The Work
Further education (FE) lecturers teach students over the age of 16. They teach various types of course, including:
- Academic qualifications such as GCSEs/S grades, AS levels, A levels/Highers
- Vocational courses such as NVQs/SVQs which train students for careers such as catering, construction and childcare
- Skills for Life (Basic Skills) courses
- Leisure and hobby courses such as dressmaking, photography and car maintenance.
The work can include:
- Planning and preparing lessons
- Using a variety of teaching methods, such as seminars, tutorials and demonstrations
- Setting and marking assignments, tests and exams
- Monitoring and assessing students’ progress
- Developing new courses and teaching materials
- Record keeping and other administrative tasks
- Attending meetings, professional development courses and workshops
- Interviewing prospective students
- Acting as personal tutors, supporting students and helping with problems
- Making contact with exam boards or local employers.
Some lecturers supplement their income by, for example:
- National exam marking
- Private tuition
- Teaching evening courses.
Hours and Environment
Lecturers' hours can be:
- Permanent full-time (usually up to 37 hours a week, with around 25 hours spent teaching)
- Permanent fractional (permanent contracts to teach for a fraction of the week)
- Part-time (non-permanent work as a visiting lecturer, for example teaching non-qualification evening/daytime leisure courses).
Skills and Interests
To be a further education lecturer you should:
- Have extensive knowledge of your subject and the ability to explain it at a level suitable for your students
- Be able to relate well to students of all ages and abilities
- Be enthusiastic and able to motivate students
- Be able to express yourself clearly, both in speech and writing
- Be creative to design interesting activities and materials
- Have good organisational and planning skills
- Have patience and a sense of humour.