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Learning and Skills Teacher

Gain a Level 5 Diploma in teaching and graduate with a powerful mix of practical and transferable skills, including lesson planning, classroom delivery, and work-based research. Build professional credibility and develop the skills to deliver impactful, effective training in your organisation.

A lecturer standing at the front of a classroom with a whiteboard that reads "cognitive load theory"

Key course information

Course codeCID1347
Duration18 months
Fee(s)View fees
LocationOn campus

Course summary

Designed for those working or aspiring to work in the Further Education and Skills (FES) sector, the Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship offers a balance of hands-on experience and academic study, helping you grow as a confident, skilled, and reflective practitioner.

Whether you aim to teach, train, coach, or mentor in vocational education or across a wide range of industries, this course provides the tools and knowledge to make a difference. You'll gain a solid foundation in the theory and practice of teaching, all underpinned by the latest national and international research developed by our renowned University of Sunderland Centre of Excellence in Teaching Training (SUNCETT) team.

With expert guidance from our experienced academic staff who bring real-world industry insight, you’ll develop the skills to plan, design, and deliver engaging learning experiences. You’ll also strengthen your abilities in assessment, evaluation, and classroom innovation, whilst building essential literacy, numeracy, and digital skills that are key to professional success.

After completing this apprenticeship, you can progress towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which is recommended for teaching in the FES sector. QTLS has legal equivalence to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and is recognised by some headteachers in schools. This qualification is completed through the Society for Education and Training (SET). Visit the SET website(opens in new tab) for further information on QTLS and to check your eligibility.

Jean Metcalfe

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become more confident in my role, and I believe this has shown through my work.

Jean Metcalfe

Read Jean Metcalfe's story

What you'll study

Modules

How you'll learn

This apprenticeship offers a combination of university-based learning and work-based training. You'll complete a mix of live teaching sessions and independent study. The modules cover the principles of effective programme design, adaptive teaching and supporting learners with additional needs, high-quality assessment strategies, and an in-depth look at research and policy.

There's a strong practical element to the course, and you'll be supported in applying your new skills and knowledge within your own on-the-job teaching and training. You'll also be expected to identify an area of development for a work-based action research project, which you'll design, implement, evaluate, and present.

You'll take part in regular meetings called tripartite reviews, providing an opportunity for your academic tutor and work-based mentor to support you through your studies.

Varied assessment methods are used, including written assignments, presentations, micro-teach, and an e-portfolio of practical evidence, as well as teaching observations in the workplace.

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.

For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

To apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship, you must have an employer in place to support you on the course. If you're interested in applying and have an employer in place, please email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) and we'll send you the relevant application link.

To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship(opens in new tab).

For a discussion around your specific requirements, or if you're an employer interested in creating a vacancy, please call us on 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

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