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If you’re looking to jumpstart a career in teaching or training, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is your golden ticket. Whether you’re transitioning into education from another industry or just getting started in the world of teaching, this qualification is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed. But what can you really do with it? Spoiler: a lot more than you might think!
In this guide, we’ll break down the incredible career options that await you after completing your AET, as well as provide a deep dive into the curriculum, so you know exactly what to expect from the course.
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is a gateway qualification for anyone who wishes to teach or train adults. It’s perfect for individuals with little to no prior teaching experience who want to learn the ropes of teaching in further education (FE), adult learning, or even corporate settings. It’s also a great way for professionals who’ve been informally training others to formalise their teaching credentials.
Formerly known as PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector), the AET is now one of the most sought-after entry-level qualifications in the education sector, opening doors to a variety of teaching and training roles.
The Career Pathways After Completing the Level 3 AET
1. Teach in Further Education Colleges
One of the most common routes after earning your AET is teaching in further education (FE) colleges. FE colleges provide vocational and skills-based education for adults, and as a qualified teacher, you can deliver courses that range from healthcare to IT to construction.
Why FE Teaching Is So Rewarding: You’ll be working with adult learners who are motivated to learn new skills, whether to advance their careers or switch professions. Plus, teaching adults brings fewer behavioural challenges than you’d expect in schools—these learners want to be there, which makes for a rewarding teaching experience.
2. Move Into Corporate Training
Businesses are constantly evolving, and with that comes the need for training and development. As a qualified trainer, you can work within organisations to deliver in-house training on a variety of subjects, such as leadership, project management, or even soft skills like communication. Companies also hire trainers to deliver external courses for their staff, so the opportunities are vast.
Why Corporate Training Is a Smart Move: In the corporate world, you’ll find a steady demand for trainers who can upskill employees and improve workplace productivity. You can apply your AET qualification to fields like HR, management, and even tech sectors, depending on your expertise.
3. Freelance and Consultancy Work
Fancy the idea of being your own boss? The AET qualification allows you to offer your services as a freelance trainer or educational consultant. Freelance trainers are often hired by organisations, community centres, and private clients to deliver courses on various subjects. You can choose your schedule, set your rates, and work with clients who align with your expertise.
Educational Consultancy: As an educational consultant, you’ll advise schools, businesses, and educational organisations on how to improve their teaching practices or training programmes. This role offers flexibility and allows you to leverage your experience in education.
4. Delivering Online Courses
In today’s fast-paced digital world, online learning is booming, and it’s not going anywhere. With your Level 3 AET, you’ll be in an excellent position to design and deliver online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare are constantly on the lookout for skilled instructors who can provide high-quality content for learners worldwide.
Why Online Teaching Is the Future: The pandemic has accelerated the demand for online learning, and with the flexibility to teach from anywhere, it’s a fantastic option for those looking to reach a global audience while enjoying the perks of remote work.
A Closer Look at the AET Curriculum
So, what does the Level 3 Award in Education and Training actually cover? Let’s dive into the curriculum.
Unit 1: Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training
This unit covers the foundations of teaching, exploring the roles and responsibilities of a teacher or trainer within an education or training institution. You’ll learn about the legal and regulatory requirements, understand how to create an inclusive learning environment, and navigate the teacher-student relationship professionally.
Key Topics Covered:
- Legislation and codes of practice in teaching
- Equality and diversity in the classroom
- The professional boundaries of a teacher
- Managing different learning needs in an inclusive manner
What You’ll Gain: You’ll walk away with a strong grasp of your responsibilities as a teacher, from safeguarding learners to ensuring you meet your institution’s legal obligations.
Unit 2: Understanding and Using Inclusive Teaching and Learning Approaches in Education and Training
This unit focuses on the actual delivery of teaching and training. You’ll learn how to plan and deliver effective lessons using inclusive teaching approaches that meet the needs of all learners. This is where you’ll hone your practical skills, ensuring your teaching methods engage learners of all backgrounds and abilities.
Key Topics Covered:
- Designing inclusive lesson plans
- Delivering engaging and varied teaching sessions
- Adapting teaching styles for diverse learning needs
- Using feedback and assessments to enhance learning
What You’ll Gain: By the end of this unit, you’ll have the confidence to create dynamic lessons that cater to all learners, ensuring that everyone is able to thrive in your classroom.
