Should you teach in further education? Take our quiz to find out

Are you ready to share your skills and experience with the next generation? Photograph: sturti/Getty Images

1. How much experience do you have in your current industry?

   1. I'm just getting started and learning the ropes.

   2. I've been working in the field for a while now and feel confident and competent.

   3. I've been here so long I’ve lost count - and interest.

2. What do you like best about your current job?

   1. Its variety and the fact every day is different.

   2. Its clear structure. I just like to turn up in the morning, do a good job and then leave.

   3. The free tea and biscuits.

3. Do you enjoy passing your knowledge on to others?

   1. Yes, I love sharing my expertise whenever I can.

   2. It depends who I’m passing it on to!

   3. No way. If I’m good at something, I keep it to myself.

4. Have you ever considered a portfolio career?

   1. A what?

   2. No thank you, one job’s enough for me!

   3. I could see myself with a few roles and income streams, yes.

5. How do you feel about the idea of applying the skills and experience you’ve acquired in your current industry in a dynamic new way?

   1. Very excited! I love what I do but I’m ready for a new challenge.

   2. I’m happy with where I’m at, thanks.

   3. Between us, I'm getting out of this industry as soon as I can.

6. Is it important for you to feel like you're giving something back to society?

   1. Absolutely. In fact, I’d love to find a way to do this more.

   2. I know it’s important … but it’s just not a priority for me right now.

   3. This isn't really something I am interested in spending time on.

7. Which of the following statements do you think is most true?

   1. Job success hinges on qualifications.

   2. You can’t beat real-world industry experience.

   3. Sadly, it’s always about who you know.

8. How important do you think age is in a work context?

   1. People in their 20s rarely have much to offer.

   2. Everyone should retire at 60 like they used to.

   3. Age is just a number, it has no relevance at all.

9. Would you like a new opportunity that could boost your career?

   1. Yes, definitely! Who wouldn’t?

   2. It depends what’s involved.

   3. Not really, I’m very happy where I am thanks!

Solutions

1:B - FE teachers are needed and recruited from a diverse array of professions, including construction, engineering, finance and accounting, digital/IT, legal, manufacturing, health/social care, floristry, journalism, bricklaying, beauty therapy, catering, computing and childcare – to name but a few. So if you have solid industry experience of at least two years and a desire to share your skills, there could be an FE teaching role with your name on it., 2:A - If you think variety is the spice of life, FE teaching will be right up your street. One day you could be delivering a lecture, the next, helping a student on their latest assignment. Or you might find yourself organising field trips, leading practical sessions in a workshop or assessing learners in a workplace., 3:A - Whether you’ve spent a lifetime working on construction sites or a few years as a tax accountant, working as an FE teacher is a great way to make more of what you know. You’ll get to impart your knowledge on a regular basis and see learners benefit from it in real time., 4:C - Teaching in FE can be as flexible as you like. Part-time and flexible contracts are readily available, meaning you can teach in FE alongside your current job. Although, of course, there’s always the opportunity to become a full-time FE teacher, if you wish., 5:A - Your skills are more valuable than you realise. If you’re passionate about your industry, you could well have the makings of a brilliant FE teacher. Having a genuine interest in your industry and being able to convey that passion to others is one of the key attributes needed for the role., 6:A - By teaching in FE, you can change lives without changing your career. Good quality FE teachers make a real difference to the achievement of their learners. You could be working with some of the most vulnerable people in society, teaching in community education centres or prisons, or training a teenage school leaver in a trade that will set them up for life., 7:B - In FE, the real-life experience you bring from your career is considered far more valuable than academic qualifications. Although you are likely to need to complete a teacher training course, you can start work as a salaried teacher straight away; some FE providers will fund all or part of your course fees, and you can do this on-the-job., 8:C - There is no upper or lower age limit for teaching in FE. In fact, as experience and enthusiasm are prized qualities, it’s a brilliant career choice for both up-and-comers (with at least two years of experience) and people who wish to do something meaningful as they approach retirement., 9:A - The skills and qualifications picked up as an FE teacher (think: teaching, designing courses, plus a raft of interpersonal skills) can enable you to progress in your current industry. You may also opt to become a senior lecturer or work in management.

Scores

1. 9 and above.

   Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

2. 8 and above.

   Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

3. 7 and above.

   Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

4. 6 and above.

   Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

5. 5 and above.

   Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

6. 4 and above.

   Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

7. 3 and above.

   Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

8. 2 and above.

   Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

9. 0 and above.

   Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

10. 1 and above.

    Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a way to make a difference to the lives of others, if you have industry experience, chances are there’s an FE teaching role near you with your name on it.

Intrigued? Find out more at teach-in-further-education.campaign.gov.uk