Learning and Skills Teacher (LST) Level 5

Learning and Skills Teachers (LSTs) teach young people and adults across a wide range of settings, including further education colleges, work-based training, adult community learning, higher education, offender learning, and the voluntary sector. They may also work as trainers within organisations such as health and care settings. LSTs use their own knowledge, skills, and behaviours to plan and deliver learning that is current, relevant, and inspiring, helping learners to reach their full potential while supporting their physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Often dual professionals, they draw on both technical and academic expertise to provide high-quality learning experiences. Many LSTs take up the role as a second or later career to share their industry knowledge through teaching. This apprenticeship also includes Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) Status.

Learning will be built around the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the apprenticeship standard. Examples include:

Knowledge

• The pedagogical theory and how to apply this theory to practice.
• The principles of designing, planning, and organising curriculum.
• Methods for creating and adapting inclusive learning resources.
• Strategies to engage and challenge all learners.
• How to implement ongoing initial and diagnostic assessment to inform planning and progression.
• How to promote and foster a safe and supportive learning environment.
• The requirements and implications of organisational policies and procedures, including internal and external regulatory bodies and frameworks.
• Communication techniques and how to adapt these for different audiences, including leading difficult conversations.
• Coaching and mentoring principles and techniques.
• Strategies for quality improvement.
• Advances in digital, online, and emerging technologies and their application in teaching environments, as well as the principles of digital and online safety.

Skills

• Identify, consider, and take steps to minimise the impact of barriers to learning.
• Contextualise English and mathematics in a way that promotes understanding of key topics.
• Encourage learners to set challenging goals.
• Promote understanding of equality, diversity, and sustainable development.
• Demonstrate through teaching the wider context (policy, economic, societal, technological, legal, cultural, and environmental) of the subject, recognising the implications for professional practice.
• Design and use resources that are inclusive and add value to learners’ development.
• Engage and inspire learners.
• Provide ongoing learner feedback.
• Use assessment data to regularly review and develop own and others’ practice, and report emerging gaps in progression and achievement among groups of learners.
• Support the implementation and execution of safeguarding procedures, promoting the welfare of children, young people, and/or adults in accordance with statutory provisions.

Behaviours

• Be resilient and adaptable when dealing with challenge and change, maintaining focus and self-control.
• Underpin practice by reference to professional standards and evidence-based teaching and learning.
• Be committed to continuous professional development.
• Act in a professional manner, building and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, students, and stakeholders.
• Act ethically, fairly, consistently, and impartially, valuing equality and diversity, and championing British values within professional boundaries.
• Model sustainable practices and promote sustainable development principles, values, and goals in relation to their subject specialism.

Benefits

• Achieve a nationally recognised teaching qualification – completing this apprenticeship leads to Qualified Teacher and Learning Skills (QLTS) status, giving you the credentials to teach in further education, adult learning, and workplace training environments.
• Progress your career within education or your industry – the apprenticeship equips you to move into teaching, often as a second or later-career pathway, allowing you to share your professional expertise while opening doors to leadership or specialised educational roles.
• Develop advanced teaching, mentoring, and communication skills – you’ll learn how to plan and deliver engaging learning experiences, assess progress, provide feedback, and support learners’ wellbeing.
• Make a meaningful impact on learners and organisations – by guiding learners to achieve their potential, you contribute to their personal and professional growth while strengthening the learning culture of your organisation, making you a highly valuable and influential professional.

A blend of on-the-job and academic learning

You will learn through a blend of:

• on-campus activity days
• online sessions
• self-led set work
• workplace observations
• one-to-ones with your Instructor-Mentor.

How you are assessed

The Apprenticeship Assessment is the final stage of every apprenticeship. It checks overall competence, not just individual tasks, and gives apprentices the chance to demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) they have developed. For this apprenticeship, there are two elements: an observation in the workplace by an independent assessor, followed by questions and a professional discussion based on the portfolio of evidence submitted by the apprentice, which is collated throughout the apprenticeship.

We require learners to have a minimum of Grade 4 or above GCSEs in Maths and English or equivalent 

Additionally;

• You must have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for at least the past three years.
• As this is an apprenticeship, you will also require suitable employment to undertake the programme.
• Applicants will need to have experience and be professionally competent in the sector they work in.
• You will need to be in a position to have a candidate or group to mentor. 

Apprenticeships are funded by either the employer or the government; apprentices do not pay for their training.

Contact us

FE & Skills Apprenticeship Team

• Email: feapprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
• Phone: 0800 074 0099