Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

We offer a suite of part-time initial teacher training courses for teachers working in the Lifelong Learning Sector.  All of these courses are taught in our partner FE Colleges: Cannock Technical College, City of Stoke on Trent College; Newcastle College; Stafford College; Tamworth and Lichfield College; Walford and North Shropshire College.

This award is founded upon a uniquely strong partnership with local colleges within the Staffordshire University Regional Federation (SURF) partnership.

Sometimes also termed post-compulsory education, these courses are for teachers working in further education, sixth form colleges, school sixth forms, work-based training and adult and community education and training.

All these courses are endorsed by LLUK, the government body that regulates teacher training in the sector and will help you work towards gaining Qualified Teacher Status (Learning and Skills), QTLS.

These courses lead to a set of teacher training qualifications that by government requires teachers in the sector to obtain.  For more information go to LLUK - 'I would like to work in the lifelong learning sector' if you want to work as a teacher in the sector, or to LLUK - 'I work in the lifelong learning sector' if you already teach in the sector.

This course, PTLLS, is the qualification everyone wanting to work in the sector MUST obtain before moving on to more advanced qualifications.  It may be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as the first module in all the other qualifications.

The course introduces you to planning, teaching and assessing learners in the sector and evaluating your effectiveness as well as examining the roles and responsibilities of teachers in the sector.

There is one module to study.  Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, acts as a basic, practical introduction to teaching in the lifelong learning sector.  You will be introduced to the roles and responsibilities of teachers in the sector, consider the issues of equality and diversity and be introduced to notions of reflective practice.  You will learn how to devise basic session plans, prepare resources, assess learning against a course requirement, provide support to learners and be made aware of key legislation and to evaluate their work.  You will also engage in an observed teaching session and/or in a microteaching session with your peers.

On gaining PTLLS, and assuming you are working in the sector, you will proceeed to the Certificate (CTLLS) or the Diploma (DTLLS)/PGCE depending on the role you have in your organisation.

If you are not yet working in the sector, you will need to obtain a teaching post before proceeding to the above qualifications.

If you are unsure about teaching in this sector, our FE partner colleges run taster courses and will provide advice and guidance.

For more information about Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) please contact: