Learning and Skills Teacher (FE Lecturer) Level 5 Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is for those wishing to become a teacher in the Further Education and Skills Sector.

Learners will gain a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification within the Further Education and Skills Sector (16 years +) by learning the theory and the craft of teaching in a real world environment supported by professionals with over 40 years of teaching experience at an establishment that started teacher training in the 1940’s!

The Learning and Skills Teacher (LST) is a unique ‘dual-professional’ qualification, designed for individuals who have first gained expertise in a vocational or subject specialism and then undertaken further training to become a teacher. This pathway is particularly relevant for those who enter the Education and Training Sector (ETS) as a second or later career. The role of an LST is essential to the success of traineeship and apprenticeship programmes, as it focuses on delivering high-quality vocational education and training that aligns with the needs of both learners and employers.

A Learning and Skills Teacher will teach young people and adults within all parts of the ETS, including: work based/independent training provision; further, adult and higher education; offender-learning; and the voluntary sector.  LSTs are responsible for planning and delivering learning that is current, relevant, challenging, and that inspires learners to engage and achieve their full potential.  LSTs collaborate closely with colleagues and other ETS professionals in supporting learner progress. LSTs ensure the physical, psychological and social well-being of learners.

Who is the Course for?

This nationally recognised programme for those new to teaching or those wishing to upskill into a full teaching position to achieve a Level 5 teaching qualification for the Further Education and Skills Sector through an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are an excellent way of increasing the skillset of an existing workforce and providing on-the-job training for someone who already has the potential and motivation to go further in an organisation.

In short, when upskilling existing staff the term ‘apprenticeship’ should not be under-estimated – it represents a demanding and rigorous training opportunity for both businesses and their staff.

Professional Behaviours

The Learning and Skills Teacher will develop the following professional behaviours, skills and knowledge:

  1. Operate at all times to ethical and legal standards and within professional boundaries
  2. Value diversity and actively promote equality of opportunity and inclusion
  3. Be resilient and adaptable when dealing with challenge and change, maintaining focus and self-control
  4. Promote a passion for learning and high expectations of all learners
  5. Model exemplary communication skills with learners and in all professional relationships
  6. Be a role model for the effective use of current, digital and mobile technologies in support of teaching and learning
  7. Underpin their practice by reference to professional standards and evidence-based teaching and learning
Learning and Assessment Style

On-programme Support and Development

Learners are expected to evidence the theory within taught session in their assignments which are intrinsically linked to their teaching abilities and will be assessed through a minimum of 8 formal observations and over 100 hours of teaching practice in a real, Further Education environment. Assessments will be a mixture of written assignments, practical sessions, presentations and blog posts in order to maximise your teaching abilities.

The End-Point Assessment Process:

The EPA process consists of two assessment processes:

Typical time on programme: 18 months

End Point Assessment Period: 3 months.

Assessment methods:

  • Assessment method 1: Observation: lesson observation and professional dialogue
  • Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

Grading: Fail • Pass • Distinction

Information for Applicants

What are the Entry Requirements? 

Applicants must be over 18 to start a Level 5 Higher Education qualification and must be in possession of a minimum of a completed level 3 in order to start.

Applicants must be employed in a trainer/tutor role, but can be any location such as but not limited to prisons, further education colleges, business training/IT departments and secondary schools but only with students aged 14 year olds upwards can this be counted to towards the qualification.

Individual employers may set any entry requirements but these may typically include:

  • Competence in vocational and/or specialist subject at an appropriate level
  • Confirmation of current vocational/specialist subject knowledge
  • Up to date knowledge of workplace practice
  • A willingness to continue to develop personal ICT skills to a level in-line with the LST role
  • Reference to the Education and Training Foundation’s (2016) Minimum Core Guidance, and any subsequent updates.
  • Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

The Selection procedure is likely to include an interview, evidence of working at Level 2 numeracy and literacy, a demonstration of micro teach, a written essay and group discussion.

How often do I have to attend sessions?

Attendance at University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will be required throughout the duration of the apprenticeship (currently Thursdays 1-8pm) and will be communicated post-enrolment.

Qualifications – What Award will I achieve?

Outcomes of this standard must include:

  • Level 2 Safeguarding
  • Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment.

All the above outcomes must be achieved before the end-point assessment.

Career Opportunities

With the employer’s approval, an LST could progress onto curriculum/training leadership roles such as a Course Leader or Assistant Area Head, following an adequate period of experience teaching at this level within the sector.

Course Progression

Successful learners can progress onto a postgraduate programme in their skills area or an MA in Education.

Information for Employers

Training and Development Summary – What will an Apprentice bring to my Organisation?

