What does an AET do? It simply means working as a trainer or teacher who helps people learn new skills in adult education or workplace training. At first, it may look a bit hard. Still, it becomes easy when you know how to plan simple lessons and support your learners.
Many people think you need to know everything before starting. However, this introductory Level 3 qualification is made for beginners who want to share their skills with others. So, with good subject knowledge and a bit of practice, you can start your teaching journey with confidence.
Now, let’s dive in and explore what an AET does step by step.
What Does AET Mean in Education?
AET stands for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. It is a beginner teaching course that helps you learn how to teach others step by step. The course shows you how people learn new things. Then, it teaches you how to plan fun lessons and make sure every student feels included in class.
In the UK, this course is at the same learning level as A levels, but it is not the same as a school subject. So, who usually takes this course? People choose the AET when they want to teach adults, run short training sessions, or share their job skills with new learners. Because of this, it is a great choice if you want to start a new career in adult education.
In other words, AET can also mean Air Engineering Technician in the Royal Navy, where engineers fix and check real aircraft. However, in the world of education, it is always all about learning to teach well.
What Does an AET Do in a Teaching Role?
An AET-qualified teacher or trainer carries out many important duties, depending on their job, subject, and employer. With one common example, let’s take a close look:
How Does an AET Plan Lessons?
A teacher always needs a clear plan before a lesson starts. So, how does an AET plan a great lesson? First of all, they set clear goals so everyone knows what to learn. Then, they pick topics that match those goals and prepare helpful notes, slides, and learning resources. Then, they plan fun tasks that fit every student’s skills. Finally, they organise the lesson into simple, clear steps. Good planning helps learners understand what they need to learn and why it matters.
How Does an AET Teach and Support Learners?
Teaching is much more than just sharing facts. But what does teaching actually look like in the classroom? An AET-qualified person explains new ideas, gives clear examples, and shows learners how to do tasks. They also use group discussions, demonstrations, quick questions, and hands-on activities to help people learn in different ways. In addition, teachers encourage learners to ask questions whenever they feel stuck. Because some people need extra time, patience is very important. A friendly classroom helps everyone feel confident and happy to learn.
How Does an AET Check Learning Progress?
Teachers must check if learners really understand the topic. How can a teacher see who needs help? An AET-qualified person uses short quizzes, friendly questions, writing tasks, or practical activities. After that, they give helpful feedback by explaining what a learner did well and what they should practice next. If someone struggles, the teacher simply explains the topic in a new way or tries a different activity.
How Does an AET Promote Safe and Fair Learning?
An AET-qualified person treats all learners with respect and makes sure everyone gets a fair opportunity to learn. How do they keep the classroom safe and fair for all? They care for students of all abilities and backgrounds. They also follow rules for safety, equality, and keeping children safe. Depending on their role, they keep attendance lists and test results safe and secure. Together, these actions build a safe, fair, and supportive place to learn.
What Jobs Can You Get With an AET?
Having an AET qualification gives you opportunities for many teaching and training roles. However, the exact job you get will depend on your background, your employer, and what the role requires.
Can you work as an adult learning tutor?Â
Yes, you can! Adult learning tutors help grown-ups learn useful skills like basic computing, clear communication, or personal growth. You can look for these jobs in local community centres or training companies. While some employers accept an AET for beginner courses, others might ask for a higher teaching qualification first.
Can you become a workplace trainer?
Yes! Workplace trainers teach staff how to do their jobs well, such as handling customer service or working safely. If you already have experience in places like shops, hotels, or care homes, you will easily understand the challenges workers face. But remember, while the AET teaches you how to train people, you still need strong real-world experience in your trade.
Can you teach vocational skills?
Of course, if you have hands-on experience in a trade like hair and beauty, building, or healthcare! For instance, a skilled beautician can use an AET to start teaching new learners. Is it that simple for every job? Not always, because some technical subjects have strict safety rules that require extra licenses before you can teach.
Can you work as a private tutor?
Yes, absolutely. Private tutors work with students one-on-one or in small groups to build confidence and boost knowledge. The AET helps you plan fun lessons and explain tricky ideas clearly. However, parents and students will also look closely at your subject knowledge and qualifications.
Can you deliver community education?Â
Indeed, you can work with local charities and community hubs to run helpful group classes. You might help adults learn basic computer skills or get ready for job interviews. It is a fantastic way to support local people while building your own teaching confidence.
What Are the Entry Requirements for AET?
The entry requirements for an Award in Education and Training (AET) course depend on who provides the training. The good news is that many courses are great for beginners, which means you usually do not need any teaching experience to start.
Before you apply, keep these key points in mind:
- English skills: You must be able to read the course materials, write your work clearly, and speak well with others.
- Subject knowledge: Need to understand the topic you want to teach, especially if it is a trade or a special skill.
- Study skills: So, what does it take to pass? You will need to read instructions carefully, finish your work on time, and meet all your deadlines.
- Age limits: You must check how old you need to be because some training centers have minimum age rules.sure everyone gets a fair
- Work experience: Although you do not need teaching practice, some jobs might ask for experience in the industry you want to teach.
