Further education can help expand your abilities and knowledge while creating a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Colleges provide an impressive selection of academic and vocational courses to 16-19 year olds, adults transitioning into different professions or those just looking for fun learning opportunities. Working in higher education (FE) can be highly rewarding and provide great career growth and diversity.
Careers Advisor
Careers advisors serve as representatives of a university's career service, working closely with students to help them make informed choices regarding education and career options, create resumes, search for jobs or apply for further study. They're excellent communicators who liaise with various parties - including students, teachers and parents.
Employment services professionals are well-connected to local employers, community agencies and training providers; often serving on campus as Early Careers Jobs information centres. Their presence is required in schools, sixth form colleges and higher education institutions as part of a statutory mandate.
Most career advisers are members of AGCAS and attend professional development courses and events regularly, as well as specialising in certain areas such as working with students with special educational needs or disabilities, helping their clients receive college credit for qualifications acquired through on-the-job training, military service or volunteering experience - saving both time and money on their way towards obtaining a degree.
Counsellor
As it can be daunting to begin considering jobs in further education, it can be confusing knowing where to start. Further education involves teaching students beyond secondary school - typically those aged 18 years and above - with various positions such as lecturers, psychologists, guidance counsellors all available within this industry.
The British Association of Counsellors recommends a three-stage path towards becoming fully trained as a counselor or psychotherapist. The first stage is an introductory course at an FE college to help decide if this career choice is for you, followed by certificate in counselling skills courses which give a deeper theoretical knowledge in this area, and prepare you for core training, which typically last one year part time at FE colleges.
The third step is obtaining a qualification, which could range from a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling or related subjects to even furthering your studies with a doctorate degree in this area.
Teaching Assistant
Teaching assistant positions provide an ideal way to gain classroom experience and test out education as a profession. Many individuals begin their career path as teaching assistants before enrolling in degree programs to become licensed teachers. College teaching assistant positions typically require candidates be current students with good grades in each class they will assist. Many schools also request letters of reference from professors familiar with your academic abilities.
Classroom aide responsibilities typically involve supporting teachers with classroom instruction, providing individualized attention to students and maintaining records. Furthermore, some aides may serve as support to special Education Careers students requiring accommodation services as mandated by 504 plans or IEPs. Finally, some provide one-on-one supervision to those students experiencing behavioral issues or during testing periods - freeing up time for teachers to spend teaching their own classes!
Lecturer
Further education lecturers specialize in teaching academic and vocational subjects to students who have already graduated high school, while also performing administrative duties. Their duties can often be found at colleges, sixth form schools and adult education centres where they may work either full-time or part-time (known as sessional teaching arrangements).
Teaching qualification (TQ(FE) or postgraduate certificate of education. In Scotland, colleges often offer pre-service versions of this qualification so new staff can develop teaching abilities before starting full courses.
Essential requirements of further education lecturers include knowledge of their subject area, excellent written and verbal communication skills,an enjoyment of their chosen discipline and interaction with people of various ages and abilities.Futhermore,computer literacy should also be paramount if designing material for classes is part of their remit.