The Learning and Skills Teacher will be able to:The Learning and Skills Teacher will understand:
Plan learning to:Principles of effective programme design

S1: Integrate subject and pedagogic research into teaching activity to enhance teaching and support changes of practice

K1: The pedagogical theory and how to apply this theory to practice

S2: Identify, consider and take steps to minimise the impact of barriers to learning

K2: How to support contextualized opportunities to develop English and Maths

S3: Contextualise English and mathematics in a way that promotes understanding of key topics

K3: The principles of designing, planning, and organising curriculum

S4: Use a variety of teaching and assessment methods depending on the learning environment and learners’ needs

K4: Methods for creating and adapting inclusive learning resources

S5: Encourage learners to set challenging goals

K5: Evidence-informed inclusive teaching, learning and assessment strategies

S6: Promote understanding of equality and diversity and sustainable development

K6: Strategies to engage and challenge all learners

S7: Demonstrate through their teaching the wider context (policy, economic, societal, technological, legal, cultural and environmental) of the subject, recognising the implications for professional practice

K7: How to implement ongoing initial and diagnostic assessment to inform planning and progression

S8: Design and use resources that are inclusive and add value to learners’ development

K8: Techniques to involve learners in taking ownership of their own progress

S9: Engage and inspire all learners

K9: Principles and practices of assessment and feedback

S10: Identify and set outcomes to enable each learner to achieve or exceed targets

K10: How to promote and foster a safe and supportive learning environment

S11: Provide ongoing learner feedback

K11: Barriers to learning, and ways to overcome them and adapt teaching, learning and assessment

S12: Use the results of initial and diagnostic assessment to plan learning and differentiated support at the start of and throughout the learners’ journey

K12: The range of support available for learners related to health, wellbeing and safeguarding

S13: Encourage learners to develop: autonomy and resilience, personal and interpersonal effectiveness, social awareness and respect for others, essential employability skills, a solutions mindset, and the ability to create change

K13: Sources of current information, advice, and guidance to support progression opportunities for learners

S14: Use assessment data to regularly review and develop own and others’ practice and to report emerging gaps in progression and achievement amongst groups of learners

K14: The requirements and implications of organisational policies and procedures, such as internal and external regulatory bodies and frameworks

S15: Support the implementation and execution of safeguarding procedures and promote the welfare of children, young people and/or adults in accordance with statutory provisions

K15: Techniques to develop collaborative relationships

S16: Prepare learners for their transition through education, further training, and into employment

K16: Communication techniques and how to adapt these for different audiences, including leading difficult conversations

S17: Comply with internal and external regulations, legislation and guidance, such as: teaching, learning and assessment, recording, storing and sharing information relating to learners

K17: Coaching and mentoring principles and techniques

S18: Adapt communication style, method, and terminology to reflect the needs of the audience including individual learners, colleagues, stakeholders

K18: Strategies for quality improvement

S19: Engage learners to establish standards of behaviour, mutual respect and safe working

K19: Ways to access personal and professional development, and to maintain sector and/or subject specific currency

S20: Challenge learners to address inappropriate behaviour or viewpoints

K20: Advances in digital, online, and emerging technologies and their application in the teaching environment and principles of digital and online safety

S21: Continually update and maintain their own knowledge and skills as a teaching professional and a subject specialist as part of managing their own continual professional development (CPD)

B1: Be resilient and adaptable when dealing with challenge and change, maintaining focus and self-control

S22: Be proactive in seeking and responding to feedback from varied sources including learner voice, peers, colleagues, employers and stakeholders to improve own practice

B2: Underpin their practice by reference to professional standards and evidence-based teaching and learning

S23: Manage workload through preparation and prioritisation, time management, and responsiveness to change

B3: Committed to continuous professional development

S24: Act within, the statutory frameworks which set out their professional duties and responsibilities

B4: Act in a professional manner, and in a way that builds and maintains positive relationships with colleagues, students and stakeholders

S25: Use innovative and up to date digital and online technologies in a way that is safe to improve teaching, learning and assessment

B5: Act in a manner that is ethical, fair, consistent and impartial, valuing equality, diversity and champion British values within professional boundaries

B6: Model sustainable practices and promote sustainable development principles, values and goals in relation to their subject specialism

What will this cost my business?

The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 has changed the way that government funds apprenticeships in England. All businesses operating within the UK with a wage bill of over £3million are required to contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy.

  • If the levy applies to your business you will be required to pay 0.5% of your entire wage bill into the levy. This will be offset against a levy allowance worth £15,000 for each tax year.
  • You will only be able to use your levy payment for government backed apprenticeships.
  • Levy payments will expire after 18 months.

Speak to an Advisor at our employer engagement team on 01206 712043 to make your levy payments work for you.

Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.

Where applicable, non-levy paying employers will need to contribute 5% of the maximum funding band as published by the Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of training and assessment for their apprenticeship.

