How to Become an AET in the UK: A Beginner-Friendly Path

Have you ever been browsing about how to become an AET? If you wish to teach adults or share your skills, this friendly introductory course is your very first step. What is the best way to begin? The simple answer is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), which helps you learn how to plan fun lessons and support learners.

However, you do not usually need past teaching experience to start. Furthermore, you just need a good understanding of your subject and a wish to help others grow. Therefore, understanding this simple path can help you prepare for wonderful adult learning and workplace training roles.

What Is an AET Qualification?

It is a beginner teaching course that stands for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. First of all, it is designed for people who want to teach adults in training classes or workplaces. Furthermore, you might sometimes hear its older name, which was PTLLS.

On this course, you will learn how to plan fun lessons and check if your students are doing well. You may confused What does the word “Award” mean? Well, an award is simply a small type of qualification, and Level 3 is the difficulty level. Because of this, it is a great starting step for new teachers.

However, you must remember that this course does not get you every teaching job. Although it is a wonderful beginning, some employers need a higher qualification. For instance, a big college might ask you to finish a Level 5 teaching course instead.

Who Can Apply for an AET Course?

Yes, anyone who wants to share what they know and help other people learn can apply for an AET course.

Do you want to know who can join? First, the AET course is great for people who want to share their knowledge. Furthermore, you might be a career changer moving into teaching, a skilled worker teaching a trade, a workplace trainer helping staff, a new tutor teaching adults, or an experienced professional exploring education.

What rules do you need to follow? In addition, the entry rules depend on the school and the course. Moreover, some courses have no rules at all, but others ask for a good level of English or an age limit, such as being 19 or older.

Do you need anything else before you start? Finally, you must check what your job needs. For instance, an AET helps you learn how to teach, but it does not replace your actual job skills. Therefore, you should always read the school’s rules first.

• Career changers: People who want to start teaching.
• Skilled workers: People who want to teach their job skills.
• Workplace trainers: People who train staff at work.
• New tutors: People who teach short classes to adults.
• Experienced professionals: People who want to learn about education.

Can You Do AET Without Teaching Experience?

Yes, you can do an AET course even if you have never taught a class before. You do not need any past teaching experience to start. However, it helps if you know your subject well and can talk clearly. Can you teach if you are a beginner? Yes, because if you already know a lot about something like fixing bikes or baking cakes, the course will simply show you how to share that knowledge with others.

Moreover, you will learn how to plan good lessons and explain tricky ideas. For example, you might wonder, ‘Will I have to practise teaching in front of people right away?’ No, most courses use a fun step called microteaching first. This means you teach a tiny, friendly lesson to a small group of classmates and then use their helpful tips to get better.

Finally, some course options might ask you to find a real classroom or placement. Therefore, always check the rules before you buy a course. As a result, you can pick the choice that fits your life and helps you finish every task easily.

How to Become an AET: A Step-by-Step Process

If you want to know how to get an AET qualification, you just need to follow these six easy steps. They will help you pick the right course and get ready to teach.

Step 1: Choose your teaching subject

You need to decide what you want to teach. Are you wondering what subject to pick? You should choose something you already know very well from your job or a skill you have learned. For example, a chef can teach cooking, while a care worker can train new staff. Next, check what certificates employers want in that job.

Step 2: Check the AET course entry requirements

Before you apply, always read the rules. What do you need to check? You must look at your age, your English skills, and any special knowledge you need. Also, ask if you need a real place to teach, because some courses need you to practice with real learners.

Step 3: Find a suitable AET course

Then, you need to find the right course. How do you choose the best one? You can look at colleges, training centres, or online schools. Make sure the course title matches what you want to do in the future. Because some jobs have strict rules, a random course might not fit your employer’s needs.

Where Can You Study the Level 3 AET Course?

Are you excited to turn your practical skills and experience into a real teaching qualification? The good news is that several trusted training providers are ready to help you get started:

• 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.
• 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.

Step 4: Choose how you want to study

After that, think about your free time and money. Should you study at home or in a classroom? Classroom courses let you meet tutors face-to-face, while online courses give you more freedom. However, remember that online learning still requires you to do practical tasks and practice teaching.

Step 5: Complete your learning and assessments

You are ready to do the work. What will you do during the course? You will finish writing tasks, plan a fun lesson, and practice teaching. Always hand your work in on time. If your tutor gives you advice, use it to make your teaching skills even better.

Step 6: Plan your next career move

Finally, think about your future. What should you do after you finish? You can update your CV with your new AET award and look for teaching jobs. Read job adverts carefully, as some schools might want extra certificates. Planning ahead will help you find the right job without wasting money on the wrong training.

What Will You Learn on an AET Course?

