Further education teaching professional - career development

As a further education teaching professional, sometimes called a further education teacher or lecturer, you’ll teach or train students in the late teens across academic, vocational and recreational subjects. Here you can find out more about this career and what it might involve.

Find out how you'll build skills and experience below.

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How will your career as a further education teaching professional progress?

Career development in this field is usually shaped by your career goals and the subject or vocation you specialise in.

Once you have Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) accreditation, you can start working as a teacher, lecturer, tutor or trainer. Flexibility around location and employer will help you access different roles. With experience, you could move into senior teaching, head of department or other managerial roles.

Self-employment is an option if you’re experienced and want to work directly with students, usually as a tutor.

What opportunities are there for career development?

To practice as a further education teacher, you’ll need to have a Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) certificate. Once qualified you can join SET, which offers a range of training and learning options, along with workshops and online resources.

The Education & Training Foundation also offers professional development opportunities to further education professionals.

On-the-job training is a big part of your development, especially mentoring from experienced colleagues.

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