Teach what you know: Staffordshire teacher urges locals to share their skills
As students across the country await their exam results with anticipation, today is more than just a tally of grades - it’s a celebration of the transformative power of education. And behind every success story stands a dedicated teacher helping learners take their next step.
Across the UK, over 1.6 million people are training in the Further Education (FE) sector, in settings ranging from colleges to adult learning centres. FE teachers are the backbone of this system, equipping students with practical skills, confidence, and a path into employment.
One such teacher is Alexander Hamilton. After years in the gaming industry, including starting his own company, Alex transitioned into Further Education (FE) teaching and never looked back. What started as a guest lecture turned into a full-time passion - teaching digital skills that are vital to the future workforce. Now a Subject Lead in Creative & Digital at Stoke-on-Trent College, Alex draws on his real-world experience to bring lessons to life, from VR and 3D printing to creative coding. For Alex, the reward lies in empowering students make their first steps into the industry.
Alex shares: “Results Day is one of the most powerful reminders of why I teach. It’s not just about grades - it’s about the journeys our students have taken, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the confidence they’ve built along the way. As an FE teacher, there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing how my students feel when they walk into their first job interview or placement - confident, prepared and full of purpose. It’s one of many moments that reminds me why teaching in FE is so meaningful. are your skills, and on-the-job training means you can begin earning while you learn.
So, this Results Day, let’s celebrate not just the students, but the teachers who helped them get there. If you’ve got skills to share and a passion for helping others succeed, FE teaching could be your next chapter.
To find out more about how you can get involved teaching in FE, visit: teachinfurthereducation.education.gov.uk
The Department for Education’s Teach in Further Education (FE) campaign is calling on those with industry experience to teach in FE by sharing their skills and training the next generation of workers in their field.
FE teachers are needed across many subject areas, with particular demand for professionals from the following sectors: Health and Social Care, Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing, Digital and IT.
Practical experience gained from industry is highly sought after and prior teaching qualifications or an academic degree isn’t always needed to start teaching in further education. Teacher training can be completed on the job, meaning FE teachers can begin earning straight away.
There are full-time, part-time and flexible contracts available, allowing FE teachers to balance their hours alongside their current job or personal responsibilities.