On an AET course, you will learn the basic skills needed to become a good teacher or trainer. First of all, you will study your main duties, such as how to plan fun lessons and how to make sure everyone in the class can join in. You will also learn how to check if students understand your work and how to give them helpful feedback.

You might think: how do these skills work in real life? To answer that, for example, if you teach someone how to use a piece of equipment, you will show them the safe steps, watch them try it, and help anyone who finds the task a bit tricky.

At the end, remember that this course only teaches the basics of teaching. Because of this, you still need to know your own subject very well. Before you start, always check your course details so you know what you will study.

How Long Does an AET Course Take?

An AET course usually takes between a few weeks and a few months to finish. However, the exact time depends on your school, how you study, and how much free time you have. For example, some people finish very quickly, while others need more time to do their work and practice teaching.

So, how many hours do you actually need to study? Generally, the course has around 48 to 68 guided learning hours. This means the time you spend learning with a teacher. In total, the course takes about 120 hours because you also need to do reading and homework on your own.

Before you join a class, it is smart to ask a few questions. Always check how long the teachers expect you to take. Furthermore, ask if there are any deadlines and what happens if you need extra time to finish.

How Do You Pass the AET Assessment?

The ways you are tested can change depending on your course and your provider. Because of this, you must always check your assessment plan before you start. Your course might ask you to do written work, give a microteaching session, make a presentation, or have a professional chat. Furthermore, some courses might even want you to teach real students.

To get ready, you can follow these simple tips:

• Read carefully: Read the task closely so you understand every question and answer all parts.
• Plan your lesson: Plan your teaching time by picking one clear goal and good activities to help students reach it.
• Use easy examples: Explain things in a way that fits your students and what they already know.
• Check learning: Ask questions or do a quick activity to see if students truly understand the topic.
• Use feedback: Look at your teacher’s comments and make your work better before you send it in again.

What should you do for microteaching? For microteaching, you should practise your session ahead of time. You need to keep your talking clear, watch the clock, and make sure your activities help with the main learning goal.

Meanwhile, you should also look at the rules for deadlines, handing work in late, and practical tests. Some places will help you improve your work if you need it, but no one can promise you will pass unless you do all the required work. Lastly, the big secret is to understand the task, get ready ahead of time, and use feedback to get better.

What Jobs Can You Get With AET Level 3?

Here are the main jobs you can apply for:

• Help staff learn new work skills.
• Teach short courses to adults.
• Share practical trade skills.
• Deliver training for adult courses.
• Support employee development at work.

So, is the AET Level 3 enough to start your new teaching career? While it opens the door to many great entry-level roles, some colleges may require higher qualifications like a Level 5 certificate. Because of this, it is always a smart idea to check job adverts first so you can see exactly what your dream employer is looking for!

Final Thoughts On How To Become an AET

So, how to become an AET? This rule is more than just a piece of paper; it is your very first step into teaching adults, sharing your skills, and helping others grow. Moreover, it is simple and friendly, meaning you do not even need past teaching experience to start. So, do you need a lot of experience to begin? No, you just need a good grasp of your chosen subject and a wish to help people learn. Furthermore, whether you want to be a workplace trainer or a friendly tutor, getting this award gives you the basic skills to plan fun lessons and check student progress.

Wanna start your teaching journey with confidence and find the best course for you? Visit School of Healthcare to find out more and begin your learning adventure. Enrol now to take your first step toward becoming a wonderful teacher!

FAQs

How long does an AET qualification take?

An AET course may take a few weeks or longer, depending on your provider, study pace and assessment requirements. Check the course completion period before enrolling.

How much is an AET course?

The price varies by provider, study method and support. Compare the full fee, including registration, assessments, learning materials and certificate costs.

What is an AET qualification?

AET stands for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. It introduces teaching skills for people who want to teach or train adults.

Is an AET a full teaching qualification?

No. AET is an introductory teaching qualification. Some teaching jobs, especially in further education, require a higher qualification, such as the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills).

Will a Level 3 AET course qualify me?

It can help you prepare for suitable teaching and training roles. However, your eligibility depends on your subject knowledge, employer requirements and the type of job you want.

Can I complete the AET teaching qualification online?

Yes, some providers offer online AET courses. However, you must still complete every required assessment, including any teaching practice or microteaching.

What is AET Level 3 equivalent to?

Level 3 is the same broad qualification level as A levels and other Level 3 qualifications. However, an AET award has a different purpose and size from an A level.

Can you become a teacher after 40?

Yes. You can start teacher training later in life if you meet the requirements for your chosen route. Your work experience may also help you teach adults or train people in your industry.

What can I do with AET Level 3?

You can explore suitable roles such as workplace trainer, adult learning tutor or vocational instructor. Some employers may require further teaching qualifications or relevant industry certificates.