Teach Engineering in Further Education (FE)
If you have two or more years’ experience in engineering and manufacturing, you can enjoy a rewarding career in FE teaching with the opportunity to train on the job and receive an incentive payment of up to £6000.
Share your skills and knowledge with the workforce of the future and provide the next generation of engineers and manufacturers with the hands-on skills and practical training they need to secure a successful career in their chosen industry.
Whether you’re considering a full-time FE teaching position or a part-time role that provides flexibility, colleges are looking for industry specialists like you.
From the workshop to the classroom: Why FE needs you
Teaching engineering and manufacturing within FE isn’t a traditional classroom experience. Colleges are looking for teachers with industry experience. It means that you can provide students with the hands-on skills and practical training they need to succeed.
From robotics labs and welding bays to automotive garages and training rigs, you can teach across an exciting range of teaching environments, using your knowledge to inspire future generations.
Teaching role contracts are typically 35 hours a week, while part-time or flexible contracts enable you to work in the industry you love while sharing your hands-on skills with FE students.
“The real-world expertise I have gained working enables me to pass on my knowledge and inspire future talent through sharing my own experiences.”
Rosa, Engineering Teacher
Your route to starting engineering teaching
If you’re considering a full or part-time FE engineering and manufacturing teaching role, you may be wondering how to get started. It takes just two simple steps:
1. Leverage your experience
You’ll need a minimum of two years’ engineering and manufacturing industry experience to apply to teach these subjects in FE. Colleges are interested in the skills and practical knowledge you have, as these are extremely valuable for engineering students.
2. Apply directly
Applying for an FE teaching role is easy. Simply use the links to college teaching job sites on our Jobs in FE page, or use the College Search Tool to reach out directly to the college. Remember, training will follow as part of the job. So, providing you have the required industry experience, you’ll be able to complete an application.
Train on the job
You can train to be an FE teacher while on the job, meaning you can teach while you earn and won’t need to put your career on hold. Some colleges offer the option to undertake an apprenticeship or teaching qualification while working. This enables them to consider candidates with industry experience but no formal teacher training.
- Qualification - Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET)
- Timeline - To be completed within two years of accepting the job
- Cost - Often funded by your employer
If a college offers this teaching training option, it will usually be included in the job description. However, it’s worth asking them directly before applying if it’s not clear. The college can also support you in finding out which qualification or route you should take.
Get up to £6000 to teach engineering in FE
As a new FE teacher, you could get a Targeted Retention Incentive Payment of up to £6000 within the first five years of your new teaching career depending on your chosen subject. Eligible subjects are:
- Building and construction
- Computing, including digital and ICT
- Engineering and manufacturing, including transport
- Engineering and electronics
- Early years courses leading to a full and relevant qualification to work in an early years setting
- Maths, physics and chemistry
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Ready to build the future? Find your FE job
If you’re ready to start a rewarding career teaching engineering and manufacturing in FE, you can start your job search today. Be part of the future of these important industries and share your valuable knowledge with the next generation of engineers and manufacturers.