Teach Health & Social Care in FE
If you’re an experienced professional currently working in a Health and Social Care job, why not inspire the next generation by transferring your skills to a role in FE teaching?
Your industry background is exactly what many primary qualification colleges are looking for – and there are plenty of opportunities out there if you’re seeking a change of career. As a further education (FE) teacher, you’ll help equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills they need to make a real difference in people’s lives.
FE teaching offers you a unique opportunity to help shape the future workforce, ensuring learners are prepared to meet the growing demands of the Health and Social Care sector with confidence and compassion.
Why your industry experience is vital for FE teaching
Teaching Health and Social Care in FE typically provides a dynamic and varied work environment that can extend far beyond the classroom. This practical teaching aspect is largely where your industry skills may come in very handy, with many colleges actively seeking candidates with real-world experience, whether nurses, care assistants, or mental health workers.
Using your professional experience: What Health & Social Care subjects can you teach?
Further Education colleges are often seeking people with professional industry experience to guide students through real-world scenarios and help develop their skills.
You can teach a wide variety of Health and Social Care in FE too, so you’re likely to find something to match your expertise. Perhaps you have experience as a senior nurse that would make you an ideal candidate for teaching clinical skills?
Other areas you may have professional experience in, and be able to teach, include:
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Personal Safety Awareness
- Social Work
- Counselling
- T-Levels in Health
- BTECs in Health and Social Care
- Access to HE Nursing
Teaching in different environments
If you choose to teach Health and Social Care in FE, you’ll have the opportunity to lecture and mentor your students in a range of diverse environments, including colleges, simulated healthcare settings, workplaces and adult learning centres. All of these teaching locations provide learners with the hands-on experience they need to make a positive impact in the sector.
A day in the life of a Health & Social Care teacher
Not sure what a career teaching Health and Social Care may involve day to day? Here’s a brief glimpse of what your new role and responsibilities could look like:
- Teaching theory in a classroom setting
- Practical teaching sessions in simulated wards
- Mentoring students who are on placement
- Marking student assignments
Your simple pathway to becoming an FE teacher
If switching to teaching Health and Social Care in FE is something that interests you, you’ll most likely find that it’s a clear two-step process:
1. Leveraging your experience.
If you have more than two years’ experience working professionally in either Health or Social Care, you can start your FE teaching journey in those sectors right away.
2. Apply directly.
Start searching and applying for college teaching jobs that fit your experience. Teacher training will then follow once you’ve found a suitable role.
“I’ve always wanted to make a difference. Moving into FE was huge but if you can change one person’s life then it’s worth it."
Sarah, FE college director and former midwife
Earn while you learn: Get qualified on the job
You don’t always need to have a prior teaching qualification to begin working in an FE college. Some colleges will offer to train you on the job if you are a candidate with relevant industry experience but don’t yet have any formal teacher training. The option to train to become a qualified FE teacher on the job allows you to teach while you earn – meaning there’s no need to put your career change on hold.
The qualification
Depending on your experience and the college you apply to, you may be able to undertake an apprenticeship or teaching qualification alongside your teaching job. Colleges should explain in their job descriptions if this option is available to you – but it can be worth asking them directly if it’s not 100% clear.
The qualification you complete will most likely be a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) that will give you Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QLTS) status.
The timeline
Usually, you are expected to complete your training qualification within two years of accepting the job. Most colleges want their teachers to be trained to Level 5 or above, and they can support you in finding out which qualification or route you should take.
The cost
Typically, the cost of on-the-job teacher training is funded by your employer who will receive grants to cover this. While training on the job, you’ll also receive an unqualified teacher’s salary which will then increase once you complete your qualification.
Salary and benefits in FE teaching
Taking on a role in FE teaching, regardless of which sector you teach in, offers you a structured career path with significant non-pay benefits. These will include:
Progression opportunities
Starting as an FE teacher opens doors to more senior roles. With experience, you could progress to become a Lead Practitioner, Curriculum Manager or a Head of Department, taking on more responsibility for course development and staff management.
Flexible hours
Typical contracts for a full-time teaching role are around 35 hours a week. However, many colleges offer part-time or flexible contracts. This can allow you to balance teaching with other commitments or even continue working part-time in the industry you love.
Other benefits
As an FE teacher, you can also expect to receive a generous annual holiday allowance and access to public sector pension schemes, such as the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
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Ready to inspire? Find your FE job
Do you have relevant industry experience in Health and Social Care which could make you a great candidate for an FE teaching job? Discover opportunities at colleges near you and take your next step towards a career that will help inspire the next generation.