Information on becoming a Skills for Life teacher

Time and commitment

Lots of people successfully train to teach alongside other jobs and commitments. It is a good idea, however, to plan carefully when you apply to start a teacher training course.

Full teaching programmes are often part-time for 2 years and you will need to commit time to attend the course, for practical teaching placements and for independent study.

Applying for a course

Most teacher training providers offer information sessions which give information about the course content, the workload, the arrangements for teaching practice. There is also generally a recruitment process including an individual interview, several tasks relating to your subject area and your personal communication, maths and IT skills and sometimes a practical or discussion task.

Entry requirements

Teachers of all subjects will be expected to have at least a level three qualification in their specialist subject. They will also need evidence of level 2 (GCSE or equivalent ) English, Maths and ICT to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS).

Teachers of literacy, numeracy or ESOL will be expected to have a good knowledge of the subject they intend to teach - shown through A' levels or university study, or through other qualifications or experience. They will also need to have good personal skills in the supporting areas of English, Maths and ICT.

All teachers need to demonstrate their competence with language, literacy and numeracy, also ICT by the end of their teacher training course. This is likely to be assessed through previous qualifications, on-course assessment, national tests or their equivalent.

Don't be put off by the recruitment process for teacher training courses - the intention is to make sure the course is right for you - and you are right for the course. There will be lots of suggestions about ways to prepare for teacher training. The process will also give you the chance to make sure the course, the location, the course tutors are right for you. Training to teach is a substantial commitment - you need to be sure it's the right time, place and course. The best course for you may not always be the closest. It is worth traveling to a course which addresses your particular subject area or work setting.

Good luck!

Search for a course

The talent course database  lists details of teacher training providers in the London area. You can search by course type, title or level.

Teachers' stories

Find out from practitioners what is really involved when undertaking a training course and discover what keeps them motivated. Read more...

Finding work

There are lots of jobs related to teaching in the Learning and Skills sector - in colleges, in the community, in work-based learning, in prisons - in a whole range of settings. If you are new to teaching and training or if you are considering career development, we recommend you browse the Guardian on a Tuesday  www.jobs.guardian.co.uk or the Times Educational Supplement on a Friday  www.tesjobs.co.uk, and the jobs section of the talent website  to get a feel for current vacancies and salaries.

Funding

It's worth seeking information and advice from a number of sources so that you have the fullest possible picture about what you may need to pay and what you may be eligible for in terms of loans, support and incentives.

1. Teacher training organisations
Fees for teacher training courses vary from organisation to organisation- usually colleges or universities. Ask what the fee situation is and also seek information and advice from their Student Advice Service.

The service will be able to advise you on all possible sources of funding and should be able to tell you whether you are eligible for a training bursary or concessionary fees. They will also know whether there are any local sources of funding, including trusts and charities.

There are limited opportunities for bursaries from the Government, linked to teacher training providers which are part of the bursaries scheme. Read about bursaries on the Teachernet website. 

2. Local Education Authorities (LEAs)
There are loans and grants available for some training programmes, including tuition fee loans, maintenance grants and maintenance loans administered by LEAs. You will need to complete a PN1 form. Eligibility depends on your own personal circumstances.

Contact your LEA.

3. Learning and Skills Council (LSC)
Career development loans are available to fund work-related courses, through an arrangement between three high street banks and the LSC.

Find out more from the career development loan website.

4. Lifelong Learning UK Information and Advice Service

Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) is the sector skills council for the lifelong learning sector.

LLUK offers free professional advice for those working or intending to work in the sector. The service is staffed by experienced practitioners and can provide information on financing your training as well as offering specialist advice on all aspects of working in the lifelong learning sector

Tel: 020 7936 5798
Email: advice@lluk.org

Incentives

Golden Hellos for new teachers
Golden Hellos are available to full-time, part-time and hourly-paid teachers who have completed their first year of teaching, are in their second year of teaching and contracted for a further term or more.

Find out more on the teachernet website.

Keyworker Living
This is a government scheme to support FE teachers and trainers with the high cost of housing in London. Find out more about eligibility and the process of applying from www.keyworkerliving.co.uk

Find out more about financial incentives in our Frequently Asked Questions section.