.com/talent_ioe
Search ‘Groups’ on LinkedIn.com for a huge range of more specialist interest groups.
Summer 2013