If you’re thinking about starting a career in teaching or training, an award in education and training course might be exactly what you need. Whether you’re completely new to teaching or already working in the education sector, a Level 3 award in education and training can give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
In this guide, we’ll explain what an award in education and training is, who it’s for, what you’ll learn, and how it can help your teaching career move forward. We’ll also look at different levels, online options, and the jobs you can get after finishing the course.
What is the Award in Education and Training?
An award in education and training is a teaching qualification designed for people who are new to teaching or training. It’s sometimes called AET, and it replaced the older PTLLS qualification (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector). This qualification gives you an introduction to teaching and helps you understand the basic skills you’ll need to work in the education sector.
The award in education and training course covers the knowledge and skills required by teachers and trainers. It’s not just about learning theory—it focuses on practical teaching methods and real-world teaching practice. The qualification allows candidates to progress into employment as lecturers, trainers, or assessors.
You can take an award in education and training course at different levels. The most common is the Level 3 award in education and training, but you’ll also find Level 2, Level 4, and Level 5 options. Some training providers offer free award in education and training courses, while others charge a fee. Many people now take their award in education and training online, making it easier to fit study around work and life.
Who Should Take a Level 3 Award in Education and Training?
A Level 3 award in education and training is perfect for several types of people. If you’re completely new to teaching or training, this qualification will give you the foundation you need. It’s ideal for individuals currently teaching and training who want to gain a formal qualification that provides an introduction to teaching.
You might be looking to teach in the adult education sector, further education colleges, or independent training providers. Perhaps you’re already working as an assessor and want to develop your teaching skills. Or maybe you’re working in a vocational field and want to teach others what you know.
This qualification is also great if you already work in the lifelong learning sector and want to become more confident in your teaching role. People who have already achieved some learning and development experience often find this course really helpful. It gives structure and professional confidence to the skills you’ve already picked up through experience.
You don’t need any teaching experience to start. Individuals currently working in completely different fields can take this course to move into a teaching career. Whether you’re a trainee or an experienced professional in your field, the award in education and training course is designed to help you learn effective teaching methods.
Entry Requirements for the Award in Education and Training Course
The good news is that entry requirements for an award in education and training course are quite straightforward. Most training providers don’t ask for any specific qualifications before you start.
You’ll usually just need to be able to read, write, and understand English at a basic level. Some providers might ask you to take a simple assessment to check this. If you’re already teaching, they may ask for some details about your teaching experience, but this isn’t always required.
Many people worry that they need previous qualifications or teaching experience. You don’t. The course is specifically designed for people new to teaching or training. If you’re keen to learn teaching skills and willing to put in the effort, you can apply for a level 3 award in education and training course.
Age requirements are usually minimal too. You just need to be old enough to be working or studying. Some providers set a minimum age of 16 or 18, but this varies.
Course Content and What You’ll Learn
The course content of an award in education and training covers the main areas you need to know as a new teacher or trainer. Let’s look at what you’ll actually study.
Teaching Methods and Learning Approaches
You’ll learn about different teaching methods and how to choose the right one for your learners. This includes understanding inclusive teaching and learning—making sure everyone in your class can access the material, no matter their background or learning style. You’ll explore teaching and learning approaches that work for different groups of people.
Planning and Delivering Teaching
One of the most practical parts of the course is learning how to plan and deliver lessons effectively. You’ll understand how to plan lessons that are interesting and achieve learning goals. The course teaches you how to plan and deliver inclusive lessons that work for everyone in your group.
Assessment and Feedback
Understanding the principles and practices of assessment is crucial. You’ll learn how to assess learner progress, give useful feedback, and understand why assessment matters. You’ll study the principles and practices of assessment so you can measure whether your learners are making progress.
Teaching Practice and Microteaching
Many courses include actual teaching practice. You might do microteaching—teaching short lessons to other people on the course—so you can practise in a safe environment. This teaching practice is where the real learning happens. You’ll usually get feedback on your teaching skills from experienced tutors.
Roles and Responsibilities
You’ll learn about the roles and responsibilities of teachers and trainers. This includes understanding your responsibilities to learners, employers, and the wider education and skills sector.
Course Details
Most award in education and training courses take between 12 and 24 weeks to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. Course information varies by provider, but the qualification itself is standardised.
Award in Education and Training Online: How It Works
Many people now take their award in education and training online, and this option is perfect if you’re busy with work or family commitments. An online course gives you flexibility that classroom-based learning might not.
When you study an award in education and training course online, you’ll access materials through an online portal. You can work through course content whenever suits you best. Most courses still require some face-to-face teaching practice, either in person or through video calls, but the theory part happens online.
Online course options usually include video lessons, written materials, and discussion forums where you can talk to other learners. You’ll submit assignments and assessments through the online portal. Some providers offer award in education and training course online free, though you’ll usually find paid options have better support.
The advantage of studying online is flexibility. You can fit the course around your existing job and commitments. Whether you’re looking for award in education and training course level 2, level 3, level 4, or level 5 online options, most providers now offer these. You can look for courses award in education and training course near me if you want some in-person support alongside online learning.
Career Opportunities After Achieving Your Award
Once you’ve completed your award in education and training, lots of doors open. Many people ask: what can I do with a Level 3 award in education and training? The answer is—quite a lot!
Teaching Roles
With your qualification, you can work as a lecturer in colleges. You might teach in further education or adult education settings. Some people use their qualification to teach in the lifelong learning sector more widely. You could teach in a college course, a training provider, or an independent training provider.
Training and Development
Many organisations need people to train their staff. You could work in learning and development, teaching company employees new skills. This might be vocational training—teaching practical job skills—or other types of professional development.