It is helpful to know that not every course has the exact same entry rules. For instance, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training at the Defence Academy has no formal entry rules at all, but other places might set their own conditions. Additionally, if you plan to teach a special subject, you should check its professional rules as well, because some jobs may ask for extra checks or work experience.
How Long Does an AET Course Take?
An AET course usually takes a few weeks to a few months to finish. How long it takes depends on how fast you learn and how you choose to study.
So, how many hours do you actually need to learn? One Level 3 course takes about 68 hours with a teacher and 120 hours of work in total. This total time includes your own study at home and your school assignments. However, other courses might be a bit different.
Learning online is great because you can study around your family and job. But before you sign up you should always check the homework dates and test rules. Above all, make sure the course gives you plenty of help so you can pass easily.
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.
How Much Can You Earn With an AET?
There is no single salary for everyone who holds an Award in Education and Training (AET). In fact, your earnings will depend on the job you get, your experience, and the subject you teach.
But the question is then: what affects an AET Teacher’s Pay? So, what actually changes how much you can earn? Several different factors can affect your income, for example:
- Employer: A large college, a private training company, or a small business might all offer different pay.
- Subject: Specialist trainers often earn different rates compared to general adult tutors.
- Experience: Employers usually offer better opportunities to people who have strong teaching and industry experience.
- Location: Pay can vary depending on where you live across the UK.
- Working hours: Full-time, part-time and session-based roles can all offer different earnings.
- Employment type: An employed trainer receives a regular salary, whereas a self-employed tutor charges per session or per course.
Can an AET Lead to Better Pay? Yes, it can! Further training and extra experience may help you apply for roles with more responsibility. On top of that, getting a higher teaching qualification can open up even more opportunities.
However, does having an AET guarantee you a job? No, the qualification itself does not guarantee a role or a specific salary. Also, if you choose to work for yourself, remember to account for extra business costs like course materials, travel, and marketing.
So, how can you find out what you might earn? For a realistic estimate, look at current job adverts for your chosen role. Make sure you check the salary, working hours and required experience, rather than relying on a general figure for AET holders.
What Can You Study After AET?
Once you finish the course, you can choose further training that fits your future career goals.
First of all, this question may pop up: can I progress to a Level 4 teaching qualification? Yes, you can! The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training helps you build stronger teaching skills, which is great if you already teach or train and want more responsibility. However, remember to check the latest course entry rules and see if employers in your area value this qualification.
Following that, can I take a Level 5 teaching qualification? Absolutely. The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, or another higher-level education route, gives you much deeper preparation for teaching. In fact, the UK Department for Education highlights Level 5 courses as a key path to becoming a fully qualified teacher. Additionally, many colleges support staff who train while working, so you can gain practical experience and study at the same time.
And the most common one, should I add an assessor qualification? If you want to check practical skills as well as teach, you could take the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA). Keep in mind that AET and CAVA do different jobs: AET focuses on teaching and training, whereas an assessor qualification helps you grade learners against required standards. Therefore, choose your next step based on the exact job duties you want to do and what your future employer expects.
Final Thoughts on What Does an AET Do?
So, what does an AET do? It is simpler than it first looks. Once you understand the basic duties, you can start your journey into teaching and training without stress.
Still, take your time to plan your career goals. Check the subject requirements, teaching skills and employer needs carefully. After that, pick the right training route for your subject. This helps you build confidence and keeps your teaching career moving in the right direction.
At the end, trust your knowledge but stay open to learning. If you want to teach specialist skills or work in higher-level roles, consider further training like a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification. A little extra learning at the right time can open bigger doors later.
Thinking of sharing your expert knowledge with others? Join our courses at School of Health Care and turn your practical skills into real teaching opportunities.
FAQs About What does an AET do
1. What jobs can I get with an AET?
- With an Award in Education and Training (AET), you can work as a corporate trainer, adult education tutor, vocational instructor, or freelance subject-matter expert within the further education and private training sectors.
2. Is an AET a full teaching qualification?
- No, the AET is not a full teaching qualification. It is an introductory, entry-level course (formerly PTLLS) designed for beginners wanting to start teaching or training adults in the UK.
3. How long does an AET qualification take?
- An AET qualification typically takes between 2 weeks to 3 months to complete, depending on whether you choose an intensive classroom format, a virtual online program or flexible self-paced study.
4. What can I do with a level 3 AET?
- A Level 3 AET qualifies you to design, deliver and assess basic education and training sessions. It allows you to legally teach adult learners or progress to higher-level teaching qualifications.
5. What is aet level 3 equivalent to?
- A Level 3 AET is nationally equivalent in academic level to an A-Level qualification. It is recognised across the UK as the foundational benchmark for training adult learners.
6. How much is an aet course?
- An AET course typically costs between £150 and £600 in the UK. Prices vary depending on the training provider, whether you study online, self-paced or via in-person classroom instruction.
7. What is an aet level 4?
- A Level 4 AET (Certificate in Education and Training) is an advanced teaching qualification. It suits teachers with more classroom experience who want to expand their pedagogical skills and take on broader teaching responsibilities.