Course Description

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training course is designed for the new (pre-service) and current (in-service) practitioners. It will equip them with basic up-to-date teaching/training knowledge and techniques in a variety of contexts. For example, the Further Education and Skills Sector (post-16/post-compulsory education), work-based training, community/adult learning, voluntary establishments, local government, etc. Moreover, individuals will explore diverse resources and teaching practices to understand what components develop a productive and interactive learning atmosphere.

Consequently, this Level 3 Award in Education and Training qualification is ideal for individuals who:

• Are not in a teaching/training role yet, are already teaching/training, or have just started recently and required a nationally recognised qualification. 
• Want a brief introductory qualification that exposes them to a variety of teaching/training contexts.
• Intend to enter into a teaching/assessing/training role in any environment.
• Want a qualification without prior teaching experience.
• Want to find out if teaching is the right career path for them.
• Are looking for a career change.
• Have the necessary qualities and motivation to learn at Level 3, similar to studying for A-Levels.

Course Outline

Firstly, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training covers theoretical practices and hands-on methods. These are needed for delivering successful lessons in a post-16/post-compulsory education sector or private training industry. In general, there are three mandatory units on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which include the basic components of the teaching role and the responsibilities involved. Further, this course also offers learners the opportunity for micro-teaching sessions to demonstrate their knowledge and receive constructive feedback for improvement.

1: Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training

The first unit of the Level 3 Award in Education and Training will develop the specific knowledge of the codes of practice and roles/responsibilities of trainers/teachers regarding legislation, regulatory rules, inclusivity, equality, diversity, and recognising the needs of learners. Then, the teacher will understand the responsibility of encouraging proper behaviour to ensure a safe/productive/engaging learning environment. After that, the unit emphasises how students are the main focus of a teacher/trainer in the learning process. Again, the unit delves into how teachers/trainers work alongside other professionals to organise student referrals.

2: Understanding and Using Inclusive Learning and Teaching Approaches in Education and Training

This unit of Level 3 Award in Education and Training will give insight into inclusive teaching/learning approaches to meet all the needs of your learners. In addition, the unit highlights how to facilitate a learning environment that motivates learners by planning/delivering an inclusive micro-teach session using relevant practical resources, teaching methods and communication skills. In the end, it will be graded by your tutors. Besides, you can self-evaluate/reflect on your current level of experience/delivery/skills and identify the different types/methods of ongoing assessment used in education/training.

3: Understanding the Purpose, Principles and Practices of Assessment

In this Level 3 Award in Education and Training Unit, you will understand the three main types of assessments used in training/education and their strengths/weaknesses. Also, the unit explores why assessments are used to inform, inspect and amend students’ learning by supplying the proper tools for their development. Likewise, it describes the responsibility and purpose of recording assessments formally/informally. Then, share with students to document their achievements, improvements, goals, and support they may need. Though assessments are an official part of an institution’s/organisation’s quality assurance process, they also enhance a student’s learning experience.

Assessment

This Level 3 Award in Education and Training course is assessed by submitting several assignments and a recorded 15 to 30-minute micro-teach session. Therefore, you will get precise instruction in the course material. You need to submit these tasks accordingly. Immediately, your tutors will evaluate your completed tasks, such as written assignments, self-evaluations, and micro-teach presentations.

Here, the micro-teach session for this Level 3 Award in Education and Training course will be self-recorded or completed live by using video teleconferencing software programs, such as Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace. Primarily, the brief teaching and learning presentation is meant to follow your lesson plan and will be evaluated critically by your tutor. In short, these assignments are designed to support learners in developing their skills and comprehension as they get a short first-hand experience of what teaching can be like.

Certification

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), which grants credits as evidence of the vocational skills and knowledge needed to become a teacher and generate a thriving learning environment. However, this introductory online qualification was formerly known as PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector). Lastly, studying for an online AET teaching qualification has similar demands to those of A-Levels.

Entry Requirements

There are no fixed entry requirements for attending the Level 3 Award in Education and Training course. However, learners must be a minimum of 19 years old or over upon certification. An interest in teaching adults and E-learning will be beneficial, in addition to basic ICT and time management skills for completing online written assignments. Because this is a Level 3 course, candidates must be ready to read through various texts, cross-reference, research theories/principles/practices of effective teaching, and demonstrate practical teaching skills via assessment work.

Experience or background in the subject a candidate wishes to teach is advantageous. They must be at the stage of achieving the Level 3 Award in Education and Training or equivalent qualification for subject specialism (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean). Nevertheless, there is no requirement to have a minimum teaching experience before applying, as this course is intended as an introduction to teaching/education.

