What is a Level 3 award in education and training equivalent to?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is an entry-level teaching qualification in the UK. It’s often the first step for anyone who wants to teach or train adults (16+) in the further education or workplace learning sectors. In terms of educational level: It is equivalent to an A-Level (Advanced Level) qualification. It sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Key points: It does not qualify you to teach in schools (which require QTS – Qualified Teacher Status). It does qualify you to teach or train in adult education, further education colleges, community learning, apprenticeships, or workplace training environments. It’s often a requirement or strong recommendation for those who want to become associate or full teachers/trainers in further education.

What is the Level 3 training Award?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) — sometimes informally called the "Level 3 Training Award" — is a qualification designed for individuals who: Want to start teaching or training adults (post-16 education). Are already working as trainers, instructors, or tutors and want a formal qualification. Need a basic teaching qualification to deliver learning in the workplace, community, or further education setting.

What does level 3 mean in Education?

In the UK education system, "Level 3" refers to a specific tier in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It represents advanced secondary education and is often used as a standard for post-16 qualifications.

What is the Level 3 major award?

The term "Level 3 Major Award" typically refers to a comprehensive qualification at Level 3 on the UK or Irish qualification frameworks — but the exact meaning can vary slightly depending on context or country (e.g., UK vs. Ireland). The phrase "major award" is not commonly used in the same way as in Ireland. However, when people say "Level 3 major award" in a UK context, they may mean: A full Level 3 qualification, such as: A-Levels Level 3 Extended Diploma (BTEC) Level 3 NVQ or Diploma T-Level Access to Higher Education Diploma

Level 3 Award in Education and Training | AET

Level 3 Award in Education and Training

Launch a new career in education

What Is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

The Level 3 AET is a knowledge-based qualification that covers:

Understanding the roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training
Planning inclusive teaching and learning
Assessment methods and practices

You don’t need any prior teaching experience to enrol, making this qualification perfect for new trainers, tutors, or instructors across a wide range of sectors.

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AET

Training

^£549

4-Days
Full payment up front
Minimum age 19
No teaching experience required
Military CTP credits accepted
02 - 05 Mar 26

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AET + First Aid

Training

^£803

6-Days
Become a First Aid Instructor
Full payment up front
Minimum age 19
No teaching experience required
Military CTP credits accepted
19 - 24 Jan 26

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More Info

What's the difference between AET Training & AET Training + First Aid?

AET Training

Level 3 Award in Education & Training
Qualifies you to teach or Train Adults in a non-school setting
Teaches you to plan lessons, deliver safety and assess learners
4 - day course
Needed qualification to teach any subject

AET Training + First Aid

6 - Day course
Level 3 Award in Education and Training
Level 3 First Aid at Work
Stepping stone to become a First Aid Instructor

How long is the AET Training?

The AET Training is 4-days running from 9am to 5pm

Where is the AET Training?

The AET training is delivered at our HQ in beautiful Swanage, Dorset.

We are two hours from London and our closest train station is Wareham.

What are the minimum requirements for AET Training?

You need to be aged 19+

What is the purpose of the AET?

This qualification is designed to prepare learners for employment and support them to progress to a teaching role within the workplace. It has been developed for those intending to work in the post-16 education and training sector.

Do I need to do a work placement?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an introductory teaching qualification. Depending upon the optional units chosen, a learner will either need to take part in microteaching (Unit 02) or teaching practice in the work environment (Unit 03 and Unit 04). Therefore, it may be undertaken by individuals who are not in a teaching role if the microteaching option is taken.

Progression after training

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to:

•Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement • Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges
Level 4 Award for Technology Enabled Educators
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
Learners may also progress into employment as a tutor within:
further education colleges
adult and community education providers
offender education
work based learning providers
the third/voluntary sector
independent training organisations

Pre-Course Work

3 weeks before the course, learners will also need to attend a 2-hour online session to receive their first assignments and an intro to the course:

Learners will need to commit to around 30 hours of pre-work prior to arriving at their course.

Assessments

Assignments are mainly essays with a word count of approx 400 words. There will also be professional discussions, verbal assessments and presentations during their course. Participants will also have to complete 15 minute recorded micro-teach in the classroom.

The Pass / Fail Process

By the end of the week, learners will know told whether they have passed (as long as all the work has been completed and handed in within the deadlines set).

Each piece of work can be re-submitted once, provided this is within 3 months of the course start date on 26 August.

Subsequent re-submissions are charged at £15 + VAT per submission.

The overall deadline to complete the course is within 9 months of the start date.

Plagiarism / Using AI in your Work

25% of all work handed in is scanned by a specialist programme for AI input and for plagiarism, this is selected at random.

ABOUT the Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET)

With an AET, you can work in sectors like:

Construction & Trades
Health & Social Care
Hospitality & Catering
Manufacturing & Engineering
Outdoor Education
Emergency Services & Security
Adult Learning & Further Education
Corporate Training

Led by expert tutors with real-world experience, it’s practical, engaging and designed to get you ready to teach – fast.

Start Your Teaching Journey with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)

Looking to start a career in teaching or training adults? The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is the ideal first step. Recognised nationally, this introductory teaching qualification is designed for anyone who wants to work in further education, adult learning, or workplace training.

Whether you’re a career changer, workplace trainer, or just starting out, the AET provides the essential knowledge and confidence to begin delivering effective learning sessions.

What Is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training?

The Level 3 AET is a knowledge-based qualification that covers:

Understanding the roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training
Planning inclusive teaching and learning
Assessment methods and practices

You don’t need any prior teaching experience to enrol, making this qualification perfect for new trainers, tutors, or instructors across a wide range of sectors.

Why Choose Our AET Course?

Our Level 3 Award in Education and Training is delivered by experienced educators who support you every step of the way. We offer flexible learning options, real-world examples, and practical guidance to help you succeed.

By completing this AET qualification, you’ll be ready to:

Start teaching in a further education or training setting
Support learners effectively
Progress onto higher teaching qualifications, such as the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

Who Should Take the AET Qualification?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is suitable for:

Anyone preparing to teach in adult education, further education or the workplace
In-house trainers and assessors
Those looking to enhance their CPD with a recognised teaching qualification

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