Jonathan Edwards, Electrical Assessor at Wigan and Leigh College, shares his journey from industry into further education, highlighting how experienced professionals can train the next generation through FE careers and the Department for Education’s Train Others in Further Education campaign.
New School Year, New Opportunities:
Could Your Experience Inspire the Next Generation?
As the new academic year begins, it’s not just learners embarking on something new. For thousands of industry professionals across the UK, September could be the moment they take a step into training others in further education, using their industry expertise to train the workforce of the future.
While many people assume a career in further education is something they need a prior teaching qualification for, colleges are actively looking for professionals with real-world industry experience. In many cases, there’s no need for new qualifications before getting started. New FE trainers can, undertake teacher training alongside the role, often with costs covered by their employer. One person who made this move into FE is Jonathan Edwards, an Electrical Assessor at Wigan and Leigh College.
He says:
“After 36 years in the electrical industry, I reached a point where I wanted to give something back to the trade that had given me so much throughout my career. Having started as an apprentice myself and worked my way up to senior site roles on projects across the UK, I knew I had the knowledge and experience to help future electricians begin their careers.”Jonathan says his experience in industry has proved invaluable in supporting apprentices as they develop both technical skills and confidence in the workplace.
“Moving into FE was a big change for me, but I quickly realised how valuable industry experience can be. Apprentices want to learn from people who have done the job themselves and can share real examples of what employers are looking for and what working in the industry is really like.”
For Jonathan, one of the most rewarding parts of the role is seeing students develop and progress towards their career goals.
“The most rewarding part of my role as an assessor is seeing apprentices grow in confidence and realise what they are capable of. Results Day is always a proud moment because you get to see the hard work they’ve put in pay off and hear about the opportunities ahead of them. Knowing you’ve played a small part in that journey is incredibly special.”
As colleges welcome students back for a new academic year, Jonathan believes more experienced professionals should consider how their own skills could help the next generation succeed.
“For anyone with industry experience who enjoys helping others learn, a career in FE is worth considering. You don’t leave your expertise behind – you use your skills in a new way, helping to shape future talent and stay connected to the industry you love.”
For those looking to make a difference, a career training others offers the chance to inspire others, share valuable industry knowledge and help develop the workforce of tomorrow.
Want to find out more about training others at your local college?
Visit the www.teachinfurthereducation.education. gov.uk website to explore opportunities and learn how your industry experience could help shape the next generation.
