The UK manufacturing sector is facing a critical challenge as 97% of manufacturers say that hiring and retaining skilled labour is holding back business growth. One solution to help combat this issue is for more experienced industry professionals to consider teaching in Further Education (FE), where they can pass on their real-world skills and industry experience to the next generation of talent.
Further Education is education for learners aged 16 and over who aren’t in school or studying for a degree. In settings such as colleges, FE offers a variety of teaching roles across a range of technical, vocational and academic subjects, with teaching opportunities ranging from classroom-based lessons to practical workshops and workplace-based training.
As an FE teacher, you’ll help learners gain qualifications such as T-Levels, apprenticeships, using your real-world experience to bring learning to life. You can teach a wide range of specialism within manufacturing such as welding, mechanical engineering, health and safety and many more.
Plus, teaching in FE is a great opportunity for those looking for new development opportunities alongside their current career, those nearing retirement but wanting to stay connected to their industry, or people seeking a less physical role within their sector.
Hear from Zuzana Peppett, who spent 25 years in the manufacturing and engineering industry before pivoting her career to FE teaching:
“I decided to pivot my career into FE teaching to share my experience of the manufacturing industry with the next generation and help them build meaningful career paths,” she explains.
Although teaching wasn’t part of her original career, Zuzana saw the value of her industry skills: “My background helps me bring theory to life and prepare students for the realities of the workplace – from technical knowledge to professional skills. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how sharing my experience helps learners succeed.”
Her journey is a reminder that teaching in FE is a great way to help combat skills shortages and inspire the next generation of manufacturing professionals!
Also, you don’t always need prior teaching qualifications to start teaching in FE – you can undertake training on the job, often funded by your employer, and start earning straight away!
Get involved Why not consider sharing your knowledge where it matters most – helping to inspire the next generation of workers in the field you love? Visit the Teach in FE website to find out more.