Teach in Digital and IT
The computing and tech world has never employed more people. By starting a role teaching in Further Education (FE) you could be tutoring the next big name.
Pass your knowledge and skills to the next generation, and ensure the UK continues to be one of the biggest IT and tech powerhouses of the future.
Why teach in digital and IT?
Whether you’re a software developer, web designer or IT technician, you could teach a wide range of digital courses.
From teaching specialist skills like coding, software design or network cabling, to helping learners analyse problems, plan digital projects or work collaboratively in a digital environment, your skills are valuable within FE.
You could also help learners gain a broader understanding of the digital world, such as how technologies impact business, emerging digital trends, or the ethical implications of tech advances.
Courses in basic IT skills are also available, helping people in your local community to gain the essential digital skills they need for work and everyday life.
Some of the courses you could teach include:
- basic IT user skills
- coding
- computer science
- data analysis
- software development
Typical contracts for a teaching role will be around 35 hours a week. Although there are options for part-time or flexible working hours too.
This means you can teach alongside working in your chosen industry.
How can I start teaching?
To start teaching digital and IT in FE you will need a minimum of two years’ experience of working in the industry.
Colleges are interested in the skills and knowledge you have learned that can be shared with students.
Once you have industry experience you can start applying for teaching jobs in digital and IT.
Most colleges or training providers will expect you to complete a teaching qualification, such a Certificate in Education (CertEd), within a certain amount of time after accepting a teaching job.
You can also gain a teaching qualification in your own time.
“Working in Further Education gives me flexibility and it has helped me to feel more confident in my abilities”
Christian, IT teacher
Train on the job
With the option to train to become a qualified FE teacher on the job, you can teach while you earn, meaning you don’t have to put your career on hold.
- Some colleges will offer you the option to undertake an apprenticeship or teaching qualification alongside working in a teaching job.
- Colleges may offer this training route as a way to find a candidate with the right industry experience but who doesn’t yet have any formal teacher training.
- Usually, you are expected to complete the qualification within 2 years of accepting the job. Most colleges want their teachers to be trained to Level 5 or above and they can support you in finding out which qualification or route you should take.
- Colleges will explain in their job descriptions if this option is available, but it can be worth asking them directly if its not clear.
Search for digital teaching jobs in Further Education
Find a teaching job near you
Get up to £6000 when you start teaching in a Further Education college
When you start teaching an eligible course in an FE college, you could get an extra payment of up to £6000.
You can claim your payment if you are within the first 5 years of your FE teaching career.
Eligible subjects are:
- building and construction
- computing, including digital and ICT
- engineering and manufacturing, including transport
- engineering and electronics
- early years courses leading to a full and relevant qualification to work in an early years setting
- maths, physics and chemistry