How to Become a Qualified Teacher or Trainer | Level 3 AET Guide

Teaching isn't just about standing at the front of a classroom.

Many professionals choose to become educators because they want to:

~ Share their knowledge and experience

~ Create an additional income stream

~ Deliver workplace training

~ Teach accredited qualifications or CPD courses

~ Launch their own training academy

~ Inspire the next generation of professionals

For many people, teaching becomes a rewarding career alongside their existing business.

For most people entering adult education, the best place to start is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET).

Formerly known as PTLLS, this Ofqual-regulated qualification provides the knowledge and practical teaching skills needed to begin teaching learners aged 16 and over.

During the course, you'll learn how to:

✔️ Plan engaging lessons

✔️ Deliver effective teaching sessions

✔️ Assess learners fairly

✔️ Create lesson plans and schemes of work

✔️ Understand safeguarding, equality and diversity

✔️ Reflect on and improve your teaching practice

The qualification is suitable for complete beginners, so you don't need previous teaching experience.

This qualification is ideal for professionals including:

✔️ Beauty therapists

✔️ Massage therapists

✔️ Sports massage therapists

✔️ Complementary therapists

✔️ Fitness professionals

✔️ Salon owners

✔️ Healthcare professionals

✔️ Workplace trainers

✔️ Industry experts

If you already have professional knowledge and experience, this qualification helps you develop the skills to teach others confidently.

Yes.

Many learners now choose to complete their teaching qualification online because it offers greater flexibility around work and family commitments.

At Holistic Therapies Training Academy, we offer:

✔️ Fully online learning through Focus Awards (England and Northern Ireland)

✔️ Blended learning through VTCT Skills with a face-to-face microteach assessment in Bideford, Devon

Both routes include live tutor support, personalised feedback and guidance throughout your qualification.

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities.

Many learners go on to:

✔️ Teach within private training providers

✔️ Deliver CPD workshops

✔️ Train staff within salons, clinics or workplaces

✔️ Create online courses

✔️ Become freelance trainers

✔️ Launch their own training academy

Many also continue their professional development by completing:

✔️ Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)

✔️ Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

✔️ Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

Teaching can become an excellent additional income stream.

Some educators work part-time alongside their existing business, while others build full-time careers delivering qualifications, workshops and online courses.

If you decide to create your own training academy, your earning potential can increase further by teaching groups, developing online courses and building a team of tutors.

Not all teaching qualifications are delivered in the same way.

When choosing a provider, consider:

✔️ Is the qualification Ofqual regulated?

✔️ Will you receive live tutor support?

✔️ Are experienced tutors available throughout your studies?

✔️ Is the learning flexible?

✔️ Will you receive guidance before your microteach assessment?

✔️ Does the provider have positive learner reviews?

Choosing the right support can make a significant difference to your confidence and success.

If you're ready to share your professional knowledge and inspire others, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an excellent first step.

At Holistic Therapies Training Academy, we provide flexible online and blended learning with experienced tutors who will support you throughout your qualification.

Whether you dream of teaching occasional workshops or building your own successful training academy, we're here to help you achieve your goals.

This guide has been written by Karen Ashton, founder of Holistic Therapies Training Academy (HTTA) and an experienced educator, Lead Internal Quality Assurer (Lead IQA) and approved tutor with over 18 years' experience in vocational education.

Karen has supported hundreds of learners to achieve recognised qualifications in beauty therapy, massage, complementary therapies, sports massage, fitness and teacher training. She has successfully guided learners through teaching, assessing and quality assurance qualifications, while also managing a multi-award-winning training academy delivering Ofqual-regulated qualifications.

As both an educator and Lead IQA, Karen understands exactly what learners need to succeed—not only to achieve their qualification, but to build the confidence to become inspiring educators and successful training providers.

Whether you're taking your first steps into teaching or planning to launch your own training academy, Karen is passionate about helping professionals share their knowledge, develop rewarding careers and raise standards across the education and wellness industries.