Further education lecturer
Help people learn new skills and get qualifications that'll improve their job prospects.
Also known as: further education tutor, further education teacher

About the job
What it's like
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
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Get Into Teaching YouTube video – a day in the life of a further education teacher
Disclosure Scotland – learn more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Education
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- mentoring
- coaching
- ethical
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- written communication
- verbal communication
- supporting

Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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English
Your route into this job depends on the subject you intend to teach.
If you want to lecture in an academic subject, you’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant area. Having industry or commercial experience is advantageous.
Want to teach a vocational subject? Getting relevant qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a lecturing job or progress to more advanced study. You'll be expected to have industry or commercial experience.
Most further education lecturers have a teaching qualification of some kind. The two most popular courses are the Teaching Qualification in Further Education and the Professional Development Award (PDA) in Teaching Practice in Scotland's Colleges.
Whatever type of course you're looking for, use the My World of Work course search to explore what's out there.
A teaching qualification is useful but not essential.
It helps if you're a confident, engaging, articulate and well-organised person.
You must be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
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