According to Gov.uk, further education is completed after secondary school and is not associated with any undergraduate or postgraduate degree; hence, it is separate from University. These post-secondary qualifications are provided by many specialist colleges, aiming to provide high-quality education. Both young and adult learners achieve these qualifications in order to prepare for a new job or pursue higher education.
The good thing is that you might think that teaching is the only profession with job prospects in FE, but the truth is FE goes beyond NVQ qualifications, apprenticeships, workshops and much more. You may work in sectors like:
- FE colleges or Universities
- Work-based learning
- Charity and Voluntary institutions
- Prisons and Youth offender programmes
- Adult learning sectors
Here are some of the most well-known job prospects you can pursue in the Further Education Sector:
Teacher
You will hardly find anyone who does not remember their teachers. There is always a special someone who we all remember from our school years. This is why it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it is a powerful profession that directly impacts students’ lives and ultimately shapes our society.
But unlike primary and secondary school, being a further education teacher is one of the most fulfilling roles for learners within the education sector, as it allows you to share knowledge, help students develop necessary skills to become work-ready, teach adults new skills and engage in lifelong learning.
Here are some of the roles and responsibilities, whether you teach at a workshop, an on-site location or any working environment:
Roles and Responsibilities of FE Teacher
As an FE Teacher, you will be responsible for:
- Conducting thorough research, devising lesson plans, delivering lectures, assessing and monitoring students,
- Creating an inclusive environment and promoting it by encouraging your students to create a safe space for the learning of all students,
- Make learning fun; play interesting games; make smart boards instead of lecturing them; and try making connections between the topic and real-life examples. In doing so, students will feel more engaged and learn a lot faster.
- Keep an accurate record of learners’ progress so that you can assist them whenever needed.
If you wish to pursue or already work as a teacher/trainer in the post-16 sector, you can enrol on a Level 3 Award in Education and Training or a Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training to teach in a wide range of contexts. These qualifications are ideal for you if you have just started your teaching or training role or want to progress in your area of work.
On top of that, the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training is the most advanced and recognised qualification in the UK for the post-16 education sector. This Level 5 DET qualification allows you to apply for and gain QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Status) rewarded by the Society for Education and Training (SET) that enables you to show your progression and commitment to excellence within the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector.
For further information, read our blog on, ‘Different routes to be a qualified teacher in the UK’.
Career Advisor
The world of work has become increasingly complex, with a multitude of options available to choose from in the market. While new job opportunities are emerging, some individuals may feel limited by increased automation, making it challenging to select a career path. However, help is available in the shape of a career advisor.
A career advisor is responsible for helping people pave a path and make decisions about their work, education, career, and future plans. It is a fulfilling job if you are passionate about helping people make realistic choices that best fit their passions and preferences. Though challenging, you can become a career advisor in the FE sector and help people succeed in any step of their lives.
You may deal with recently unemployed individuals, students or individuals looking for a job and your primary roles and responsibilities may include the following:
Roles and Responsibilities of Career Advisor
Your responsibilities may also include:
- Holding one-to-one meetings with your clients,
- Recording their work history, interests and hobbies to make informed decisions in the end,
- Conducting mock interviews,
- Exploring their professional skills and characteristics to help them with their individualised goals,
- Collaborating and connecting your clients with academic professionals and teachers.
So, whether your clients need advice related to their work or education, you can help them reach their full potential and find their desired work opportunity.
If you have a passion for assisting others and wish to pursue a career in this field, choosing this qualification might be the right path for you – Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Advice and Guidance – or if you already work as a professional advisor and want to learn practical skills, you can choose Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance.
Educational Counsellor
Education counselling is all about guiding and helping students with their career aspirations, educational plans, subject choice and which university and college they want to go to in the future.
Whether educational counsellors work at a school, college or university their role remains the same – helping students with academic, social and personal issues that may be hindering their academic progress.
