Is teaching right for you?

Change to a career in teaching

If you have real-world industry skills, you already have what it takes to be a great further education trainer.

Training others can give you a fresh setting and a new sense of purpose, without leaving behind everything you have built in your career.

For example, an electrician can train others in electrical installation, or a nurse can train the next generation of health and social care workers. You do not always need a teaching qualification to start. Many colleges train new staff on the job, often at no cost to you, so you can start earning straight away.

Training others can also suit you if you:

• want to develop alongside your current career
• are nearing retirement but want to stay connected to your industry
• are looking for a less physical role in your sector

You can often teach part time, so you can keep working in your industry while you train others.

Why people choose teaching

People tell us they choose a career in education because they want to:

• help people learn and reach their goals
• share a subject or skill they love
• have a job with variety, where no 2 days are the same
• work in a career with clear ways to progress
• have working hours that fit around their family

What makes a good teacher

You do not need to be an expert on day one.

Good teachers are:

• patient and good at explaining things
• organised and able to plan ahead
• interested in how people learn
• happy to keep learning themselves