Unit 3: Understanding Assessment in Education and Training
This unit dives into the art and science of assessment. You’ll learn about the different types of assessment (formative and summative), how to design assessments that measure learner progress, and how to give effective feedback that encourages improvement.
Key Topics Covered:
- Different types of assessment and their purposes
- Designing fair and valid assessments
- Understanding the role of feedback in learning
- The importance of maintaining records of learner progress
What You’ll Gain: A solid understanding of how to assess learners effectively, ensuring they meet learning objectives and that your teaching methods are making an impact.
Progression After the Level 3 AET
Once you’ve completed your Level 3 Award in Education and Training, the world doesn’t stop there. If you’re hungry for more, you can progress to higher qualifications, such as the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) or the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET). These qualifications will allow you to take on more advanced teaching roles and potentially teach in more formal educational settings, including schools and universities.
Why Progressing Is Worth It: More qualifications often mean more career options, higher salaries, and a stronger CV. If you’re serious about making a long-term career out of teaching and training, progressing to higher levels will only add to your professional toolkit.
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Level 3 AET
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an incredibly versatile qualification. Whether you’re looking to teach, train, freelance, or take your first step into the world of education, this award gives you the foundation you need to succeed. With a wide range of career options and the potential to progress further, the AET is not just a qualification—it’s the start of something much bigger.
So, are you ready to open the door to new opportunities? Get started on your AET journey with The Teachers Training and make your mark on the education world today.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Level 3 Award in Education and Training
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is an entry-level qualification for individuals who want to teach or train adults. It is designed for those with little or no prior teaching experience and covers the essential skills needed to teach, assess, and support learners effectively.
This qualification is ideal for:
a) People who want to start a career in teaching or training.
b) Professionals looking to formalise their teaching skills.
c) Individuals interested in teaching adults in further education, corporate training, or freelance consulting.
Once you complete the Level 3 AET, you can:
- Teach in further education colleges or adult education centres.
- Become a corporate trainer or in-house trainer for businesses.
- Work as a freelance trainer or educational consultant.
- Deliver online courses or webinars.
- Progress to higher qualifications, such as the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.
The duration of the course varies depending on the learner. On average, it can take between 2 to 6 months to complete.Â
The curriculum covers key areas such as:
Understanding roles and responsibilities in teaching and training.
Planning and delivering lessons, including inclusive teaching strategies.
Assessment practices: Understanding how to assess learners and provide effective feedback.
The course focuses on practical teaching skills, including how to create lesson plans, manage a classroom, and support different learning styles.
Yes, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an Ofqual-regulated qualification. This means that the course meets the national standards set by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), ensuring its credibility and recognition across the UK.
The Level 3 AET is a 12-credit qualification. This means it’s a concise but robust qualification that demonstrates a substantial commitment to your professional development and ability to teach effectively.
No, the Level 3 AET is designed for beginners. No prior teaching experience is required. The qualification provides a solid foundation for those new to teaching or looking to formalise their training expertise.
The Level 3 AET qualifies you to teach adults in further education and training settings. If you want to teach in schools (primary or secondary), you would need to pursue additional qualifications such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Assessment typically includes a combination of written assignments, practical teaching observations, and reflective journal entries. You may also need to demonstrate your teaching skills in real-world scenarios or classroom settings.
There are no strict entry requirements for the Level 3 AET. However, you should have good communication skills, a passion for teaching or training, and the ability to work with adults from various backgrounds.
Yes, the Level 3 AET is an Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised qualification awarded by various awarding bodies, including Focus Awards. It is highly regarded within the education and training industry.
Yes! Once you have completed the Level 3 AET, you can start working as an adult educator, corporate trainer, or even as a freelance consultant. However, gaining practical teaching experience will help build your confidence and expand your career opportunities.
Absolutely! After completing the Level 3 AET, you can progress to higher qualifications such as:
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET), which is more focused on advanced teaching techniques.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET), which qualifies you for teaching in more formal settings like schools or higher education institutions.
Yes, the Level 3 AET opens doors to many teaching and training opportunities in both education and corporate sectors. With the demand for skilled trainers growing, having this qualification significantly enhances your employability.
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