Half of employees would consider teaching in Further Education

• New research reveals more people want to share their expertise by turning to FE teaching;
• Findings show 70% of people shared their skills during the pandemic, with 65% saying they enjoyed helping others by passing on knowledge and experience
• Comes as Government calls on more industry professionals to put their skills to use by teaching in FE

New research has revealed that half of employees would consider teaching in further education either full or part time alongside their current job, as more people felt the benefits of sharing their skills during the pandemic. The findings, from the Department for Education, come as the Government is calling on more industry professionals to share their skills and teach in further education, alongside their current job.

According to the new research among 2,000 employees, 70% of people took to sharing their skills during the pandemic and 30% did so more often than they had done previously, with one in five (22%) agreeing their appetite to do so increased in the period. The most commonly shared types of skills included technical, communication and leadership skills as well as wider knowledge and understanding. Over a third (34%), turned to online content such as YouTube or podcasts to learn new skills and one in ten (10%) stated they learnt from celebrities or influencers on social media.

And those that shared their skills clearly felt the benefit – with 65% agreeing they enjoy helping people through passing on their knowledge, experience and skills. Over a third (34%) of people say they would like to pass on their skills to others in their field of work, and more than a quarter (29%) of people want to help the next generation – both of which can be achieved through teaching in further education.

This research comes as the Department for Education recently launched a  national marketing campaign calling for more skilled workers to change lives without changing careers by teaching part-time in further education (FE), alongside their current role.  There are opportunities on offer for industry professionals to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation of learners in their field, with a particular focus on key sectors including Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing, Legal, Finance and Accounting, Digital/IT, and Health and Social Care.

Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart said,

“Further Education is transforming the lives of young people and adults across the country, offering innovative new courses and training to help open doors to good jobs and better opportunities.

“None of this would be possible without our world-class FE teachers. We want to see more talented industry experts join the profession, taking up the unique opportunity to share their skills, alongside their current job, and inspire the next generation.”

Simon Parker is the T Level Lead for Construction and Engineering and teaches the On-Site Construction T Level at South Essex College. He decided to become a FE teacher nearly three years ago after a successful career in construction. Simon said, “After running my own kitchen, bathroom and construction business for twenty five years, I found myself in need of a change. I’d always enjoyed sharing my knowledge and skills, so when a role came up at my local college I decided to apply to teach FE in the hope I could support the next generation of learners.

After a couple of months of trying out FE teaching I found a real passion for it and have since achieved my teaching diploma which was funded by the college.   I’ve seen many learners come through my door unsure of themselves and it’s really rewarding to see them at the end of the course full of confidence, knowledge and skills for life. I’d encourage anyone with industry experience to consider teaching FE – it’s a great way to share your skills and industry experience and give back to young people – many of who will be the future of your industry.”

Jenny Garrett, Author, Leadership Trainer, and Speaker said, “We’ve all skilled up during the pandemic, whether that’s getting better at navigating the online world or training others without physically being in the same room. These research findings reflect what I’ve found and what I hear from my clients – that sharing your skills is rewarding. Passing on my wisdom and experience means I get to see things through the eyes of others, interact with people whose thinking gives me new perspectives, and get that warm glow from helping others.

Teaching in FE is a rewarding way to share your knowledge. Industry professionals can use their real world experience to pass on their knowledge and bring theory to life. They can explain the day-to-day realities of life in the job and therefore best equip the next generation for a bright career.”

Industry professionals looking to share their skills with the next generation can teach their trade, skill or subject in further education teaching. The benefits of teaching in FE include:

• Your industry skills are transferable and real-world industry experience is highly valued for FE teaching roles.
• Part-time teaching jobs mean you can change lives without changing your career, you can teach in FE alongside your current job
• You can earn while you train. You can jump right into teaching in FE as prior teaching qualifications are not always needed
• If you want to teach an FE course that relates to your industry, you do not always need a degree
• You can train the next generation of workers in your sector, and pass on your knowledge and experience. As an FE teacher, you can help prepare your students for bright and fulfilling careers.