Introduction

In September 2007, the government introduced new regulations relating to the training and qualifications of teachers, tutors, trainers and instructors. The reforms include changes to initial teacher training and continuing professional development (CPD). The reforms apply to new and some existing trainers within the voluntary and community youth sector. It is therefore important that training providers within the sector realise the impact upon their staff and recruitment procedures, particularly if they currently (or intend to) receive Learning and Skills Council funding for the training they deliver.

Information for workers new to delivering training

Many workers in the voluntary and community youth sector deliver training to young people or to adults, even if it is for just five hours a week. Since September 2007, individuals new to training, teaching or tutoring will have to achieve a minimum standard called the ‘Award in preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector (PTTLS)’. This is the first qualification new trainers need to complete followed by a programme of study leading to a teaching qualification (appropriate for the training role the individual undertakes). To then achieve licensed status, the trainer will need to be professionally registered and licensed with the Institute for Learning (plus will need to under 30 hours/pro-rata hours of CPD per year to maintain licensed status). Please note that this requirement only applies if the organisation that you work for receives Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funding for the training it delivers.

Are you an existing tutor or trainer?

A trainer/tutor who has been working in a training/teaching capacity within the voluntary and community youth sector before 1 September 2007, does not have to undertake the new teaching qualifications. The 2001 qualification rules only apply to the FE sector. In addition this rule only applies if you obtain Learning and Skills Council funding.  However, the trainer must still be professionally registered with the Institute for Learning and undertake 30 hours/pro-rata hours of continuing professional development. Contact the Institute for Learning for more information.

Are you a trainer and hold a teaching qualification before September 2007?

It may be beneficial to check the professional standing of your qualification and how you can become professionally registered (and move towards licensed practitioner status). Contact Standards Verification UK for more information.

Are you an experienced trainer but do not hold any teaching qualifications?

There are routes to achieving professional recognition based upon your experience gained e.g. General Professional Recognition Learning and Skills Scheme. To find out more contact Standards Verification UK.

Sharing practice

Barnardo's like many national voluntary children and youth organisations are finding the changes complex.  They have created a useful flowchart for their network to aid understanding of the qualification reforms for trainers, for which they are happy to share with others.  If you would like to contact Barnardo's to learn more about their experience please email workforcedevelopment@barnardos.org.uk.
 

Implications of these reforms upon the Third Sector

NCVYS is concerned about the impact of the reforms upon the sector. There is a need to address the levels of confusion, concern and misunderstanding and to provide support and funding. In 2008, the Learning and Skills Council commissioned a report Implementing the QTLS reforms in the Third Sector Research Report. Following the report, a leaflet was produced specifically for the third sector. In December 2008, NCVYS attended a conference provided by the Learning and Skills Council and Lifelong Learning UK, and relayed further the needs and concerns of the sector. If you would like a copy of the research report or would like more information about NCVYS's lobbying in this area please email Nichola Brown.

Further information

Download >> Third sector learning and skills provision (PDF publication specifically for the third sector).  If you think this guide can be improved please email Nichola Brown, who will then inform the publisher LLUK.

More web based guidance at the Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) website or access information and advice service on 020 7936 5798. Thank you to Brenda Clayton from LLUK for checking the accuracy of this web page.

Back in July 2008, NCVYS's Workforce Development Officer asked the LLUK helpline some key questions, particularly around funding to pay for the qualifications. However, since July more information about funding has been published within pages 3/4 of the third sector guide above. 

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