Stylist, mechanic, engineer… could you teach your trade?
A new wave of skilled specialists are required urgently to lead vocational and academic courses in the further education arena.
Are you a skilled tradesperson looking for a change?
FE Lecturers can also be referred to as teachers, instructors and class leaders. Further education generally refers to age group 14-19 outside of school as well as adult education courses [FE defined]. The courses are a mix between vocational and academic so the mix of staff can be very diverse. Some come from academic backgrounds and some bring their field expertise from a vocational past such as stylists, mechanics, engineers, plumbers, architects… You may well have what we are looking for!
What’s new?
This year, vocational training courses have been launched into the limelight as the strategy by which the UK will close its skills gap and train up the next generation to transform the UK economy into one that can compete internationally post-Brexit.
The government made a crucial change to education funding in 2017, charging a new tax levy to large employers which will be passed on to colleges and institutions as funding for apprenticeships for young and adult learners alike.
What is the job role like?
Around 60% of further education professionals work part time. Courses can be day time or evening, based in a range of settings such as colleges, sixth form colleges or specialist studio schools, or in an employer’s work environment or in the 3rd Sector (such as prison courses). An ex-mechanic might work three days a week in a garage ‘studio school’ teaching 15-year-olds and two evenings in a college teaching adults retraining for a career change.
Why make the move?
Our FE candidates tell us they think further education must be the most rewarding area of education in which to work because, for so many of the learners, a vocational course or a different style of academic course is where the lightbulb suddenly switches on for them and they find their strengths. FE is a wonderful environment in which you can watch learners really grow and thrive.
I don’t know how to teach!
There are different qualifications to prepare you for teaching your trade. You are expected to be a dual professional: both a teacher and an expert hairdresser, for example. You can train via an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course in advance or on-the-job as you’re lecturing. [Register here for access to the UK’s number one FE job board.
