What Jobs Can You Get with an AET Qualification UK?

The AET qualification UK is a good starting point if you want to become a teacher or trainer. The full form of AET is Award in Education and Training. It is a qualification for people who want to teach or train adults aged 16 and over. It was previously known as PTLLS. During the course, you learn how to plan lessons, support different learners and check their progress. You do not usually need teaching experience to get started. This makes it a useful choice for beginners, career changers and workplace trainers. This qualification does not have an expiry date, so it stays valid. However, you may need extra training to qualify for certain teaching jobs in schools or colleges.

What Is the AET Qualification UK?

The AET qualification UK is a good starting point if you want to teach or train others. The Award in Education and Training (AET) is an introductory teaching qualification for people who want to work in adult education or training.

Key Facts About the AET Qualification

• Full name: Award in Education and Training.
• Level: Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
• Former name: PTLLS, which stands for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector.
• Who can apply: Beginners, career changers and workplace trainers who want to develop teaching skills.
• What you learn: You learn how to plan lessons, support learners and check their progress.
• Entry requirements: You usually need good English and maths skills, along with knowledge of the subject you want to teach. Some providers also set age requirements.
• Validity: The qualification does not expire, so you do not need to renew it.
• Career options: It can help you start teaching or training in adult education and other learning settings.

However, the AET qualification does not qualify you for every teaching job. You may need further qualifications to teach in schools or apply for certain college roles.

What Are the Entry Requirements for the AET Qualification UK?

You do not need a teaching qualification or past teaching experience to study for the AET qualification. However, you must meet a few basic entry rules. These rules may vary between training providers.

Main Entry Requirements for the AET Qualification

• Age: Most providers ask you to be at least 19 years old. However, some accept learners aged 18 and over.
• English and maths: You need good reading, writing and speaking skills in English. Basic maths skills also help. Some colleges may ask for GCSEs or other English and maths qualifications.
• Teaching experience: Beginners can join the course without any teaching experience. This makes it a good choice if you want to start a career in teaching.
• Subject knowledge: A good understanding of your chosen subject will help you explain ideas clearly to learners.
• Basic computer skills: Online learners need a computer and a reliable internet connection. A webcam and microphone may also be necessary.
• Teaching practice: Some courses require you to plan and deliver a short teaching session. This is called a micro teach and often lasts around 15 minutes.

Before you enrol, check the rules with your training provider. This will help you prepare for the course and avoid surprises.

What Do You Learn on an AET Course?

The AET qualification helps you learn the basic skills you need to teach others. The course covers three main units and may include a short teaching task. It is a good starting point if you want to work as a teacher or trainer. You learn about your duties and responsibilities as a teacher. You also learn how to keep learners safe and create a friendly place to learn. The course explains the rules you must follow. Plus, you learn how to work with other teachers and support staff.

Every learner has different needs, so you must know how to support them. The course teaches you how people learn and how to plan clear lessons. You also learn to use different teaching tools and materials. These skills help you keep learners interested and make lessons easier to follow.

Teachers need to check if learners understand their lessons. You learn how to check their knowledge and progress through questions, tasks and projects. You also learn how to give helpful feedback and keep records of learners’ progress.

Some courses include a short teaching task called a micro teach. You plan a lesson and teach it to a small group. This session often lasts around 15 minutes. It gives you a chance to practise your skills and build confidence before teaching in a real setting.

How Is the AET Qualification Assessed?

The AET qualification usually uses written tasks and practical work to check your learning. You may need to answer questions, complete assignments and plan a short lesson. The exact tasks can vary between training providers. However, you do not usually need to take a traditional exam. Most AET courses do not require a written exam. Instead, you complete assignments to show what you have learned. For example, you may answer questions about teaching methods, learner support and assessment. Your tutor checks your work to see if you understand the main topics. This approach helps you build your skills step by step.

A microteach is a short teaching session that helps you practise your skills. You usually plan a lesson and teach it to a small group. The session often lasts around 15 minutes. You may need to prepare learning materials and explain your topic clearly. Your tutor may also give you feedback to help you improve. Although you may feel nervous, this task gives you useful practice before teaching real learners.

Many AET courses also ask you to complete a teaching portfolio. This is a collection of work that shows what you have learned. It may include written assignments, lesson plans, teaching materials and feedback from your microteach session. Your tutor uses this evidence to check your progress. The exact requirements depend on your training provider, so check them before you enrol.

