Can I teach adults with an AET qualification? Yes, you can! The Level 3 Award in Education and Training gives you a great starting point for training adults in the UK. It teaches you how to plan lessons, support learners and check their progress clearly.
So, where can you actually work? You can train staff in workplaces, adult learning centres, private training groups, or even online. However, this is an introductory award, so you also need good subject knowledge or work experience. It is a rewarding path that helps you gain confidence and share your skills every day!
Do you feel confused? If yes, then let’s walk through it in detail:
What is the Level 3 AET qualification?
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is a simple course for people who want to start teaching adults. It is great for beginners, career changers, or experienced workers who want to share what they know. But what will you actually learn in this course? You will learn how to plan fun lessons, explain new ideas clearly, and check if your students understand. Furthermore, you will learn how to help all kinds of adult learners, even if they learn in different ways.
In the past, people called this qualification PTLLS, which is short for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. However, the official name was changed to AET so it is easier to understand. You might wonder, does Level 3 mean you will teach 3-year-olds? No, it does not! The number 3 just tells you how hard the course is for you as an adult learner, not the age of the people you will teach.
Because of this qualification, you can get ready for your very first job in adult education. The Department for Education calls the AET a great first step into teaching. However, different training centres can have slightly different rules and activities. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the course details before you sign up!
What adult teaching jobs can you do with an AET?
The qualification can help you find different teaching and training jobs for adults. However, the jobs you can apply for will depend on what subject you know, your work experience, and what the boss is looking for.
Here are some options you can think about:
1. Adult learning tutor
Adult learning tutors help people learn new skills or start studying again. For example, you might help learners learn basic computer skills, build their confidence, or teach subjects you know well. Some jobs are for short courses, while others lead to formal qualifications. Because of this, you should always check the job details before you apply.
2. Workplace trainer
A workplace trainer helps workers learn new jobs, follow company rules, and get better at their work. For instance, you could train new staff to use computer programs or teach them how to help customers. So, your past work experience will help you explain things in a clear and helpful way.
3. Vocational trainer
Vocational trainers teach practical skills needed for a real job or trade. For example, you might train adults in building work, hairdressing, business, or other hands-on jobs. In most cases, you must have good knowledge and experience in that trade. The AET helps with your teaching skills, but it cannot replace your professional job qualifications.
4. Private training provider tutor
Private training companies run courses for adults who want to learn new skills or get certificates. In this role, you might teach lessons, lead activities, and check how learners are doing. Some companies welcome new tutors, whereas others ask for past teaching experience or special certificates.
5. Community education tutor
Community education tutors help adults through local learning groups. You might help people build their self-confidence, improve basic skills, or get ready to find a job.
6. Assistant or associate teacher
Some workplaces have assistant, associate, or trainee teaching jobs. These roles let you help out in lessons while you build your own teaching experience.
7. Online tutor
You can explore online teaching opportunities that match your knowledge and experience. So, these roles might involve teaching live lessons, using virtual classrooms, or training workers over the internet.
What should you keep in mind before applying for these jobs? You should remember that AET teaching jobs always depend on the exact role and the employer. Having the AET qualification can make your application stronger, but it does not guarantee you will get the job.
Can I teach adults with an AET qualification?
Yes, you can! The Award in Education and Training (AET) allows you to teach adults in lots of different areas, as long as you already know your subject well.
The AET teaches you how to present lessons and support learners. However, your own job experience and subject qualifications show what you are able to teach.
What subjects can you teach? You can teach subjects that match your personal work experience and skills. Here are some simple examples:
| Subject Area | What You Could Teach |
| Health & Social Care | Basic care skills, good communication and workplace learning |
| First Aid & Health and Safety | Basic safety rules (if you also hold the right specialist safety certificates) |
| Beauty & Hairdressing | Hair care, basic beauty treatments and professional salon rules |
| Business & IT | Using computers, office software, customer service and business basics |
| Construction & Trades | Trade skills, using tools safely and site safety rules |
| Personal Development | Building confidence, good study habits and speaking clearly |
What are the entry requirements for adult teaching?
To teach adults, you usually need good English and maths skills, as well as strong knowledge in the subject you want to teach. You must also check the requirements for both your training course and the job itself.
If you want to join an Award-winning Award in Education and Training (AET) course, how do you get started? First of all, you will need to check the entry rules for your chosen provider. Some Level 3 AET courses do not ask for any school qualifications at all!Â
However, you will still need to speak, read, and write well in English so you can complete your work and help your students. Your course provider can easily tell you if there are any special age limits or language tests before you sign up.
What do employers look for when you apply for a job? Most of the time, schools and colleges want people who have real-life work experience in their subject. For example, if you want to teach building skills, having a trade qualification and years of practical experience is very important. You do not always need a university degree, especially for practical jobs.Â
Last but not least, you might need to complete extra checks before you can start teaching in a classroom. Employers often ask for references from your old jobs to see if you are reliable. So, what other safety checks might be required? In many cases, you will need a DBS background check to show that it is safe for you to work with students. Also, if you teach a specialised subject, you might need extra certificates or professional approval.
Where Can You Study the Level 3 AET Course?