An employer contribution fee will be required for:

  • All non-levy paying employers recruiting an apprentice aged 22 or over*

*For non-levy paying employers full government funding is available for an apprentice aged between 16-21 years old and apprentices aged between 22-24 years old who have either an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or has been in the care of their local authority, where the employer employs less than 50 employees. 

Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.

How often does the apprentice have to attend sessions?

Attendance at University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will be required throughout the duration of the apprenticeship (currently Thursdays 1-8pm) and will be communicated post-enrolment.

What about support in the workplace?

Skilled and knowledgeable staff must be available to support the apprentice as they complete work- based tasks and build a portfolio of supporting evidence.

Why should I choose Colchester Institute to support my recruitment and retention?

Colchester Institute is the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Greater Essex. We are experts at connecting the right people, to the right training, to the right business – and when it comes to Apprenticeships, our Apprenticeship Advisors can support your business every step of the way.

As part of our comprehensive service, we offer:

  • Fee-Free Recruitment Service: We offer recruitment assistance at no cost to you.
  • Advertisement of Apprenticeship Vacancies: We’ll promote your apprenticeship opportunities to attract the right candidates.
  • Application Management: We handle applications according to your unique criteria, ensuring a streamlined process.
  • Candidate Matching: Leveraging our extensive network, we can identify and recommend suitable candidates.
  • Pre-screening: We conduct initial assessments to ensure candidates meet course requirements.
  • Advice on Grants and Funding.

In addition, our team provides:

  • Dedicated Account Manager: You’ll have a single point of contact for personalised support.
  • Industry-Experienced Trainers: Our trainers bring real-world expertise to deliver high-quality training.
  • Bespoke Programmes: We can tailor apprenticeship programmes to align with your business goals.
  • Essex Priority Skills Focus: Our programmes are designed to address the priority skills needs of the Essex region.
  • Free Employer Events: Take advantage of networking opportunities and stay updated on industry trends through our free events.
  • Personalised Apprenticeship Levy Advice: Receive expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
  • Ongoing Support: Our team conducts regular visits, providing support and guidance to both you and your apprentice.

Partner with Colchester Institute to unlock the full potential of apprenticeships for your business. Let us help you find the right talent and develop the workforce you need for success.

How To Apply

Before you proceed to apply for an apprenticeship, please read through the information which relates to your age group below, and then select the correct application button from the menu located further down the page.

Aged between 15 and 18

The application window for joint applications for full-time courses and apprenticeships starting in September 2025 is open from Tuesday 1st October.

In order to study an apprenticeship you must have an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice and have an offer of employment in place by September, ready for enrolment.

The information below applies to those:

  • currently in year 11 and looking to study on an apprenticeship upon finishing school
  • currently in year 11 and looking to make a joint full-time and apprenticeship application, so that both options are available to be pursued upon finishing school (although you can apply for both options you will eventually need to choose between a full-time programme or apprenticeship, you cannot do both at the same time)
  • currently in year 12* on a full-time course and looking to find an apprenticeship to start after the end of the summer term

If you are interested in an Apprenticeship but do not yet have a contract of employment from an employer, we strongly advise you to apply for a full-time programme as well so you have a back-up. We will process both your full-time application and apprenticeship application until you inform us that you have secured an employer and have an Apprenticeship contract in place, at which point your apprenticeship application will take priority.

If you do have an employer with an Apprenticeship contract of employment in place, we still strongly advise that you apply for a full-time programme as well so you that you have a back-up in case this falls through.

Once you have read the above please click the red button underneath. Then click the button ’15 – 18 Years – Apply Online’ in the menu underneath this section and you will be taken to the next stage of the application process.

*If you are currently in year 12 and 13, but looking to find an apprenticeship and switch mid-year then please contact our Apprenticeship Admissions Team where they will advise you on suitable vacancies.

If you are unsure about any of the above and would like to speak to our apprenticeships team directly then please contact us using the below:

01206 712043 – Applicant Enquiries or email:

Aged 19+

In order to study an apprenticeship you must have an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice and with an offer of employment in place.

Please read through the information below and follow the information that applies to your current status.

If you have found an employer willing to take you on as an Apprentice and they are ready to put a contract of employment in place, please click the red button located underneath this section, which will take you to the first stage of the application process. Then click the button ’19+ Years – How to Apply’ where you will be taken to the next stage of the application process.

I am already in employment and my employer would like to put me through an apprenticeship

If you are already in employment then please contact our Apprenticeship Admissions Team where they will work with you and your employer to complete the sign-up and enrolment onto the programme.

01206 712043 – Applicant Enquiries or email:

I don’t have an employer

If you do not have a contract offer of employment from an employer in place then there are other options available to you:

Apply for a vacancy

Employers can recruit for apprentice positions all year round. We have apprenticeship vacancies listed on our website throughout the year in a variety of industries and with employers small, medium and large.

