There have never been as many different routes into teaching as there are today. Once upon a time, there were essentially just two roads to take: a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree, or the postgraduate option (PGCE). Of course, those two options are still popular but they are certainly not the only paths that can be taken nowadays.

From different degree choices to various training schemes that route into teaching career and other positions in the Education Sector, there is now plenty of choices. When it comes to making an application to any course or scheme, there is one common requirement – the need to have relevant work experience.

Why is work experience so important? 

It’s no surprise that all institutions stipulate that work experience is required for applicants. No amount of work experience really prepares you for what it is like to take charge of a whole class on your own for the first time. Similarly, it hardly lays the groundwork for your future life on the planning/teaching/marking treadmill either! But (and this is a BIG but) work experience gives you a real taste of what it is like. It is the best way you can possibly prepare yourself for an application to train – especially in helping you to make up your mind about whether it will be the correct career choice for you.

What work experience is required? 

The specific work experience requirements asked of applicants will vary from institution to institution, although they will be broadly similar. However, the way to approach work experience in the education Sector is not to just do what is required, but also to seek opportunities that will broaden your overall experience in other ways. Schools are generally very open to work experience requests and/or volunteering, which is another way of picking up valuable experience.

Generally speaking, you will need to show that you have spent some time working in the stage/age range that you are interested in training in and specialising in. For example, the foundation stage or Key Stage 1. It is vital that you appreciate the resilience and commitment that is required (at any stage). You cannot hope to become an effective teacher without this understanding – and without possessing these qualities yourself.

Advice about work experience

Spending 10 days in a relevant setting is the general – if unwritten – rule. The more recent the experience is the better it will be regarded in any application. It is standard practice in application interviews for candidates to be asked to draw and reflect on this work experience. It’s also an expectation that the professional that oversees your work experience should complete a reference that describes a candidate’s ability to work effectively with children and comments on their general suitability and potential to become a successful teacher.

For secondary teaching, work experience that is focused on your subject specialism will obviously be a clear advantage, if not a requirement. Typically, if you can demonstrate experience in different schools and settings then all the better.

Indeed, any additional relevant experience of working with children will be useful. From teaching abroad to sports coaching to helping with voluntary/community groups, any experience that shows your commitment to working with young people will be looked on favourably.

Remember, the best way to look at work experience is not to do it because you have to, but to do as much as you can to help you decide whether the education sector is the right place for you.