IS YOUR DESIRE TO INSPIRE?

Complementing your current career by training those starting out in your industry can enrich your life, too

What if you could find a deeper level of work satisfaction without having to change your career? Let’s face it, most of us find ourselves in a bit of a rut at times, no matter how much we love our jobs. Maybe you’re looking for some exciting new challenges to embrace, improved work/life balance or the chance to make more of an impact on the world.

The good news is that you don’t have to run away to some far-flung destination, hold out for that next promotion or give a dramatic resignation speech in the name of switching things up. As a teacher in further education (FE), which is any education after the age of 16 that’s not part of a degree, you could find the answer much closer to home.

The best bit of all? It’s a great way to take on a new challenge while staying connected to your current industry. The skills and real-world experiences you’ve developed in your existing career are invaluable in further education and there are opportunities to teach workplace courses or apprenticeships in a diverse range of subjects, including finance, law, digital, healthcare, construction, engineering and manufacturing to name just a few. By passing on your knowledge to others, you can make a real difference and inspire the next generation of talent preparing to enter your industry. You’ll also be enhancing your own career as you develop a wide variety of new skills and experiences.

And while the prospect of becoming a teacher may never have crossed your mind before, or been a landmark you ever thought would appear on your career path, it could prove to be the best detour you take.

Teaching in further education can offer flexibility and a better work/life balance, thanks to opportunities to teach part-time alongside your current job or other commitments.

Perhaps this all sounds very appealing but you’re wondering whether you have the necessary requirements. The good news is that you don’t always need prior teaching qualifications or a degree to start teaching in further education – you can do teacher training on the job, meaning you can start straight away. What’s important are your industry skills and experiences, along with the enthusiasm and passion to pass on your knowledge to learners.

So if now feels like the time to make a change, why not set yourself a new challenge while staying connected to the industry you love? Share your skills in further education and change lives without changing your career.

For more information and personalised advice on how to start teaching in FE, visit gov.uk/teach-in-further-education

as a teacher IN FE, you’ll be passing on knowledge and skills, making a real difference to your students