April 24, 2023
What can you do with a DET Qualification?
Earning a DET qualification opens many doors for those looking to pursue a career in education. Students who have completed the Level 5 DET can go on to earn Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status to become qualified teachers, enhance their existing teaching role or take on new employment.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore each of these in more detail so you can decide if the Level 5 DET is the right course for you or start planning your next steps if you’re getting ready to qualify!
Become a qualified teacher
For those looking to become a qualified teacher, it’s a common misconception that you need a university degree.
Fortunately, there is another route to becoming a qualified teacher that doesn’t have such a high barrier to entry, making a career in education a lot more accessible for those who don’t have the funds, lifestyle or time to complete a degree.
Routes into teaching
There are several different routes you can take to become a qualified teacher in the UK, such as:
- Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.) or Master of Education (M. Ed)
- Any 3-4 year degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET)
Studying for a university degree in teaching or pursuing the PGCE after completing an undergraduate degree are considered the most traditional routes into teaching. These are the most publicised as they are promoted by universities, schools and government departments. However, they are not without substantial costs, as you often end up paying tuition fees in excess of £9000 per year.
Additionally, you are only able to apply for a “Newly Qualified Teacher” status on completion, meaning you’ll be working on reduced hours for the first year or so of teaching to gain your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Fortunately, these two routes are not the only ways to become a qualified teacher.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
In 2012, an alternative route to teaching was introduced which holds the same value as the PGCE. The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training is a teacher training course that puts you on the pathway to becoming a qualified teacher without high course costs and waiting years to start teaching. In fact, many students who take the DET course take around 6 months to complete it, making it the quickest route into teaching.
Once you’ve earned your DET qualification, you can apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS). If you’ve never heard of QTLS, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Achieving QTLS means that you are classed as a fully qualified teacher in any school or college, just the same as a teacher going down a more traditional route, however, by pursuing a DET qualification, you will bypass the Newly Qualified Teacher status stage.
Want to be a qualified teacher but don’t fancy spending years of time and many thousands of pounds studying? Then the Level 5 DET course is right for you!
Enhance your teaching skills
Teachers have the opportunity to pass on their knowledge and skills, as well as inspire, encourage and motivate others. This makes a career in education a fascinating and rewarding one, which is why so many of us pursue it.
The Level 5 DET course equips you with a whole new range of teaching and learning skills. In the course, you learn about the principles of teaching, assessment, and planning, as well as how to be a more confident and competent teacher. These skills can help you to deliver a higher quality of education to your students, with more exciting and engaging lessons, as well as see your learners achieve better results.
Those of us working in education and training are often subject to being observed, checked or inspected. By having these up-to-date teaching skills, you can feel more confident during inspections knowing you have invested time in your teaching practice and students’ learning outcomes.
Increase your employability
The Level 5 DET qualification opens doors to a range of rewarding job opportunities. With many educational institutions and training providers in the UK requiring their staff to possess a recognised teaching qualification, the DET can significantly improve your employability in the education and training sector.
A DET certificate demonstrates to potential employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a teaching role. It enables you to teach in a variety of settings, including further education colleges, adult and community learning centres, offender learning institutions, and work-based learning environments, as well as traditional schools. This range allows you to explore different teaching opportunities and employers in various sectors and find the one that suits you.
Additionally, the DET qualification is relevant for teaching any subject or specialism, making it a versatile and valuable addition to your CV. This can increase your earning potential and provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
In the ever-evolving world in which we live, teachers must stay up-to-date with new developments and best practices. The DET qualification includes an element of continuous professional development, ensuring that you remain current in your field and keep your skills up to date. This commitment to CPD benefits your learners and demonstrates your dedication to professional growth to potential employers.
What Can You Do With a DET Qualification?
The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) qualification offers many career benefits for anyone looking to excel in a career in the lifelong learning sector. From enhancing your teaching skills and increasing employability to accessing a diverse range of work opportunities and furthering your own professional development, earning your DET qualification can open up a whole world of possibilities for you.
Gaining the Level 5 DET qualification allows you to make a real difference in the lives of your learners, helping them achieve their full potential and build a brighter future. If you want to make a visible difference to the people you’re working with, then this is the course for you!
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