If you’re up for a fresh challenge and an opportunity to pass on your skills, knowledge and ‘real world’ experience to the next generation, then read on….
You don’t necessarily need a degree or teaching qualifications, just a solid industry background. Whether you’ve already retired, are nearing retirement or just looking for new opportunities, your skills could be invaluable to the experts of the future.
Industries where your experience could really make a difference include:
Construction
Engineering and Manufacturing
Agriculture
Finance, Legal and Accounting
Digital and IT
Health and Social Care
This not an exhaustive list – there are many other industries as well!
What is Further Education
Further Education (FE) is any formal learning for people aged 16 and over who are not studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. This includes a huge range of courses and qualifications, from work-based training to academic subjects like English and maths.
Learners can range from those who have just finished their GCSEs, to adults looking for a career change. Lessons don’t just take place in the classroom, but also in workshops at on-site locations that allow learners to get hands-on experience in their chosen field.
Four top reasons to consider a career in Further Education
- Flexible: Teaching in FE provides huge scope for working flexibly. You can teach full-time, part-time or on an ad-hoc basis with opportunities to choose hours to suit yourself.
- Rewarding: It can be incredibly rewarding, as you’ll be sharing your valuable skills built up over many years with the next generation of leaders in your field.
- Make the most of your skills: Whatever your skills, there’s a job to match them with a huge range of courses to choose from.
- Accessible: You may even have the opportunity to start earning straightaway, as you can complete teacher training on-the-job, as you progress.
What you can earn and other benefits
Some FE providers may give you the opportunity to complete funded training (external website) while you work for them. This means that you can be paid while you complete your teacher training.
Average salaries for full-time FE teachers range from £24,000 to £40,000 and include unique benefit packages.
Explore the benefits of working in FE (external website).
How to find a job in Further Education
Step 1: Check you’re eligible – to get started in a range of FE teaching roles you’ll just need industry experience in the field you wish to teach.
Step 2: Find a job – discover what opportunities are available in your local area and find jobs that match your experience and lifestyle. Explore some of the opportunities available now by visiting ‘Share your Skills’ (external website).
Step 3: Once you’re ready, you can apply for vacancies all year round. If successful, you can start right away.
For more information and support about how you can teach in Further Education get in touch with our dedicated team for one-to-one advice.
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm.
- Call 0800 389 2502 or email fe@education.gov.uk