What is the Association of Colleges (AoC)?
You may have heard the term ‘Association of Colleges’ before – but what is the AoC and why does it matter? If you’re currently exploring a career in teaching, knowing who this Further Education professional body is and what it can do to support you will be crucial. Below, we go through all the details that you’ll need to know if you’re currently considering pursuing a career as an FE teacher in a college.
The Collective Voice of Further Education
The Association of Colleges (AoC) is a not-for-profit membership organisation for colleges located across the UK, including General Further Education Colleges, Sixth Form Colleges, and Specialist Colleges. It was originally set up in 1996 by a group of colleges in England to provide a national voice for the sector, representing teachers’ interests at both a local and government level.
Put simply, the AoC ensures that colleges across the country receive the highest level of support and recognition. It also provide its members with various additional support services – including access to training events, expert advice, industry resources and various professional development opportunities.
In addition, the AoC also has one of the largest further education job hosting sites, AoC Jobs.
How the AoC’s Work Supports Your Career
There are many ways that the AoC can support people pursuing a career in FE teaching. Here we take a look at just a few key areas:
Championing the FE Sector
One of the main purposes of the AoC is to facilitate college representation for issues that typically impact FE teachers and teaching colleges. This might be at a local council level or at a higher government level, and could include campaigning for things such as better funding, better policies or simply more recognition of the FE sector as a whole.
Ultimately, the AoC will directly benefit anyone pursuing an FE teaching career by helping create a more stable and well-resourced working environment in colleges – including pushing for higher rates of pay and better conditions.
Providing Resources and Driving Quality
Another benefit of teaching at an AoC member college is the access the organisation provides Further Education teachers to specific industry resources, training programmes and best-practice guidance. This is possible by allowing colleges to become part of a dedicated national network that’s focused on:
- Continuously improving teaching standards
- Supporting long-term professional development
Creating a National Community
Joining an FE teaching college that has AoC membership additionally gives teachers access to regular events and networking opportunities across the UK. It means you’ll become part of a wider professional community of college teachers and have ample chances to learn from your peers, with the aim of improving your own knowledge and skills throughout your career.
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A Sign of a Professional Sector
If you needed even more reassurance that FE teaching is a growing and valued sector, the Association of Colleges is it. The very existence of such a strong Further Education professional body is proof that college teaching is a mature and professional industry – and a safe and serious option for those wanting a long-term career that’s well organised and well supported.