The further education and skills sector in the UK is constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of learners, the sector’s needs and requirements of the professionals. The biggest recent development has been the replacement of the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) with the new Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DiT).
Understanding the Background: From DTLLS to DET and Now DiT
Some awareness of the changes in the nature of teaching qualifications over time will help to understand the current picture of the qualifications. The Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) was a popular qualification some years ago, but it is no longer recognised. Following the changes in the sector, DTLLS was replaced by the Diploma in Education and Training (DET), which was the primary Level 5 diploma for teachers in FE, adult learning, work-based learning and training environments.
What is the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DiT)?
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching FE and Skills is the most recent full teaching qualification for anyone interested in working in teaching in the Further Education and Skills sector. The qualification has been developed to respond to the evolving needs of the workplace and is appropriate for the diverse contexts of teaching in the current education system. The settings cover by this Level 5 Teaching Diploma include further education colleges, independent training providers, adult education centres, apprenticeship providers, community learning, workplace training programmes and offender learning services.
Level 5 DET vs DiT: The Key Differences
Note that both the Level 5 DET and DiT qualifications aim to equip teaching professionals with effective teaching practices. The new qualification however, has been refreshed to reflect the requirements of the sector.
Stronger Alignment with Occupational Standards
The main difference is that DiT is directly connected with the new occupational standards for teachers. The qualification has been designed to help to meet the growing demand of employers for teaching professionals to have skills and competencies that are relevant to the further education and skills sector. The DiT is not intended to replace terminologies; rather, it is a reflection of a more holistic understanding of the nature of the work that professional teachers do.
Greater Focus on Contemporary Teaching Practice
The education industry has undergone a number of changes in the last 10 years. The use of digital learning spaces, blended learning, inclusive teaching and learning, learner-centred approaches have become a vital part of teaching and learning. The DiT qualification builds on these developments in a more comprehensive way than previous qualifications. It allows new teachers to be ready to implement modern teaching practice instead of old teaching models.
Enhanced Professional Identity
The other difference between the Level 5 DET and DiT is the professional identity. The title “Diploma in Teaching” emphasizes the teacher as a skilled and professional practitioner. This is an example of a shift in recognising the teaching profession in the FE and Skills sector as a specialist profession with individual career pathways and expectations.
Broader Sector Relevance
The new qualification has been developed to allow for the diversity of the teaching contexts in the Further Education and Skills sector. This includes vocational education, delivery of apprenticeships, adult learning, workplace training and specialist education provision. So, learners who have achieved the qualification have a range of transferable skills from the qualification.
Why Was DET Replaced by DiT?
DET was replaced by DiT, it is not an administrative change. There are a number of reasons why the new qualification has been introduced.
Responding to Sector Changes
DET was replaced by DiT, it is not an administrative change. There are a number of reasons why the new qualification has been introduced.
Raising Professional Standards
Continual improvement, evidence-based practice and professional practice has been a growing theme in the FE and Skills sector. Through reflective teaching, professional learning and high quality learner engagement, these priorities can be promoted, achieved and supported by the DiT qualification.
Supporting Workforce Development
Skilled teachers in colleges, training providers, apprenticeship providers and adult learning services are becoming more in demand. The new Level 5 Diploma in Teaching FE and Skills qualification will enable both individuals and the workforce to be ready for the demands and opportunities of the 21st century.
What Does This Mean for Existing DET Holders?
A common question that arises: will those who already have the DET qualification have to retrain? Most answers to these questions are no! Diploma in Education and Training is still recognised and respected. Teachers who are validly qualified in the profession by having a DET qualification obtained before this have a valid teaching qualification that shows their competence in the profession. Previously gained qualifications are not cancelled out by the introduction of DiT. Rather, it provides a new avenue for those wishing to pursue a career in the future.
Is DiT the New DTTLS Replacement?
For many years, DET was viewed by many as the logical replacement for DTLLS in the context of the changes in the teacher training qualifications in the lifelong learning sector. With the introduction of DiT, the qualification pathway is now once again altered. It is, in layman’s terms, a Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS), a Diploma in Education and Training (DET), and has recently been renamed a Diploma in Teaching (DiT). The DiT qualification is the latest pathway for entry to the Further Education and Skills sector as a qualified teacher.
Career Opportunities After Completing the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching FE and Skills
There are several different routes into teaching which can come from a level 5 Diploma in Teaching FE and Skills. Further education lecturer, adult education tutor, vocational trainer, apprenticeship tutor, learning and development practitioner, skills coach, workplace trainer, community education tutor are some of the career options. As you gain more experience, the qualification can be used to help progress to roles in curriculum leadership, quality assurance, mentoring and teacher development.