Further education lecturer

Further education lecturers are passionate about helping teenagers and adults learn new skills. You'll support people as they study for qualifications that'll improve their job prospects.

You could work in colleges, community centres, prisons and the armed forces. You'll mostly work with students over the age of 16, but you'll sometimes teach younger people who are studying work-related subjects.

Further education lecturers teach a few different types of courses, including:

• academic subjects, such as maths and English – often leading to Higher or National qualifications

• vocational courses – helping students become qualified to get into careers like catering, construction or childcare

• diplomas – colleges and schools offer diplomas in a range of subjects

• leisure and hobby courses – supporting students who are learning a new skill for fun

Depending on the subject you lecture in, you'll use a variety of teaching methods. For example, you may lead seminars, tutorials or demonstrations.

Many lecturers start their careers on a part-time basis. Some then progress into a full-time position while others continue lecturing part-time, potentially alongside another job.

So, are you a good communicator who has expertise in a particular subject? You may make a fantastic lecturer!

Your tasks might include:

• planning and preparing lessons, seminars, tutorials or demonstrations

• setting and marking your students' assignments or exams

• developing new courses and teaching materials

• monitoring and assessing your students' progress

• supervising practical tasks, work placements or field trips

• interviewing people who've applied to study the course you teach

• Get Into Teaching YouTube video – a day in the life of a further education teacher

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