How to become an FE teacher
Whether you're at the very beginning of your journey or already have an idea of the steps needed, this page will explain the different stages to becoming a Further Education teacher.
How to become a Further Education teacher: step by step
1. Think about what you want from a teaching role
Before you begin, it’s important to think about what type of Further Education (FE) job would be the best fit for you.
There are a few different factors that mean no two FE teaching jobs will be exactly alike. For example, the type of college, the subject matter, the age of the students and the level of experience needed.
This means the experience of teaching in FE, will be slightly different for everyone.
By taking the time to think about what you need from a new job and how your previous interests and experience would match it, this will help you to make a better decision.
Find out more about some of the areas you might want to consider
2. Write an updated CV
As someone who has worked in an industry or has a passion for teaching you will have a wealth of experience to share with people.
Most jobs will require an updated CV, so this is a good place to start. There are many free CV templates online you can use to create your own.
Ready to start your new teaching career, but unsure if you have the right skills and experience? Answer a few short questions and our Readiness Checker can point you in the right direction.
Check if you are ready to teach in FE
3. Start your job search
Starting a new job search can feel overwhelming, there are many options and ways to find a new role. This will be made easier by taking some time to think about what you want from a job in FE, as shown in Step 1.
Most jobs will appear online, so that is the best place to get started.
4. How to prepare for interviews
We all get nervous before interviews. But there are a few practical things you can do to help make it easier. Before you start, it is a good idea to do some research on the organisation where your interview is taking place.
Find out about the college or education provider by reading their website or read blogs and other articles about the team you are hoping to join.
5. After the interview
It might take a few days or even a couple of weeks to hear the result of your interview. But while you wait, there are a few things you can be doing.
Firstly, you could contact the person that interviewed you, to thank them. It can leave a good impression afterwards and shows gratitude for the time the team spent talking to you.
It is also a great opportunity to follow-up with any questions or ask if they had anything further to ask you.
Job roles in Further Education can be advertised as ‘FE lecturers’ or ‘tutors’ too. Keep your search terms broad.
Find a teaching job near you
6. Developing your career
Accessing teacher mentoring
FE teaching is an inclusive environment with programmes specially designed for new teachers like you. This means you won’t be left to navigate your new career alone. The funded Teacher Mentoring Programme pairs early career teachers with experienced mentors who can guide their professional development. Mentoring provides a safe, confidential space to ask questions, observe best practice, and discuss challenges. You’ll be assigned a dedicated mentor who can offer essential support and act as a sounding board during those vital first terms in the classroom. Not only can this help improve your skills and classroom awareness, but you’ll also likely find that your confidence as a teacher grows too.
T-Level Professional Development (TLPD)
Even if you’re not teaching T Levels immediately, the T Level professional development offer provides a wealth of free training that’s relevant to all FE teachers. It focuses on subject-specific teaching for T Levels, but is also a great training option to keep your industry skills up to date. Through workshops, online resources, and industry placements, TLPD helps you build a rounded skillset that meets the needs of modern FE colleges and your students.