Flexible and part time jobs. Why teaching in FE could be a great next step for you.
Many working parents who juggle childcare and a career might be looking for better flexibility in their working lives, and teaching in further education is one option to explore.
It’s a route that allows you to continue working in your current industry, while also enjoying a better work-life balance.
What do further education teachers do?
FE teachers teach academic and vocational courses to young people and adults.
FE refers to all education options for those aged 16 and over who are not studying for an undergraduate degree, so it’s a perfect choice if you’re interested in teaching young people and adults, and you’re keen to share your industry knowledge and skills.
FE courses range from construction and engineering to law and healthcare, meaning that teachers can stay closely connected to their own industry, as they help prepare the next generation of talent for an exciting career.
Teaching in FE is varied and isn’t just restricted to the classroom. Lessons can take place in workshops, on-site, or anywhere that allows learners to get hands-on experience in their field.
How do I become a further education teacher?
If you’ve got real-world experience and a passion for sharing your skills, you could make a great Further Education teacher.
Further Education is any education for people aged 16 and over who aren’t studying for a degree. It offers a huge range of opportunities, from teaching in workshops to classroom based learning.
You could be teaching one of a wide range of subjects, from construction to law, engineering to digital, in a flexible role. Meaning you can find a career that will fit around your experiences and your life.
Industry experience is invaluable in FE, helping to inspire and motivate the next generation of workers.
A genuine passion for your field will help you to pass on valuable knowledge and transferable skills to create a supportive learning environment for your students.
Why might teaching in further education be a good fit for working parents?
According to a recent study, over three quarters (77%) of working parents remain passionate about their industry, and nearly 9 in 10 (88%) would be interested in more part time or flexible opportunities to improve their work-life balance.
Many FE teachers work flexibly. In fact, as many as 40 percent of FE college teachers are on part-time contracts.
This makes FE teaching a good option for working parents who are looking for new, adaptable opportunities which make use of their existing industry skills.
Where can I find jobs in further education?
At onlyFE, we advertise 100’s of jobs from colleges across the country. You can view all the latest jobs here: onlyfe.co.uk/jobs and register for job alerts here: onlyfe.co.uk/registration/job-seeker
Alternatively, reach out directly to your local college HR team to see what opportunities are available.
Find out more
For further resources and support, we recommend visiting the Department for Educations dedicated Teach in FE website: teachinfurthereducation.education.gov.uk/