Teaching is a career where no two days are the same. Whether you’re helping young children learn to read, inspiring future scientists, or supporting students to achieve their goals, teaching gives you the opportunity to make a real difference every day.
Teachers have one of the most important jobs – they help shape the future! They build students’ confidence, teach them to think for themselves, and help them discover their strengths. From helping nursery children take their first steps in learning to guiding teenagers through exams, teachers play an important role at every stage of education.
If you want to get into the world of teaching, you could:
✏️ Go to university
✏️ Find a degree apprenticeship
✏️ Work your way towards teaching
If you’d like to teach in a college or training provider, qualification requirements can differ from school teaching and may not always require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). To find out about the qualifications needed for your dream teaching role, click here to explore the National Careers Services’ job profiles.
Go to university.
If you want to go to university, you could:
- Complete a degree that includes teacher training and QTS (qualified teaching status)
- Study a subject you’re passionate about before progressing to a teacher training qualification, such as a PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education)
University courses usually include placements in an education setting to give you hands-on experience in the classroom and learn more about the reality of what it’s like to be a great teacher.
Find a degree apprenticeship.
Depending on the phase and the subject you want to teach, degree apprenticeships may be available as an alternative route into teaching. This option means you can:
- Still get a degree and a qualified teacher status
- Earn money
- Gain practical teaching experience from day one
Degree apprenticeships are perfect if you prefer learning with hands-on experience and want to avoid student debt. You’ll still be supported by mentors and tutors, all while developing your teaching skills in a real-world setting!
To find out more about local apprenticeships and get support, check out Worcestershire Apprenticeships’ website here.
Work your way towards teaching.
If you’re looking to gain experience working in teaching before jumping right into getting a qualification, you could:
- Volunteer in a school setting
- Work as a teaching assistant
- Start a part-time course or apprenticeship to begin working towards a qualification
This route gives you time to explore teaching and build valuable skills so you can make informed decisions about your future.
Need help figuring it out?
Choosing the right path can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone!
You can check out the official Get into Teaching site for more detailed information and guidance.
Are you aged 16–24 and living in Worcestershire? Thinking about teaching – or exploring other career options? We’re here to help. You can book an appointment at one of our Careers Hubs or fill in a contact form here.
