Further education lecturer: Employers and vacancy sources

Government initiatives aimed at increasing participation in education and improving Skills for Life, such as Skills for Sustainable Growth which launched in 2010, have led to more flexibility in how and where further education (FE) is provided.

There are over 500 FE colleges in the UK. Many of these run satellite centres in the community, operating from community centres, libraries, schools and high street premises. Local authorities also run adult education services, often in conjunction with FE colleges. Sixth form colleges exist in some areas (not in Scotland). Some colleges are privately run, often specialising in a particular vocational area.

Adult residential colleges also offer opportunities for teaching, more generally in special interest subjects such as archaeology, painting and philosophy, although these are determined by geographic availability.

FE lecturers may also work in the prison service (whose education service is usually contracted out to FE colleges), in the armed forces education branch, and in company training departments. There are some opportunities in organisations offering vocational and basic skills training to young people and adults, for example those on government work-based training schemes.

Overseas work, e.g. teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), is a possibility. Voluntary and charitable institutions, such as the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) , may also offer openings. 

Many FE lecturers have 'portfolio careers' and are employed by a number of organisations, sometimes on short-term contracts, whilst also working in their specialist area in other capacities outside education.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• FE Careers    
• FE Jobs    
• Jobs.ac.uk   
• TeacherNet  
• Times Higher Education (THE)   
• The Daily Telegraph Jobs   
• Guardian Jobs  
• Independent Jobs   
• Times Educational Supplement Jobs   
• College websites.
• Local and regional press.

Some colleges use recruitment agencies, such as Protocol National , to fill part-time, full-time and occasional posts.

Not all jobs are advertised so you will need to be proactive in your jobseeking. Use placements, visits and voluntary work as opportunities to network, and be prepared to contact colleges directly.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and cover letters and interviews.