Academic common room
Does anyone teach HE courses but based in an FE institution?
MaybeDoctor · 23/08/2017 13:32
I am thinking of applying for a job teaching a degree course in an FE based centre. This would be an honours degree in a vocational subject.
I have the relevant qualifications (Masters in the subject area and teaching quals) but no experience of teaching at HE level. However, I have taught/trained adults before.
Does anyone do this? Any insights? The contract isn't bad - permanent, with good pension.
Thanks.
ilovesushi · 07/10/2017 17:42
Hi
Sounds very similar to what I do. I find there is some friction between FE and HE mainly at a management level not so much between lecturers. I sometimes hanker after working on a proper university campus, but I have a pretty cushy set up and it works okay with family life so it'll do for now.
Check out pay scales. I was pretty alarmed to find I am on the top of the pay scale with nowhere to go. If I were at a uni, my next step would be senior lecturer and a significant pay jump.
I had almost no teaching experience when I started three years ago, so had to do a PGCE alongside my teaching. My college tried to make me do a generic one for post-16 education, but I was adamant I was doing an HE specific one which also included an HEA fellowship. It means when I do want to switch employer, I will be a more attractive proposition for universities.
Good luck with it!
DrCoconut · 07/10/2017 18:18
I teach HE in an FE environment and can only echo what sushi said. Although it is not a poorly paid job it doesn't have the potential of a university post. There can be problems where FE style rules are imposed even though they don't work well for HE. But we have a great team and it is relatively flexible and family friendly, plus I get 7 weeks holiday plus Christmas 
MaybeDoctor · 08/10/2017 09:24
Many thanks, both - food for thought.
It seems that a lot of people are keen on these posts as I didn't get far in the recruitment process and I am generally pretty good at getting interviews. Who knew that it would be so popular? Never mind!
ilovesushi · 09/10/2017 07:55
Next time! I think it's getting crazily competitive. I'd be tempted to give them a call and find out what they thought was missing from your application. x
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