Assessor and Mentor Roles
With your qualification, you can work as an assessor, checking whether learners have achieved their learning goals. Some people progress to mentor roles, supporting new staff or learners. Your teaching qualification helps you understand how to assess fairly and support people’s learning.
Further Study
If you want to progress further, you can move on to a Level 4 certificate in education and training or even a Level 5 qualification. These qualifications allow candidates to progress into more advanced teaching and training roles.
What job can I get with a Level 3 award in education and training? You could be a trainer, lecturer, assessor, learning and development officer, or mentor. What job can I get with a Level 5 award in education and training? Higher-level positions in education management, curriculum development, or senior training roles.
Level 3 vs Other Award Levels
It’s important to understand the differences between award levels, so you choose the right one for you.
Level 2 Award in Education and Training
The Level 2 award is the entry level. It’s perfect if you want an introduction to teaching but don’t need a higher qualification yet. It covers basic teaching methods and skills. This is often the first full level people take if they have no teaching experience at all.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training
The Level 3 award in education and training is the most common qualification. It goes deeper than Level 2 and gives you proper teaching credentials. Most employers in the education sector recognise this as a solid teaching qualification.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
At Level 4, you get a certificate rather than just an award. This is a step up in complexity and shows more advanced teaching knowledge. Many people move from Level 3 to Level 4 to develop their skills further.
Level 5 Award in Education and Training
What is a Level 5 award in education and training? It’s an advanced qualification for experienced teachers and trainers. What is a Level 5 award in education and training used for? It prepares you for senior roles, management positions, or specialist teaching areas.
Most people start at Level 2 or Level 3, then progress to Level 4 or Level 5 as they gain experience. You don’t have to take them in order, but it’s usually sensible to start with Level 3 if you’ve got some teaching experience already.
Is This Course Right for You?
The award in education and training course is flexible, but it’s not right for everyone. Let’s think about whether it suits your situation.
This course is ideal if you’re new to teaching or training and want formal qualifications. It’s perfect for you if you’re working in a vocational field and want to teach others. The course works well if you’re already teaching informally and want to make it official.
The qualification is designed for people who intend to teach. If you’re completely sure you want a teaching career, this is a great first step. Maybe you’re currently working as an assessor or in learning and development, and want to add teaching credentials—this course does exactly that.
Independent training providers, education colleges, and college courses all employ people with these qualifications. If you want to work in further education or adult education settings, this qualification helps you access those jobs.
The course also suits people with teaching hours experience who want formal recognition. Whether you’re studying part-time course options or full-time options, you’ll find providers that match your needs.
How to Choose Your Award Level
Choosing between Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 can seem confusing. Here’s a simple guide.
Choose Level 2 if: You’re completely new to teaching and want a basic introduction. You don’t need advanced qualifications yet. You want the shortest course possible.
Choose Level 3 if: You have some teaching experience already. You want the most commonly recognised qualification. You’re planning a proper teaching career. You want to progress to Level 4 or 5 later.
Choose Level 4 if: You’ve already done Level 3. You want to advance your teaching practice. You’re aiming for senior or specialist roles.
Choose Level 5 if: You’re already experienced in teaching. You want to move into management or advanced roles. You’re ready for advanced learning and development study.
Remember, some providers offer free award in education and training options, especially at Level 2. Others charge fees that vary by level. Look for award in education and training course near me to see what’s available locally, or search for online options if you prefer studying at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Award in Education and Training
What is the award in education and training?
It’s a teaching qualification for people new to teaching or training. It gives you knowledge and skills required by teachers and trainers in the education and skills sector. The course provides an introduction to teaching methods, assessment, and professional responsibilities.
What can I do with a Level 3 award in education and training?
With a Level 3 award, you can work as a trainer, lecturer, assessor, or learning and development officer. You can teach in colleges, training providers, or adult education settings. Many people progress to further qualifications or more senior roles.
What job can I get with a Level 5 award in education and training?
A Level 5 qualification opens doors to senior teaching positions, curriculum development roles, training management, and education leadership positions. You could also move into specialist teaching areas or work as a mentor for other teachers.
What is a Level 5 award in education and training?
It’s an advanced qualification for experienced educators. It covers advanced teaching practice, leadership in education, and specialist knowledge. It’s for people ready to move beyond basic teaching into more complex roles.
Can I study an award in education and training course online?
Yes, many providers offer online courses. You’ll access materials through an online portal, watch videos, and submit work online. Some online courses still include face-to-face teaching practice sessions.
How long does the course take?
Most award courses take 12-24 weeks depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. Some providers offer flexible timing where you can progress at your own pace.
Can I do this part-time?
Yes, most providers offer part-time course options. This makes it easier to fit study around work and other commitments. Part-time study usually takes longer but is more manageable if you’re busy.
Is there a free award in education and training course?
Some providers offer free courses, particularly at Level 2. These may be funded by the government or by charities. Check with your local college or training provider for free options in your area.
Next Steps and Call to Action
If you’re thinking about a teaching career, an award in education and training course is a brilliant first step. Whether you’re completely new to teaching or already working in the education sector, this qualification can help you develop professional skills and boost your confidence.
You now understand what the course covers, who it’s for, and what jobs you can get afterwards. The next step is to find a provider that matches your needs. Look for Level 3 award in education and training courses near you, or explore online options if that suits your lifestyle better.
Ready to start your teaching journey? Take time to research different training providers and compare their course content, teaching methods, and support. Think about whether you prefer full-time or part-time study, online or face-to-face learning. Consider which level is right for your experience and goals.
Your teaching career could start today. An award in education and training gives you the qualification, the knowledge, and the confidence to teach effectively. The education sector needs skilled, qualified trainers and teachers. That could be you.
