Teacher training : Training for post-16

Further education (FE)

There are two teaching roles in the FE sector - full and associate. Full teachers undertake the complete range of teaching and planning tasks while associate teachers have more limited responsibility. For full teaching roles, the qualification required is Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) (similar to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in compulsory education). See further education lecturer for more information.

Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK)  will be closing in 2011 but resources will remain accessible. The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) is responsible for taking forward developments within this sector and will be hosting future resources.

The following applies to full teaching roles:

• PGCE/Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education route to QTLS: for new graduate entrants to the profession, the usual route will be a PGCE in PCE/FE. This could be a full-time university based or part-time in-service course. In most cases, applicants should apply directly to the university. You have five years from the start of your training to achieve this. In order to gain QTLS you have to apply to the Institute for Learning (IfL) . Once you have achieved QTLS, you are qualified to work as a full teacher in the FE sector, but not in primary or secondary schools; this is currently under review.
• In-service Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning sector (DTLLS) route to QTLS: it may be possible to secure a job in FE without taking a PGCE by studying part time towards a DTLLS and then applying for QTLS in the same way. Approach FE colleges directly for their views on this. You will be more likely to get a positive response in subject areas where there is a shortage;
• Qualified teachers in other sectors: another alternative would be to train in secondary teaching and then apply for work in the further education sector, as teachers holding (QTS) are currently eligible to teach in the FE sector. QTS-qualified teachers working in FE will need to gain QTLS within five years.

Other qualifications available in this sector include:

• Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS): for all teachers;
• Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS): for associate teachers.

Lecturing in higher education (HE)

To become a university lecturer, you normally need to study for Masters or PhD qualifications in the specialist subject area you want to teach. Lecturers can study for teaching qualifications once in post and the Higher Education Academy  accredits university teaching and learning courses. The PGCE courses that offer higher education as an option are usually taken by those who intend to work in further education colleges on degree-level courses such as foundation degrees or HNDs. For more information see higher education lecturer.