The PTLLS qualification is now known as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) and has become one of the most popular entry routes into teaching and training roles across the UK. This qualification is for those who wish to start a career in education, workplace training and vocational education for learners aged 16 and over, giving them the skills and confidence to work in this field.
The PTLLS qualification provides a variety of teaching opportunities for anyone, from an experienced professional who wants to share their knowledge to a new entrant to the education industry. There are a range of courses available including vocational courses, training in the workplace, and adult education, making PTLLS a good starting point for anyone looking to become a trainer or tutor.
Understanding the PTLLS Qualification: From PTLLS to AET
PTLLS, short for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector was replaced with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) in 2013. The qualification title has changed but the purpose of the course has remained the same – to equip people for teaching or training in further education and skills-based settings, to adult learners.
The course will provide an introduction to the key principles of teaching such as:
- Lesson planning and delivery
- Inclusive teaching methods
- Classroom management
- Assessment techniques
- Understanding learner needs
- Roles and responsibilities in education and training
The Qualification is suitable for those who are interested in teaching in colleges, private training organisations , community learning settings or in a workplace environment.
What Can I Teach with PTLLS?
One of the most frequently asked questions by learners is: “What can I teach with PTLLS?”
This is largely dependent on your own occupational competence, industry experience and existing qualifications. The PTLLS is a teaching qualification rather than a subject-specific qualification, so it is often possible to teach subjects where you have existing professional knowledge and expertise.
For instance, a beauty therapist could provide beauty training courses and an experienced health and social care worker could teach care qualifications or workplace training programmes.
Popular Subjects You Can Teach with PTLLS
Upon achieving a PTLLS qualification, a learner can progress into a range of teaching and training roles in a range of sectors and industries. Some of the most prevalent topics are:
Health and Social Care
PTLLS is typically used by experienced carers, nurses or healthcare professionals to gain the qualifications needed to be a trainer or assessor in the care sector.
Construction and Trades
Trainers can provide practical and theoretical training in construction-oriented topics by professionals who have experiences with the trade.
Beauty and Hairdressing
Salon Owners and beauty professionals often take the PTLLS to train beauty apprentices or offer recognised beauty courses.
Business and Administration
Those who have experience in office management/administration can teach business skills, customer service or employability qualifications.
Hospitality and Catering
PTLLS is suitable for all chefs, hospitality managers and catering professionals to teach practical hospitality skills.
First Aid Training
Teaching qualifications are frequently needed by medical staff and first-aid practitioners to teach accredited first-aid courses.
Functional Skills and Employability
Tutors may work with students who need support in English, maths, ICT, communication skills and preparation for the workplace.
Security Industry Training
Individuals employed in the private security sector often undertake PTLLS prior to the delivery of SIA training courses.
PTLLS Teaching Opportunities Across the UK
The PTLLS qualification opens up opportunities in public and private education. A great number of learners successfully finish the course to start their part-time teaching, freelance training or instruction in their workplace.
The following are some common PTLLS qualified teacher roles:
- Adult Education Tutor
- Workplace Trainer
- Vocational Skills Tutor
- Functional Skills Tutor
- Community Learning Tutor
- Online Course Instructor
- Teaching Assistant Trainer
- Employability Skills Coach
- Staff Development Trainer
- Private Course Provider
The flexibility of the qualification enables learners to be employed in classroom, training centre, online learning and/or workplace settings.
PTLLS Jobs and Career Options
Learners take PTLLS to enhance their career prospects or transition to training and education careers within their current industries.
What Jobs Can I Get with PTLLS?
The flexibility of the qualification enables learners to be employed in classroom, training centre, online learning and/or workplace settings.
- Associate Tutor
- Session Tutor
- Training Officer
- Learning and Development Trainer
- Assessor (with additional assessor qualifications)
- Internal Staff Trainer
- Freelance Vocational Trainer
- Adult Learning Facilitator
Employers values PTLLS as it shows an understanding of how learners are engaged and the professional standards of teaching.
Why Employers Value PTLLS Qualified Trainers
Training providers, colleges, and employers prefer trainers who understand effective teaching and assessment methods. The PTLLS qualification shows that an individual has the ability to:
- Plan structured learning sessions
- Deliver engaging teaching
- Support a variety of student needs
- Apply suitable assessment techniques
- Ensure good professional practice in teaching
Many companies doing training will view PTLLS or AET as the lowest standard they need trainers to meet if they are delivering accredited qualifications.
PTLLS Teaching Requirements in the UK
While PTLLS is an excellent starting point, employers might also require individuals to have:
Relevant vocational qualifications
Good communication skills
Additional assessor or IQA qualifications for assessment roles
Industry experience
DBS clearance where required
For those entering the teaching profession, the skills and knowledge gained from the practical industry knowledge, combined with the formal teaching knowledge gained in the classroom make PTLLS a great match for the sector.
PTLLS Course Career Path: Progressing Beyond Entry-Level Teaching
This progression pathway allows those who successfully complete it to move into senior teaching, curriculum management, assessor or quality assurance roles.
Is PTLLS Worth It?
Many people who wish to become trainers and educators find that PTLLS is an excellent qualification to invest in, which can lead to flexible and rewarding careers. This qualification is useful for learners who wish to share their industry knowledge, embark on a training business or have a career in adult education.
Nationally recognised teaching qualification
Entry route into adult education and training
Improved career opportunities
Flexibility to teach in multiple sectors
Enhanced confidence and skills in teaching
Opportunity to progress into higher teaching qualifications
The qualification not only imparts teaching skills, but it also boosts communication, presentation and leadership skills that are highly beneficial in a variety of professions.
Final Thoughts
The PTLLS remains one of the most popular and recognised entry qualifications for those new to education and training. PTLLS can b e used to start your career in vocational courses, Workplace training and Adult education tutoring. As more and more industries are becoming interested in skilled trainers, PTLLS will open up new and exciting teaching opportunities, as well as enhance your career and employment outlook in education and training.