Basic numeracy and literacy are essential in this Level 3 Award in Education and Training course. Moreover, successful applicants will be expected to attend an initial assessment to prove their competence in English, Maths and ITC. Consequently, prospective candidates will be expected to either prove their aptitude by submitting certificates or enrolling in either:

• A GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths at Grade 4 or C
• Level 1 Maths and Level 2 qualification in English
• Functional Skills Level 2

Skills You Will Gain

Many of the skills gained from a Level 3 Award in Education and Training are transferable and highly sought after in other careers outside of the education and learning sector (https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/teacher-skills). For that reason, the course tends to draw in candidates from diverse fields such as NHS, psychology, government, Human Resources, etc. 

You will gain the following marketable qualities hiring managers are looking for through the Level 3 Award in Education and Training:

• Critical thinking, highly organised and creative
• Time management, leadership/mentorship and organisational skills
• Effective communication skills with excellent literacy competency
• Good problem-solving, conflict resolution, and working well in a team
• Understanding of psychology and interpersonal skills
• ITC/Technical Skills

Progression Opportunities

Successful completion of this Level 3 Award in Education and Training equips you with the basic knowledge, confidence, and expertise needed to become a successful lecturer, assessor, educator, or tutor. Your certificate is nationally accredited and will allow you to enter further learning opportunities within teacher training positions for adults (post-16 sector/post-compulsory education or private training industry) or undertake assessment/internal quality assurance qualifications, which will evaluate your skills as a teacher. 

Further, you can take following programs after completing the Level 3 Award in Education and Training course:

• Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (or Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector aka CTLLS) 
• Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (or Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector aka DTLLS)  
• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment  
• Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement  
• Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment  

Having a Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the minimum qualification for teaching. It allows aspiring educators to gain the necessary paid/volunteer teaching hours in the sector to successfully transition onto the next qualification. Furthermore, earning a Level 4/5 Award in Education and Training could lead to applying for a full QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) qualification, now equivalent to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) in many English schools. Besides, those wishing to teach in Scotland or outside the UK can apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PCE/PGCE), an internationally-recognised qualification.

Career Opportunities

A Level 3 Award in Education and Training (previously PTLLS online course) is the first step to gaining various practical skills and qualifying for a range of fulfilling professions that come with generous salaries, such as:

• Teacher
• Private Tutor
• Learning Mentor
• Teaching Assistant
• Librarian
• Prison Instructor
• Headteacher 
• Careers Adviser
• Counsellor
• Youth Worker
• Education Administrator
• Education Consultant 
• Corporate Trainer

Career options after completing Level 3 Award in Education and Training:

• https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/education
• https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-categories/teaching-and-education

Materials Needed

You will need the following materials for this Level 3 Award in Education and Training course:

• Laptop or PC with access to the Internet 
• Folders to keep study material and notes
• Pens, papers, and personal stationery 
• A binder to store your portfolio work 

Recommended books available to purchase for your Level 3 Award in Education and Training course: 

• https://read.amazon.co.uk/kp/embed?asin=B01LX65R27&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Z4CPWYFQMV7B5AH2DSGX
• https://read.amazon.co.uk/kp/embed?asin=B072FQST82&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_N7V9DR2T98FDSAMKGJ1M
• https://read.amazon.co.uk/kp/embed?asin=B00X3R6IDA&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_S3VJFVC8XPNXK05KN1W9

The Benefits of Online Learning

There are many benefits for learners who take this online Level 3 Award in Education and Training course including:

• Personalisation when it comes to meeting your goals 
• Distance-learning means the flexibility to learn at your own speed
• Affordable financial costs as all the materials are always available online, no housing/travel/expenses 
• Improved attendance because your home is your place of learning 
• Beneficial for the environment due to decreased paper usage/carbon footprint

Additional benefits of Level 3 Award in Education and Training includes:

• E-learning is compatible/user-friendly with different learning styles as the content is interactive and engaging
• Obtain new technical skills 
• Improved digital communication and virtual collaboration 
• Gain practical skills to include in CV
• No disruptions to other commitments such as work, family, college
• Nationally recognised and easy to follow, not based on a Training Centre’s curriculum 

Additional Information

Finally, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training guarantees you a support team. They are here to guide you towards solutions when any concerns arise during your studies. Besides, career advice is available to enhance your employability as a future teacher/educator.

Last but not the least, to complete this Level 3 Award in Education and Training course, you need to submit three assignments along with a micro-teach session of 15-30 minutes. You will get clear instructions in your dashboard in the Learning Management System (LMS).