Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship

The "Learning and Skills Teacher" apprenticeship is designed to prepare individuals for a career in teaching and training within the post-compulsory education sector. This sector includes further education (FE) colleges, adult and community learning settings, work-based learning environments, and other educational institutions that provide vocational, technical, and professional education.

You should choose to study the Learning and Skills Teacher apprenticeship if you're looking to grow your career, explore your interests, or achieve personal goals in teaching.

This level 5 apprenticeship sets a new standard for initial teacher education. Redesigned by employers through the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, it reflects what today’s FE (Further Education) sector truly needs.

As part of the course, you’ll develop essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours across nine key areas, including:

• Inspiring a love for learning while setting high expectations for students and supporting their personal growth
• Demonstrating strong pedagogy, subject expertise, curriculum knowledge, and industry insight
• Guiding students effectively with advice on their next steps in learning or career progression.

The apprenticeship also includes the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) - a nationally recognised teaching qualification.

Altogether, this course gives employers in the FE and skills sector a clear, structured way to train the next generation of great teachers, and gives you a strong foundation to build a meaningful teaching career.

On this apprenticeship, you will develop a well-rounded set of knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential for teaching in the post-compulsory education sector. The curriculum typically focuses on the following key areas:

1. Pedagogical Knowledge
2. Curriculum Development
3. Assessment and Evaluation
4. Subject-Specific Expertise
5. Inclusion and Diversity
6. Use of Technology
7. Professional Skills
8. Practical Teaching Experience
9. Research Skills

By the end of the apprenticeship, you will be fully equipped with the tools and experience needed to teach effectively and inspire learners. You'll be ready to make a meaningful and positive impact on their educational journeys.

Assessment takes place through a range of methods, including assignments, presentations, observations of your teaching practice, small-scale practitioner research, and specialist practitioner observations.

At the end of the apprenticeship, you will be required to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours learned. 

The apprenticeship is delivered in a blended format, with weekly face-to-face sessions held at the Warrington campus. Hybrid options are also available as part of the programme. Tutorials can be delivered either in person or online, offering greater flexibility and accessibility.

Teaching sessions take place weekly during term time. In addition, you’ll be expected to complete approximately 1.5 hours of independent study each week through blended learning. You’ll also need to engage in wider reading and research to support your assignments.

All teaching observations must be carried out in the trainee teacher’s or trainer’s workplace setting.

After completing this qualification, you could progress to foundation degrees or BA (Hons) degrees in education-related subjects. Teaching must be within the post-16 education sector.

If you achieve the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) and move on to a higher education qualification at Level 6 or above, your Level 5 credits may be recognised, depending on the university’s policy on prior learning.

This course can also lead to direct employment in the Further Education (FE) sector.

You will be allocated a designated tutor to guide you through your apprenticeship. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Wellbeing Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed.

Click here for more information about learning support for students: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Warrington & Vale Royal College offers flexible learning opportunities to support your success. Our tutors are highly experienced in their professional fields and bring strong industry links to the course. They regularly engage in work experience and further study to keep their knowledge current and relevant.

You’ll be supported throughout the course to help you achieve your qualification. The programme is well-structured and designed to fit around your daily commitments, with hybrid delivery options available to increase accessibility.

You will need to be employed, and your employer must subscribe to the apprenticeship Levy.

You will typically have one of the following:

• A minimum of a level 3 qualification in a vocational subject (related to your chosen teaching specialism) (64 UCAS points) AND appropriate relevant work experience – mature students who have appropriate work experience in a related sector or role and/or have professional qualifications in a related industry are welcome to apply.
• A degree in your subject specialism (academic subjects)

AND

•  A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) or level 2 equivalent
• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE maths (or level 2 equivalent)
• Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels identified below, before being recruited to the programme. The programme is both taught and assessed through the medium of English.

Students must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Able to demonstrate an ability to study at level 5
• Suitable level of digital competency to ensure they can meet the requirements of the qualification
• Access to 150 hours teaching practice over the full term of the course – this must be arranged by yourself and be in place prior to enrolment
• Access to additional 20 hours placement in a secondary setting to complete CPD
• Obtain a DBS Disclosure prior to enrolment
• You will also be required to provide a reference, such as from a previous course leader/teacher.

You will be required to present proof of qualifications in order to enrol. You will need to complete an initial assessment to determine if a level 5 qualification is appropriate and achievable.