Overview

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is an introductory teaching qualification designed for individuals who are new to training or teaching in the further education and skills sector. This award provides the essential knowledge and confidence to begin delivering inclusive, engaging learning to adults in a wide range of settings, including social care, healthcare, voluntary organisations, and vocational training.

It is ideal for those looking to develop their teaching practice or formalise existing training responsibilities in the workplace.

 

Who is this for?

Learners:

• Aspiring trainers or tutors with little or no prior teaching experience

• Staff with in-house training responsibilities in care or vocational settings

• Support workers, mentors, or senior staff delivering learning or inductions

• Individuals seeking a first step toward a teaching or assessing career

Employers:

• Care providers delivering internal training

• Local authorities, charities, and third-sector organisations

• Employers in regulated services seeking to build internal L&D capacity

 

Course Content

The qualification includes both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills.

Core learning areas include:

• Understanding roles, responsibilities, and relationships in education and training

• Planning inclusive teaching and learning

• Delivering microteaching sessions (short teaching sessions assessed by peers and tutors)

• Assessing learners in education and training

• Using feedback and reflection to improve teaching practice

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​Duration

• Typically 6 to 12 weeks (flexible depending on delivery format)

• Online, flexible delivery

 

Eligibility

• No prior teaching experience is required

• Learners must be aged 19+

• Strong communication skills and a reasonable standard of English (written and verbal)

• Basic literacy and numeracy recommended

• Access to a suitable environment to deliver a short teaching session (microteach)

 

Funding

The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS), launched by the Department of Health and Social Care, provides funding to help the non-regulated adult social care workforce complete training courses and qualifications. 

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Key Details:

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• Reimbursement Amount: Employers can claim up to £190 per qualification for courses paid for between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.

• Reimbursement Schedule: Employers can claim 60% of the funding once their employee begins the qualification, with the final 40% released upon submission of evidence confirming course completion.

• Eligibility: Staff must have a valid National Insurance number and be directly employed in a care role.

• Claim Process: Employers must have an up-to-date Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) account and complete an expression of interest form to access the online claims service.

 

For detailed guidance on the LDSS, including eligibility criteria and the claims process, visit the Learning and Development Support Scheme for the adult social care workforce: a guide for employers.

 

Entry Requirements

• No formal qualifications required

• Learners should be aged 19+

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills recommended

 

Progression Opportunities

Learners who complete the AET may progress to:

• Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

• Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET)

• Roles as workplace trainers, tutors, or assessors

• Internal roles in Learning & Development or staff induction and coaching

 

Employer Benefits

• Builds internal training and mentoring capability

• Enhances consistency in induction, compliance, and mandatory training

• Develops confident communicators and team leaders

• Improves care quality through skilled knowledge transfer

• Demonstrates commitment to staff development and progression

• Qualifies employers for LDSS reimbursement support