Find funding and training
How you fund or support a new career are important factors when undertaking a career change. Luckily, there are a few different options to explore when it comes to these areas.
On this page you can find information about how you might fund your career move and the types of training available.
What do I need to become a qualified teacher?
To become a qualified Further Education teacher you’ll need:
- Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) in maths and English (if you don’t have a Level 2 in maths and English, your employer may support you to gain these qualifications on the job or in your own time)
- a teaching qualification at Level 5 or above, or a Level 5 Further Education teaching apprenticeship
There are many ways to fund your move into teaching. Here we’ll try to explain them as simply as possible.
Train on the job
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 it is not clear.
Your employer may also be able to support you, by paying for part or all of your teacher training.
Funding
There are two main options to fund your Further Education teacher training, if you decide not to train on the job:
- student finance (including loans and grants)
- bursaries
Depending on the subject you’re looking to teach, you may be eligible for tax-free funding from the Government.
Teaching certain subjects might mean you are eligible for a bursary (worth up to £30,000 in the academic year 2024 to 2025).
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