Further Education (FE) is education for learners aged 16 and over who aren’t in school or studying for a degree. In settings such as colleges, FE involves training others across a wide range of technical, vocational and academic subjects to help prepare learners for work in their chosen field.
FE offers the chance to train others in practical, hands-on settings, from workshops through to classroom-based learning. For those working in adult social care, there are opportunities to teach subjects such as Adult Health and Social Care, Clinical Skills, Dementia Care, Safeguarding and wider health and wellbeing topics. These areas rely on real, up to date experience that professionals in adult social care already have.
For many working in adult social care, especially those who may be looking for a less physical role, a career in FE could be a natural next step. It is a way to use years of hands-on experience in a new setting while helping strengthen the workforce that communities rely on.
This is exactly what happened for Dawn Gouldthorpe, who trains learners in Adult Health and Social Care.
Supporting others was always the best part of the job
Dawn explains that her passion for supporting others was what first guided her towards FE. “I started as a support worker and went on to be a team leader, manager and registered manager. Alongside my roles I completed vocational qualifications, such as NVQs and diplomas, and supported my teams to achieve the same by assessing their practice and development in the workplace Helping others grow in confidence and improve their practice was always the part of my job I loved most. That is what led me towards a career in Further Education.”
Using industry experience in a new way
A career in FE does not mean starting from scratch. Dawn already understood the employer expectations and day‑to‑day realities of delivering care to patients. She was able to transfer that knowledge directly into her FE role. “I already had the industry knowledge from years in adult social care and had been training and mentoring others throughout my career. I understood the qualifications and what employers expected, so my teacher‑training simply built on the experience I already had. I completed my teacher training on the job with support from my employer.” If you have real world experience and a passion for your profession, you may already have what it takes to train others at your local college.
What makes the role rewarding
Dawn explains, “The best part is seeing learners grow. Many are working towards apprenticeships and T-levels. Their progress builds confidence and leads to better care for the people we support. That makes the job deeply meaningful.” Training others does more than help individuals achieve. It helps to create a confident workforce and ensure adult social care has the skilled professionals it needs for the future.
Why FE needs people like you
Adult social care is grounded in practical skills, compassion, and insight. Training others in FE allows you to pass on these same qualities, equipping learners with the knowledge and experience they need for the workplace. FE offers opportunities across classrooms, simulated wards and workplace settings, with some part-time roles available - so you could start training others alongside your current job, personal responsibilities or commitments.
Take the next step
Interested in using your skills in healthcare to train others at your local college?
For more information about careers in FE, please visit: Train Health and Social Care Sector Page - Teach in further education - Department for Education