Adult education lecturer : Entry requirements

Lecturing in adult education is open to graduates of any subject, and to HND holders and peope without a formal higher education qualification, but most applicants are likely to have a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) or equivalent qualification and some PGCE courses offer specialist training in adult education. Details of these courses are available from the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) . See Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK)  for further information on entry requirements.

All new and unqualified teachers, trainers and tutors in the publicly-funded learning and skills sector in England, which includes adult education, are required to study for qualifications in the Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills (QTLS) framework. QTLS status must be achieved within five years.

Existing teachers will have until 2012 to meet the requirements and those with a current teaching qualification will have to work towards QTLS status on the understanding that their qualifications will be recognised but that they will evidence continuing professional development (CPD). See Further Education Workforce Reforms  for full information.

Pre-entry experience of working with groups of adults is useful. Voluntary work experience in literacy or numeracy provision is particularly relevant to work within Skills For Life/Skills for Business (see Skills for Life ). Details of volunteering initiatives are available from the National Literacy Trust .

Potential adult education lecturers will need to show evidence of the following:

• expertise in the subject area;
• excellent communication skills;
• ability to work collaboratively and independently;
• flexible attitude to work;
• proven organisational and administrative skills;
• an understanding of the needs and personal aims of adult learners;
• an open mind and a willingness to learn;
• the ability to differentiate between learners’ ability and needs;
• willingness to comply with employing institutions’ rules and regulations.

If you have a relevant degree or other educational and/or professional qualification, it may well provide you with specific knowledge and expertise in the subject you wish to teach and this, in turn, will strengthen your application.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.