Further Education Tutor
Also advertised as: Apprenticeship Tutor, Assessor, College Lecturer, Further Education Tutor, Skills Coach, Trainer Assessor
Teaches vocational or academic subjects to students aged 16 and over in colleges and training providers.
What the job involves
FE tutors teach the practical and technical subjects that industry needs, from plumbing to business administration. Colleges specifically recruit experienced practitioners and support them to gain teaching qualifications while working.
Typical responsibilities
- Plan and deliver vocational or academic lessons
- Assess coursework and practical competence
- Support learners with additional needs
- Maintain awarding body records
- Keep industry knowledge current
Common employers
- Further education colleges
- Independent training providers
- Employer training academies
- Prisons
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£26,000 – £31,000 a year
With experience
£34,000 – £42,000 a year
Typical hours
Term time based, around 37 hours
Working environment
Classrooms and practical workshops
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
high
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Subject expertise
- Teaching and assessment
- Learner support
- Standards compliance
- Communication
Transferable skills you may already have
- Training apprentices at work
- Supervising staff
- Explaining technical work
Requirements employers ask for
- Subject expertise
- Teaching and assessment
- Learner support
- Standards compliance
- Communication
- Industry experience in the subject
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training within the first year
- Enhanced DBS
Useful but not essential
- Training apprentices at work
- Supervising staff
- Explaining technical work
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
- Assessor and IQA awards
Helpful qualifications
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
- Assessor and IQA awards
Licences and checks
- Enhanced DBS
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Learning and Skills Teacher (Level 5)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Any vocational specialism
Where this career can lead
next
Curriculum Leader
next
Head of Department
next
Quality Manager
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Values trade and industry experience directly
- Teaching qualification gained in post
- Long holidays
What people find hard
- Pay below industry rates in some trades
- Marking and paperwork load
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a further education tutor?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a further education tutor earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £26,000 to £31,000 a year, rising towards £42,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Training apprentices at work, Supervising staff, Explaining technical work.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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