View our live vacancies

Join Our Talent Pool

All you have to do is complete and submit our Talent Pool application form, attend a pre-screening assessment/interview and be available when contacted. We will then send your details along with your profile to employers looking for an apprentice, inform you if you are selected for interview, and send you guidance to prepare you for interview.

Join our Talent Pool

If you are unsure about any of the above and would like to speak to our apprenticeships team directly then please contact us using the below:

01206 712043 – Applicant Enquiries or email:

Employer Application Enquiries

If you would be interested to find out more about how this apprenticeship can work for your business or already have a member of staff who this apprenticeship would be perfect for please contact us using the ‘Hire an Apprentice: Enquire Here’ button in the menu below.

Learning and Skills Teacher (FE Lecturer) Level 5 Apprenticeship
Course Outline: This apprenticeship is for those wishing to become a teacher in the Further Education and Skills Sector
When Can I Start an Apprenticeship?

Looking for a new career, job or maybe a qualification to take your current role to the next level?

Previously apprenticeships were primarily aimed towards 16-18 year olds but government reforms introduced in March 2017 mean that there is no longer an upper age limit for commencing an apprenticeship, even if you already possess a degree or higher level qualification (all applicants must be eligible for funding).

Starting an apprenticeship is dependent on your age and whether you have secured an offer of an apprenticeship from an employer.

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school, but you cannot start until you have officially left school and completed your exams.

You need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship. You may start an apprenticeship at 15 years of age if your 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31st August and provided you have completed your exams.

Provided you have left school and have an employment offer in place, then starting employment as an apprentice can occur throughout the year.

If you successfully apply for a vacancy, you may be able to start employment straight away.

Likewise, if you are already in employment and your employer is looking to train you through an apprenticeship, sign-up and enrolment can take place quite quickly.

However, the start date for attending college for training, where required, or if delivered online, when sessions begin, will vary depending on the type of apprenticeship.

Some apprenticeships will have fixed attendance with training on-campus commencing at the start of the autumn term, with no availability for starting the training mid-year.

For other apprenticeships where the training is delivered entirely online, it may be possible to commence the training immediately.

Whichever delivery method applies, this will be communicated to you and your employer post-employment and sign-up.

LevelLevel 5
LocationColchester
Duration24 Months
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Apprenticeship Funding Band (Levy paying employers)£10,000
Employer Contribution Fee (Non-levy paying employers)£500

What will this cost my Business?

How is the Apprenticeship funded?

The Government funds apprenticeships using the apprenticeship funding rules in place on the date the apprenticeship started. This applies to all employers, both those who pay the apprenticeship levy and those who do not.

Employers choose the training they would like their apprentice to receive throughout their apprenticeship. All new starts must follow an approved apprenticeship standard.

Each apprenticeship standard is in a funding band. These funding bands range from £1,500 to £27,000 and are paid through the employers digital apprenticeship account.

Employers can get help from the government to pay for apprenticeship training.

The amount you get depends on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy or not. You pay the levy if you’re an employer with a pay bill over £3 million each year.

Every employer who pays the levy has a digital account where they can access their levy funds to spend on apprenticeship training.

For non-levy paying employers the Government funding pays between 95% and 100% of the apprentice training costs, up to the funding band maximum. This is known as co-investment. 

What will this cost my business?

Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.

For new starts from 1st April 2024, employers who do not pay the levy, the government will fully fund apprenticeship training costs, up to the funding band maximum for apprentices who at the start of their apprenticeship training are aged between:

  • 16 and 21 years old (or 15 years of age if the apprentice’s 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31 August)
  • 22 and 24 years old and have either an education, health and care plan (EHCP) provided by their local authority or have been in the care of their local authority and their employer has fewer than 50 employees

For starts before 31st March 2024, for employers who do not pay the levy and have fewer than 50 employees, the government will fully fund apprenticeship training costs, up to the funding band maximum, for apprentices who at the start of their apprenticeship training are aged between:

  • 16 and 18 years old (or 15 years of age if the apprentice’s 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31 August); or
  • 19 and 24 years old and has either an education, health and care plan (EHCP) provided by their local authority and / or has been in the care of their local authority

Non-levy paying employers taking on an apprentice who does not meet the above age and eligibility criteria will be required to pay the 5% co-investment fee.

An employer contribution fee will be required for:

  • All non-levy paying employers recruiting an apprentice aged 22 or over

For more information about funding bands, please visit Apprenticeship Funding Bands.

Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear when you speak with our employer engagement team.

For any agreed associated costs, payments will be made directly to the training provider at the point of enrolment or a payment schedule. Payment schedules can be discussed with our employer engagement team prior to signing contracts. For more information about apprenticeship contribution fees please contact our engagement team on 01206 712043.

Apprenticeship Funding Bands

  • Apprenticeship Funding Bands
    Employers with less than 50 employees who are recruiting an apprentice aged 16-18 years old will not be required to pay the contribution fee. Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.