How to Change Career into Teaching: Step-by-Step Guide Using Teacher Training Online
- sadiecubitt3
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Are you thinking about getting into teaching and completing your teacher training online?
Are you thinking about a career change into teaching? Many professionals reach a point where they want to share their knowledge, inspire others, and build a rewarding career in education. If you’re considering teaching in further education or adult learning, the good news is that there are structured routes, like teacher training online to get you qualified — even if you’re starting from scratch.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps, focusing on the Award, Certificate, and Diploma in Education and Training — the main teacher training courses designed for those moving into the further education sector and how to do this teacher training online.
Step 1: Understand Where You Can Teach
If you’re interested in working in further education (colleges, sixth forms, apprenticeships, or adult learning), you don’t need to go through the same route as school teachers. Instead, you can take a specialist teacher training course tailored for the FE and skills sector. These focus on practical teaching skills, lesson planning, and assessment methods, rather than school-based subjects.
Step 2: Choose the Right Qualification
There are three main stages of teacher training for further education:
Award in Education and Training (AET)
Entry-level qualification, often the first step into teaching.
Covers the essentials of teacher training, such as lesson planning, delivering short sessions, and understanding learner needs.
Perfect if you want to “test the waters” before committing further.
Certificate in Education and Training (CET)
Builds on the Award with a greater focus on practical teaching.
Involves delivering real lessons and gathering feedback.
Ideal if you’re already in a teaching role or looking to secure teacher training jobs in further education.
Diploma in Education and Training (DET)
The most advanced of the three, equivalent to the first year of a degree.
Offers in-depth training, professional development, and the chance to progress towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.
Suitable if you’re committed to building a long-term career in education.
Step 3: Decide How You Want to Study
Flexibility is key for career changers. You can study a teacher training course online, in person, or through blended learning. Many people find online training ideal because it allows them to fit learning around work and family commitments, without having to attend weekly classroom sessions.
At Cubitt Education, our teacher training online courses include:
Structured online learning: You’ll work through interactive modules covering all of the teacher training essentials at your own pace.
Dedicated assessor support: You’ll be allocated an assessor who will guide you through the programme, answer questions, and provide tailored feedback to help you succeed.
On-the-job observations: As part of your course at level 4 or above, you’ll complete teaching practice in your workplace or placement. An allocated mentor will observe your sessions, ensuring you gain real, practical experience that meets qualification requirements.
Ongoing feedback and encouragement: Your mentor and assessor will support you in developing confidence, refining your teaching style, and meeting the standards required for further education teaching.
This approach combines the flexibility of online study with the accountability and personalised guidance of in-person support. It’s designed to help you feel confident, competent, and well-prepared to apply for teacher training jobs in the further education sector.
Step 4: Gain Teaching Experience
To move beyond the Award, you’ll need practical teaching hours. Some training providers arrange placements, while others expect you to find your own. Volunteering in a college, training organisation, or community project is a great way to build confidence and strengthen your CV for teacher training jobs.
Step 5: Apply for Roles in Further Education
Once you’ve completed your teacher training essentials, you can start applying for teacher training jobs in colleges, apprenticeship training centres, and adult learning providers. Depending on your background, you might specialise in your subject area (for example, business, health and social care, construction, or IT). Employers value industry experience, so your previous career can actually make you a stronger candidate.
Step 6: Keep Progressing
After gaining the Diploma in Education and Training, many teachers go on to apply for QTLS status, which is a professional recognition in the sector. This can enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your commitment to teaching and learning. Cubitt Education and your designated assessor can help with this.
Final Thoughts
Changing career into teaching is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. By starting with the Award, Certificate, and Diploma in Education and Training, you’ll build the confidence, skills, and qualifications needed to thrive in the further education sector. Whether you study in person or take a teacher training course online, these pathways provide the teacher training essentials to help you secure teacher training jobs and start making a difference in learners’ lives.
If you’re ready to share your knowledge, inspire others, and take on a new challenge, teacher training for further education could be the perfect next step in your career journey.
Written By Sadie Walters
Director of Cubitt Education Ltd
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