Further education lecturer

You would help teenagers and adults learn new skills and get qualifications to improve their job prospects.

You could work in colleges, community centres, prisons and the armed forces.

You would teach students over the age of 16. You might also work with some 14 to 16 year-olds studying work-related subjects.

There are different types of courses taught by further education lecturers, for example:

• Academic subjects, like maths and English - often leading to qualifications such as standard grades or Highers

• Vocational courses that train students for careers such as catering, construction or childcare - often leading to qualifications

• Diplomas offered in colleges or partner schools

• Leisure and hobby courses, such as photography

Depending on the subject you teach, you would use a variety of teaching methods, such as seminars, tutorials and demonstrations.

You would:

• Plan and prepare lessons or seminars

• Set and mark assignments, tests and exams

• Monitor and assess students’ progress

• Develop new courses and teaching materials

• Keep records and carry out other administrative tasks

• Go to meetings, professional development courses and workshops

• Interview prospective students

• Act as personal tutor - supporting students and helping with problems

• Supervise practical work, work placements or field trips

You could teach full-time, part-time (day or evening) or day release courses.

You’d need to have patience and a sense of humour and be able to relate well to students of all ages and abilities.

• Society for Education and Training – advice on FE teaching and training from the organisation for the post-16 education

• Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme