A career in education offers a variety of options from inspiring tots at nursery school to lecturing university students…
Education is one of the most important aspects of modern society, helping to provide people with better long-term prospects, both in terms of career and general life. Occupations within education cover all stages, ranging from nursery and primary school through to university.
Many jobs in education and training are about using your communication skills and knowledge to help people to develop and learn. So whether you like working with children or training people in sports, this is a field where you can use your knowledge and skills to help others. Some of the roles available include:
Education Technician
Education Technicians work in schools, colleges and universities. They support science, design and technology, art and information technology (IT) teachers, by preparing the necessary equipment and materials and helping in practical lessons.
You’ll need: To get into this job, you will need a good standard of general education– for example GCSEs.
Some employers may ask for higher qualifications like A-levels or equivalent. You may be able to get into this work through an apprenticeship.
You’ll also need to pass Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
You’ll earn: £14,000-£28,000.
Moreinfo: nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/educationtechnician
English Language Teacher
As an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) Teacher, you would help students to learn or improve their English skills and their knowledge of British culture.
If you enjoy meeting people from different countries and backgrounds, and you want a teaching role, this job could be perfect for you.
You’ll need: An excellent standard of English will be required, and some employers will expect you to have a degree. This does not need to be in any particular subject, but English, linguistics, modern foreign languages and education studies can be useful. If you are planning on working overseas, a TEFL qualification will improve your chances of finding a job.
The most commonly accepted minimum TEFL qualifications are: Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), Trinity CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
You’ll earn: £13,000-£27,000.
More info: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk
Prison Instructors
Also known as Instructional Officers, these Teachers help prisoners to gain skills that could help them find employment after their release. In this job you need to be able to build good relationships with prisoners and persuade them of the benefits of education.
You’ll need: Good communication skills and patience are essential, as is specialist subject knowledge, or experience in a trade such as carpentry or IT.
You will need to have, or be prepared to work towards, a teaching qualification. You will also need at least a Level 3 vocational qualification in your specialist area. In addition, you’ll have to meet other entry criteria for working in HM prisons, including clearance from the DBS.
You’ll earn: £17,000-£27,000.
More info: gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-prison-service
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teachers
Here, you’ll work with children and young people who need extra support with their learning. Your pupils could have emotional or behavioural problems, mild to moderate learning difficulties or physical disabilities.
You’ll help them to develop their self confidence, as well as preparing their lessons, organising outings and social events and marking work.
You’ll need: To work as an SEN Teacher in a state-maintained school, you’ll have to be a qualified Teacher with mainstream teaching experience.
You’ll also be expected to complete the ‘Mandatory Qualification’ (MQ) within three years of starting in an SEN post. This qualification is required to work specifically with pupils who have special educational needs.
You’ll earn: £22,466 to £33,159.
More info: education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
Early Years Teacher
Also known as Nursery Teachers, this involves working with children aged from birth to five years in day nurseries, children’s centres and independent nursery schools. You’ll plan, organise and run a wide range of learning and play activities for young children in a safe and supportive setting.
You’ll need: A clear understanding of how young children learn will be required, as well as the ability to work closely with parents, teachers and other professionals. You’ll also need to be full of creative ideas.
Plus you must complete early-years initial teacher training and demonstrate that you’ve met the teachers’ standards (early years). For this, you will normally need a degree and also GCSEs (A*-C) in English, maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications.
You will also need to pass DBS checks.
You’ll earn: £18,000-£23,000.
More info: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options/become-an-early-years-teacher
Montessori Teacher
This is a method of learning that helps very young children to grow in confidence, at their own pace. The ethos follows the methods and ideas that were developed in the last century by the Italian educator, physician and innovator Maria Montessori.
You’ll need: To get into this job, you’ll have to have a good general standard of education, with passes in English and maths, followed by a specialist Montessori course.
You can start this course from age 17, though many Teachers come into this role from a wide variety of different former careers. You’ll also need patience, enthusiasm, a caring nature and good organisational skills.
You’ll earn: £18,000-£25,000.
More info: montessorisociety.org.uk
