Teaching in FE: Is a Qualification Required?

Many industry experts considering a move into Further Education and Skills ask this question. The short answer is nuanced: you are not legally required to hold a teaching qualification before you start, but you will almost certainly be expected to gain one while in post.

This approach allows providers to recruit skilled professionals directly from industry and then equip them with the pedagogical skills needed for success. Let's break down what this means in practice for you and for the provider.

The Legal Position vs. Employer Reality

There is often a gap between the minimum legal requirement and what a high-quality FE provider expects. Understanding this difference is key for any aspiring tutor.

• The Law: Since 2013, the legal requirement for FE teachers in England to hold a specific teaching qualification before starting was removed. The emphasis shifted to 'in-service' training, meaning you can be hired based on your vocational expertise and then train to become a qualified teacher on the job.
• Employer Expectations: While you can start without one, almost every college and training provider will require you to enrol on a teaching qualification as a condition of your employment. This is a crucial part of their quality assurance.
• Inspection Focus: Ofsted inspectors evaluating 'Curriculum, teaching and training' will focus on its impact. They look for evidence that teachers and trainers have strong subject knowledge and the pedagogical skill to teach it effectively. A provider's commitment to developing staff expertise is a key indicator of quality under the 'Leadership and governance' evaluation area.

Your First Step: The Level 3 Award (AET)

For most people entering the sector without a teaching background, the starting point is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET).

• What it is: The AET is an introductory, knowledge-based qualification. It is designed for anyone new to teaching or training roles.
• What it covers: It provides a foundation in the core principles of teaching, including understanding your role and responsibilities, planning and delivering inclusive sessions, and using different assessment methods.
• The Micro-teach: A key component is the 'micro-teach' session, where you plan and deliver a short lesson to your peers. This is a practical, low-stakes way to apply your learning and get constructive feedback.

The AET is the perfect "toe in the water" qualification, confirming whether a career in teaching is right for you before you commit to a longer programme.

Pathways for Career Changers

The FE and Skills sector actively welcomes professionals from industry. The pathway to becoming a fully qualified teacher is well-established and designed to be completed alongside your work.

1. Secure a role: Your industry experience, skills, and professional behaviours are your primary assets. You will be hired based on your potential to train the next generation of professionals in your field.
2. Complete the AET: Your employer will likely enrol you on a Level 3 AET course within your first few months or your first year of teaching.
3. Progress to a full qualification: After the AET, the next step is typically the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET). For those wanting to become advanced practitioners, the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) is the goal. The DET is generally considered the full qualification for the sector.
4. Achieve QTLS: Upon completing the Level 5 DET, you can apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status through the Society for Education and Training (SET). This is the professional benchmark for the sector.

Ensuring High-Quality Teaching

For quality managers and leaders, supporting new staff to gain qualifications is not just a tick-box exercise. It's a fundamental part of building a team capable of delivering an ambitious curriculum that meets learners' needs.

• Invest in mentoring: Pair new industry experts with experienced pedagogical coaches to support their transition into the classroom.
• Provide time for study: Acknowledge that in-service training requires time. Build this into workload models to set new staff up for success, not burnout.
• Monitor progress: Use supervision and professional dialogue to check how new teachers are applying their learning and where they might need more support.

Where this fits in QualityHero

Supporting the professional learning of all staff is a core component of effective leadership and governance. QualityHero’s Toolkit Areas module allows you to track staff qualifications and CPD in one place, giving you a clear overview of team expertise and development needs. WorkplaceHero is also proud to offer the Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training, providing a flexible, high-quality starting point for your new tutors and trainers.