With a plethora of disciplines to choose from, you can also become an educational counsellor and support students in the FE sector.
Roles and Responsibilities of Educational Counsellor
As an educational counsellor, your responsibilities will include:
- Conduct one-to-one sessions with students and help them realise their passion and interests,
- Analyse their strengths and weaknesses to help them make an appropriate choice,
- Collaborate with teachers and patients to discuss student learning and behavioural patterns,
- Assist and motivate them to pursue their professional paths and aspirations.
To become a counsellor, you must achieve some relevant qualifications, like a degree in counselling, or Bachelor of Science in Psychology, or Applied Psychology.
Education Administrator
With all the talk about teachers, the role of the education administrator can be easily overlooked. Simply put, educational administrators are responsible for leading and directing teachers, providing guidance and support, and ensuring everything runs as seamlessly as possible.
Education administrators are employed at schools, colleges and universities, ensuring everything runs as seamlessly as possible. If you are someone who is already a teacher and want to take one step further, becoming an educational administrator in the FE sector is an ideal and logical option.
With a range of employability options within, an education administrator is responsible for multiple tasks, such as:
Roles and Responsibilities of an Education Administrator
As an education administrator, your responsibilities will include:
- Project management,
- Creating and managing budget,
- Hiring staff,
- Overseeing curriculum,
- Making sure teachers have enough resources to deliver the curriculum properly,
- And directing programs and events accordingly.
To become an education administrator, you may not need a specific degree or qualification; however, it is ideal if you have an educational or any other relevant degree under your belt, as it will set you apart from the rest of the applicants applying for the position.
NVQ Assessor
Qualified assessors are individuals who assess other learners’ competency and skills for those who are trying to achieve their National Vocational Qualification, which is why they are an integral part of teaching and learning in Further Education organisations.
Becoming an NVQ Assessor is one of the most popular jobs in the Further Education sector and if you are someone with the required skills, qualifications and expertise in any field, this might be a great opportunity and the right fit for you.
Roles and Responsibilities of NVQ Assessor
As an NVQ assessor, you will:
- Be observing learners and providing them with well-rounded feedback,
- Be examining their portfolio and making sure they comply with qualification standards,
- Be assessing learners in a learning environment or at a workplace,
- Participate in standardisation meetings to make sure the assessment process is being carried out fairly.
To become a qualified assessor, you are not required to have a degree or specific qualification; however, it is best to have expertise in the subject you wish to assess. Otherwise, you can just enrol on a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement; once completed, you will be qualified to assess learners in both the workplace and learning environment.
Internal Quality Assurer
Internal Quality Assurance is extremely important for any organisation to make sure they are following the best practices regarding assessments and IQAs are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the quality assurance process and ensuring it meets the required standards set by the awarding body or training provider.
IQA is a sought-after job and is required by multiple industries and sectors and Further Education is one of them. Therefore, if you are looking for a job within FE and you are already a qualified assessor becoming an IQA is a great career choice.
Roles and Responsibilities of an IQA
As an IQA, your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring assessment processes and activities are executed fairly and adhere to the set standard of qualification,
- Checking whether the assessor meets the requirements of their role or not,
- Holding meetings and working closely with assessors, employees, and trainers to make sure they follow the standards of assessments,
- Providing them with a well-constructed feedback.
To become an Internal Quality Assurer, you can either enrol on the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices or the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are many well-known job opportunities in the Further Education sector as it is made up of many types of industries and run by several providers each having its own work environment. This is why the further education sector is great – you have many educational roles to choose from. You could be anything from an FE teacher to an educational counsellor and from a qualified assessor to an IQA.
Each route will provide you with endless opportunities to increase your knowledge and expertise and excel in your career while helping children or adults overcome their challenges.
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Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (RQF)
£64.17 – £340.00 Select options -
Focus Awards Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (RQF)
£91.89 – £960.00 Select options -
Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices (RQF)
£68.85 – £540.00 Select options