How Long Does an AET Course Take to Complete?

The Award in Education and Training (AET) can take around 3 to 4 weeks to 3 to 4 months to complete. However, the time depends on your course type, study speed and training provider.

• Classroom or fast track: You may finish the course in 3 to 5 days through intensive training.
• Online or flexible study: You may need 1 to 3 months if you study for a few hours each week. Many providers also give you up to 12 months to complete the course.

So, choose a study option that fits your daily routine. If you work or have family duties, an online course may give you more time and flexibility.

How Much Does an AET Qualification Cost in the UK?

In the UK, the AET qualification typically costs £130 to £600. The total price depends on your study method and the support your provider offers. Therefore, compare a few courses before making your choice.

• Online or distance learning (£130 to £250): This option lets you study at your own pace through an online platform. You can usually contact your tutor by email or phone for help. Some providers ask you to record your microteach session and upload it.
• Live online classes (£300 to £450): These courses often run over three days through platforms such as Zoom. You can join live lessons, ask questions and get help from your tutor. This option suits learners who enjoy learning with others.
• Classroom learning (£350 to £600): You attend lessons at a training centre or college. The course often takes three to five days. You can practise teaching in person and receive feedback from your tutor.

Keep in mind that these prices are estimates, so fees may vary between providers. Before enrolling, check whether the cost includes tutor support, assessments and your microteach session. Also, ask about extra fees for resits or learning materials. This will help you choose a course that suits your budget without unexpected costs.

What Is the Difference Between AET and PTLLS?

The Award in Education and Training (AET) replaced the older PTLLS qualification. Both help people learn basic teaching skills. However, they have some clear differences. 

Differences between AET and PTLLS

How Can You Find the Right AET Course? 

Ready to take your first step towards a teaching career? Choosing the right training provider can make your learning journey easier and more enjoyable. Several UK providers offer the AET course with different study options. Here are four providers worth exploring.

• Russbridge Academy (Best overall option): Want to learn in a way that suits your schedule? Russbridge Academy offers online study, live Zoom classes, and classroom training. You can pick the way you like to learn.
• Learn More Academy (Best for learning choices): Do you enjoy learning with a tutor or meeting other learners? Learn More Academy offers live Zoom sessions and classroom training at locations across the UK.
• School of Health Care (Best for online learning): Prefer to study from the comfort of your home? School of Health Care offers a fully online Level 3 AET course with tutor support, self-paced learning, and online assessments.

Is the AET Qualification Worth It?

Yes, the AET qualification can be a good choice if you want to become a teacher or trainer. It teaches you how to plan lessons, teach learners and check their progress. It can also help you take your first step into teaching.

However, the course has some limits. The AET does not meet the needs of every teaching job. Some jobs need higher qualifications or more experience. So, check the job requirements before you choose the course.

The AET course may suit you if you have work experience and want to share your skills with others. It can also help you explore training jobs in your field. Overall, the AET is worth it if you want to start teaching and the course meets your career goals.

Final thoughts

The AET qualification UK can help you take your first step towards a teaching career. You will learn how to prepare lessons, teach students and check what they have learnt. You do not usually need teaching experience to join the course. So, it can be a good choice for beginners and people changing careers. You can also study online or in a classroom. However, some teaching jobs need more training or higher qualifications. Before you enrol, compare course fees and study options. Choose a course that fits your needs and helps you reach your career goals.

FAQs

1. How long does an AET course take?

An AET course can take a few weeks to complete. The exact time depends on your training provider and how quickly you study.

2. How much does a Level 3 AET course cost?

The cost depends on the training provider. Many courses cost a few hundred pounds. Check the fees before you enrol.

3. What is an AET qualification?

AET is the short form of Award in Education and Training. It helps you learn the basic skills you need to teach adults.

4. What is AET level 3 equivalent to?

Level 3 AET sits at the same level as A levels. However, it is a teaching qualification with a different purpose.

5. Is an AET a full teaching qualification?

No, the Level 3 AET is a basic teaching qualification. Some teaching jobs need more training or higher qualifications.

6. Can I complete the AET teaching qualification online?

Yes, many providers offer online AET courses. You can study from home and complete your work online if your provider allows it.