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Your Expertise is Worth More Than You Think

You have spent years mastering your craft. You know the shortcuts, the safety protocols, and the industry secrets that only come with experience. But right now, that knowledge is locked inside your head.

Imagine turning that knowledge into a second income stream—or a completely new career.

The UK’s Further Education (FE) and Skills sector is facing a massive shortage of vocational experts. Colleges and private training providers don’t need academics; they need real experts like you. Whether you are a paramedic, a bricklayer, a hairdresser, or a security operative, your experience is your greatest asset.

But to teach legally, you need the license.

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)—formerly known as PTLLS—is the nationally recognized, regulated entry-level qualification for teaching adults. It creates the legal foundation for you to deliver accredited training, teach in colleges, or work as a private instructor.

At National Training GB, we strip away the academic jargon and provide a streamlined, flexible pathway to get you qualified without quitting your day job.

What Exactly is the Level 3 AET (PTLLS)?


The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is an regulated Level 3 qualification that replaces the legacy PTLLS award. It is the mandatory requirement for anyone wishing to teach in the post-16 sector, including Further Education colleges, private training centers, and workplace training environments. The course covers lesson planning, inclusive teaching methods, and assessment principles.

Is This the Right Level for You?

Before you book, ensure this matches your career goals. This is a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to A-Level standard).

  • It IS for: Teaching adults (19+), delivering vocational courses (First Aid, SIA, Construction, Beauty), and workplace training.
  • It is NOT for: Teaching children in primary or secondary schools (you would need a PGCE/QTS for that).

The Biggest Fear: “The Micro-Teaching” Session Explained

Most students hesitate to enroll because they are terrified of the “Micro-Teaching” assessment. Let’s kill that fear right now.

At National Training GB, we make this process as stress-free as possible.

  • What is it? A short, 15 to 60-minute session where you teach a small group (peers or friends).
  • The Topic: It can be on anything. You don’t have to teach a complex subject. You can teach “How to make the perfect cup of tea,” “How to wire a plug,” or “How to apply a bandage.”
  • The Goal: We aren’t testing your subject knowledge; we are testing your ability to structure a lesson (Introduction -> Main Activity -> Conclusion).
  • Delivery: You can often record this and submit it to us, meaning you don’t even have to stand in front of a live classroom of strangers.

Career Pathways & Salary Potential

Why invest in this course? Because the Return on Investment (ROI) is tangible. Here is what qualified AET trainers typically earn in the UK:

Career Path Role Description Estimated Earnings
Freelance Trainer Delivering short courses (First Aid, Manual Handling) for companies. £150 – £300 per day
College Lecturer Teaching vocational subjects in FE Colleges. £24,000 – £35,000 / year
Private Tutor Teaching specialized skills (Beauty, IT, Languages). £25 – £50 per hour
Internal Trainer Training staff within your current company (HR, Safety). Salary Boost / Promotion

Note: The AET is often the mandatory “tick-box” requirement to unlock these roles.

Course Curriculum: Practical Skills for Modern Classrooms

We focus on the skills that actually matter when you are standing in front of students.

Unit 1: Understanding Roles & Responsibilities

You will learn the legal framework. How to maintain a safe learning environment, how to handle “difficult” students, and how to respect boundaries (Equality & Diversity).

Unit 2: Inclusive Teaching & Learning Approaches

This is the “How-To” module.

  • Lesson Planning: How to create a lesson plan that ensures you don’t run out of things to say.
  • Learning Styles: Teaching Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learners simultaneously.
  • Resource Creation: Designing handouts and slides that engage rather than bore.

Unit 3: Understanding Assessment

How do you prove your students learned something? You will learn to use:

  • Formative Assessment: Checking learning during the class (Q&A, quizzes).
  • Summative Assessment: Final exams and projects.
  • Feedback: How to give constructive criticism that motivates students.

Why Choose National Training GB? (The Distance Learning Advantage)

We know you are busy. You have a job, a family, and commitments. You cannot afford to take weeks off to sit in a classroom.

  1. 100% Flexible Study: Access our portal 24/7. Study at 6 AM or 11 PM—whatever works for you.
  2. No Exams: The AET is assessed entirely through written assignments and your micro-teaching observation. No scary exam halls.
  3. Dedicated Tutor Support: You are not a number. You get a dedicated tutor who marks your work and provides feedback. If you get stuck on an assignment, help is an email away.
  4. Fast-Track Marking: We don’t sit on your work for weeks. We aim for rapid turnaround times so you can get your certificate and get hired.

Who Needs This Course?

  • Health & Safety: Essential for aspiring First Aid, Fire Safety, and Manual Handling instructors.
  • Beauty Industry: Required if you want to open your own academy to teach makeup, nails, or aesthetics.
  • Construction: Required to teach CSCS courses or operate as a site trainer.
  • Driving Instructors: A massive asset for those delivering classroom-based driver CPC training.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the course take to complete?
The Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are 48, but with self-study, the total time is around 120 hours. Most of our students at National Training GB complete it in 4-8 weeks, depending on how much time they dedicate per week.

Do I need to be in a teaching role currently?
No. This is an introductory course. You do not need to have access to a classroom or current students to take the AET.

Is this certificate recognized by employers?
Yes. The certificate is awarded by a recognized Awarding Body (like TQUK or Highfield) and regulated by. It is accepted by every college and training provider in the UK.

Stop Thinking, Start Teaching in Level 3 AET Course

The demand for vocational teachers is at an all-time high. Every day you wait is another day you are missing out on freelance day rates and career stability.

You have the experience. You know. Now, get the paper that proves it.

Join thousands of successful graduates who have transformed their careers with National Training GB.

[Enroll Now: Level 3 Award in Education and Training (Distance Learning)]

Take the next step and head over to Advance Training Academy to enroll in the Level 3 Award in Education & Training instantly.

Other useful websites you can check it!

Home | The Society for Education and Training (SET)

Family & Education | Latest News & Updates | BBC News

Education news, opinion and guides | The Guardian

Find courses by location or by training provider – Find teacher training courses – GOV.UK

Teacher Training | School Centred Approach – The National Institute of Teaching

Beautyguild Homepage

Security Industry Authority – GOV.UK

HSE: Information about health and safety at work

Harvard University

Vocational Education and Apprenticeships | City & Guilds

Useful websites for students | TopUniversitiesFree educational websites for children and young people | Greater London Fostering