Teaching Assistant Roles in Further Education
Looking for a career in Further Education where you can make a real difference, but don’t want to lead lessons? Becoming an FE teaching assistant could be the perfect path for you.
Teaching assistants, also called learning support practitioners, play a vital role in the classroom, supporting teachers and helping students to reach their full potential.
On this page, you’ll learn more about what FE teaching assistants do, the skills and qualifications you need to become one, and how you can specialise to support SEND learners.
What does an FE teaching assistant do?
FE teaching assistants play a varied role in the classroom. They help teachers to plan and prepare for lessons and provide support, encouragement, and feedback to students to improve their learning outcomes.
The day-to-day responsibilities of an FE teaching assistant include:
- Preparing the classroom and learning materials for lessons
- Providing technical support for specialist subjects
- Helping to manage student behaviour and maintain a positive learning environment
- Supervising group activities and providing one-on-one learning support
Some FE teaching assistants choose to specialise in special educational needs, allowing them to also provide valuable, dedicated support to SEND students.
What skills and qualifications do I need to become an FE teaching assistant?
If you don’t yet have a formal teaching qualification, don’t worry too much. Many FE colleges value practical skills and a genuine passion for supporting students just as much as formal qualifications.
To apply for FE teaching assistant roles, you usually need to have:
- Level 2 maths and English (GCSE grade 9-4 or A*-C equivalent)
- Relevant industry or vocational experience in the subject you will be supporting
- Excellent communication skills
If you also have a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, this will give you a great advantage.
However, if you don’t yet have a teaching assistant qualification, some colleges may still be willing to hire you based on your experience and then provide on-the-job training.
Supporting learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Further Education provides learning opportunities for students of all needs and abilities, including students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Supporting SEND learners is important for all FE providers, though some do specialise in offering education and support for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
You can find out more about SEND specialist colleges through Natspec.
Supporting SEND learners in FE is a highly rewarding career path where teaching assistants can make a real and lasting difference to learners’ lives.
In addition to their usual responsibilities, teaching assistants who specialise in SEND in FE also provide one-on-one support in lessons, assist students who use specialist equipment or technology, and help teachers to create learning materials that are accessible for everyone.
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Opportunities to progress into FE teaching
Working as a teaching assistant is a rewarding job in its own right, but many TAs become inspired to take the next step and become qualified FE teachers.
Working as a teaching assistant gives you valuable hands-on experience in the classroom, helping you to build your confidence and develop the practical skills needed to lead lessons. It also gives you a good taste of what life as an FE teacher is like, so you can decide whether teaching is the right career path for you.
If you do decide you want to teach, many colleges will support your development by funding your teaching qualification while you work and then helping you progress into a trainee teacher role when you’re ready.
Start your career as an FE teaching assistant
Are you ready to take on a role where you can change lives and support learners to reach their full potential? Start exploring FE assistant jobs today.