Becoming a Teacher in Further Education: Routes, Reality and Reflections

For many, a New Year sparks thoughts of a new career. Yet for those who teach in Further Education, it’s rarely a childhood ambition, it’s a profession that often finds you, not the other way around. FE teachers often arrive from industry, the armed forces, healthcare, trades, business, or the creative sectors, bringing with them valuable real-world experience. What follows is a professional journey that blends that expertise with pedagogy, reflection, and a strong sense of purpose.

This blog sets out:

• A clear, step-by-step guide to teacher training routes in FE 

• What the role really involves

• A case study from an FE professional who made the transition

Why Teach in Further Education?

FE is unique. It sits between schools, higher education, and industry and serves one of the most diverse learner populations in education. FE teachers work with:

• Young people re-engaging with education

• Apprentices balancing work and study

• Adults returning to learning

• Learners with a wide range of lived experiences

Teaching in FE is not about delivering content alone; it’s about enabling progression, confidence, and opportunity.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Teacher Training Routes in FE

There is no single route into FE teaching — but there is a clear professional pathway.

Step 1: Bring Your Subject or Vocational Expertise

To teach in FE, you must have current, relevant subject knowledge. This may come from:

• Industry or professional practice

• Technical or vocational qualifications

• Academic study

• Extensive occupational experience

In FE, dual professionalism matters, maintaining credibility both as a subject specialist and as a teacher.

Step 2: You could start with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the recognised entry point for those exploring teaching.

It introduces:

• Roles and responsibilities of a teacher

• Inclusive teaching and learning

• Planning and delivering sessions

• Assessment and feedback

This qualification is ideal if you are:

• Considering teaching

• Delivering training in the workplace

• Starting as a sessional or associate lecturer

It allows you to test whether teaching is right for you before committing further.

Step 3: Progress to the Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills)

If you decide to teach in FE on a substantive basis, the Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) (DiT) is the main professional qualification.

This is a Level 5 qualification and replaces earlier routes such as the DET & DTLLS.

The DiT:

• Is undertaken alongside a teaching role

• Combines theory with real classroom practice

• Covers behaviour, curriculum, assessment, professionalism and reflective practice

• Aligns to the occupational standards for FE teachers

It supports you in moving from “delivering sessions” to becoming a reflective, confident professional educator.

Step 4: Develop Through Mentoring and Reflection

During training, support is critical. Most trainees benefit from:

• A subject mentor

• Observations and professional dialogue

• Structured reflection on practice

• Peer support from fellow trainees

Teacher training in FE is not just about passing assignments — it’s about learning how to teach people, not just subjects.

Step 5: Achieve Professional Status (QTLS)

Once qualified and professionally active, many FE teachers choose to apply for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills) through the Education Training Foundation.

QTLS:

• Confirms professional competence

• Has legal parity with QTS

• Demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development

While not mandatory, it provides professional recognition and mobility across sectors.