Are you excited to turn your practical skills and experience into a real teaching qualification? Where can you actually take this course? The good news is that several trusted training providers across the UK are ready to help you get started:
- School of Health Care (Best for fully online study): Can you complete your entire qualification from home? School of Health Care provides a 100% online Level 3 AET with dedicated tutor support, flexible self-paced learning, and smooth online assessments.
- Russbridge Academy (Best overall option): Which provider offers the most flexible learning formats? Russbridge Academy is highly rated by learners and provides flexible study choices through online modules, live Zoom sessions, or traditional classroom settings.
- Learn More Academy (Best for varied learning options): How can you study if you prefer interactive or regional learning? Learn More Academy provides flexible study routes through live Zoom sessions as well as nationwide classroom locations across the UK.
- Canary Wharf Academy (Best for budget and flexibility): What if you are looking for an affordable yet flexible route? Canary Wharf Academy offers accessible study options across fully online, virtual Zoom, and face-to-face classroom environments.
What should you study after the AET?
Your next course depends on what you want to do in your career. You do not have to do every teaching course one by one. Some people can start teaching with a simple entry course, but other people need a higher course to get the job they want.
Here are some options you can choose from.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)
Do you want to become a better teacher? The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) can help you build your teaching skills. It is great for people who already teach a little bit and want to get better. However, you should check the course details first to see if you have enough teaching experience to join.
Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills)
What if you want a full teaching job in college or adult education? The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DiT) is a fantastic next step. This course teaches you how to plan fun lessons, teach well, check how your students are doing, and learn from your own work. As a result, it helps you become a fully qualified teacher for older students.
Degree-linked teaching qualifications
Do you already have a university degree? If you do, you can look at higher courses like the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education or the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Because these courses mix deep university study with practical teaching skills, they are great if you want a strong academic background.
Specialist qualifications and QTLS
Do you plan to teach a special subject like first aid or health and safety? If so, you might need a special course just for that subject.
After that, you can also look into Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status. Is QTLS a normal qualification? No, it is a special professional title that shows you are a qualified teacher. However, it has its own rules, so make sure you read the latest guidelines before you start.
Lastly, if you are wondering about the difference between the AET and the PTLLS, remember that PTLLS is just the old name for the same beginner course. Therefore, if you are starting today, simply look for the current AET course and make sure your school recognises it.
How can you start teaching adults with an AET?
If you want to start teaching adults with an Award in Education and Training (AET), follow these practical steps.
The first step would be to choose your subject. Decide which skills, knowledge, or work experience you want to share with adult learners. Then, check employer requirements. Look at job adverts to find out what subject qualifications, experience, and teaching certificates bosses expect.
After that, compare AET courses. Check the course content, assessment methods, entry rules, and the organisation giving the qualification. Then, complete your qualification. Work through your learning and assessments so you can build a strong understanding of good teaching. So, what should you do once you pass? Simply prepare your CV by highlighting your industry experience, subject knowledge, communication skills, and training.
Afterwards, search for suitable roles. Look for vacancies such as trainee tutor, workplace trainer, instructor, associate teacher, or adult learning tutor. Finally, ask about further training. Find out if your employer offers teaching practice, mentoring, or support towards a higher qualification.
As a helpful tip, you can also contact local further education (FE) colleges and training providers directly. They can explain which roles suit your background and whether they offer extra training while you work.
Final thoughts
So, can I teach adults with an AET qualification? Yes, the Level 3 AET is a great starting point for teaching and training adults in the UK. It helps you learn how to plan lessons, support your students and check their progress.
However, where can you actually work with this award? You can look for job roles in workplace training, adult learning centres, community groups, and private training providers like School of Health Care. Still, remember that the AET is an introductory course. So, you will also need strong subject knowledge and relevant work experience for most roles.
If you want to become a full-time college teacher later, you can take higher qualifications like the Level 4 CET or Level 5 Diploma. But for now, start by picking your subject and checking job listings. Then, you can easily take your first step toward an exciting adult teaching career!
FAQs
1. What teaching qualification do I need to teach adults?
You may start with a Level 3 AET for suitable roles. Many full FE teaching roles require a Level 5 teaching qualification or an accepted alternative.
2. Is an AET a full teaching qualification?
No. The AET is an introductory teaching qualification. It helps you develop basic teaching skills but does not provide full FE teacher qualification status.
3. What jobs can I get with an AET?
You can explore adult tutor, workplace trainer, vocational trainer, community education tutor and suitable online teaching roles, depending on your experience.
4. What can I do with a Level 3 AET?
You can use it to explore entry-level teaching and training opportunities, improve your teaching skills and prepare for further teacher training.
5. Is 50 too old to become a teacher in the UK?
No. You can start teaching at 50 or later. Your experience may help you teach adults, although you still need to meet the requirements for your chosen role.
6. What is the lowest degree to become a teacher?
You do not always need a degree to teach adults in FE. However, mainstream school teaching in England generally requires a degree and QTS through an approved route.
7. What is AET Level 3 equivalent to?
Level 3 sits at the same qualification level as A levels and other Level 3 qualifications. However, the AET has a different purpose and does not equal an A level in subject content.
8. What is an AET Level 4?
The term may refer to a provider’s description of a higher-level teaching course, but the established qualification names include the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training. Check the exact qualification title before enrolling.
9. How long does AET Level 3 take?
The study time varies by provider and course format. Check the course specification for guided learning hours, total qualification time and the expected completion period before enrolling.
