Level 3 Award in Education & training (RQF) training course

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) is an Ofqual-regulated teaching qualification for anyone who wants to teach adults or learners aged 19+. Whether you're looking for a recognised teaching qualification, a train the trainer course, or the first step towards a career in education, this course gives you the skills and confidence to become an effective teacher.

Whether you're a therapist, beauty professional, fitness trainer, complementary therapist or industry expert, this qualification provides the knowledge and confidence to begin your teaching journey.

You'll learn how to plan engaging lessons, deliver effective training, assess learners fairly and create a positive learning experience, while receiving ongoing support from experienced tutors.

Unlike many online teaching qualifications, we don't leave you to complete your microteach alone. We provide live tutor support before and during your microteaching assessment, giving you real-time feedback, encouragement and the confidence to succeed.

Choose your study route

We offer this qualification through different awarding organisations depending on where you live and how you'd like to study.

💻 Fully online learning

Awarding Organisation: Focus Awards

Perfect if you want maximum flexibility.

✔ Study completely online

✔ Learn at your own pace

✔ Live online tutor support

✔ Microteach completed online via live video

✔ Ideal for learners throughout England and Northern Ireland


🏫 Blended learning

Awarding Organisation: VTCT Skills

Perfect if you'd like the flexibility of online learning with face-to-face assessment.

✔ Study theory through our online learning portal

✔ Learn at your own pace

✔ Attend our Bideford training centre for your microteach practical assessment

✔ Face-to-face tutor support and feedback

✔ Ideal for learners who prefer some classroom learning


📍 Important eligibility information

Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training is available to learners living in England and Northern Ireland, and learners should be at least 19 years old to undertake the qualification.

VTCT Skills is delivered as a blended learning programme through our Bideford training centre.

If you live outside these areas or are unsure which pathway is most suitable, please contact us before enrolling and we'll be happy to advise. Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is ideal if you are a: ~ Beauty therapists

~ Massage therapists

~ Complementary therapists

~ Sports massage therapists

~ Fitness instructors

~ Personal trainers

~ Salon owners

~ Clinic owners

~ Healthcare professionals

~ Industry specialists

~ Workplace trainers This qualification is ideal if you want to:

✔ Begin a career in teaching or adult education

✔ Share your professional skills and knowledge with others

✔ Deliver beauty, massage, fitness, complementary therapy or workplace training

✔ Train staff within your own business

✔ Gain a nationally recognised teaching qualification

✔ Progress to Assessor, IQA or further teaching qualifications

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

During this qualification, whether you choose Focus Awards or VTCT, you'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to:

📌 Understand the roles and responsibilities of a teacher or trainer

📌 Plan engaging, inclusive learning sessions that meet learners' needs

📌 Design professional lesson plans and schemes of work

📌 Deliver effective teaching sessions

📌 Assess learners fairly and provide constructive feedback

📌 Understand legislation relating to education, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusive teaching

📌 Create a positive and supportive learning environment

📌 Reflect on your teaching practice and continually improve Why Choose Holistic Therapies Training Academy?

Learning to teach can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never stood in front of a group before.

At Holistic Therapies Training Academy, we believe becoming a confident teacher requires more than simply working through online modules.

That's why our learners receive genuine tutor support throughout their qualification.

When you study with us you'll benefit from:

✨ Experienced teacher trainers with extensive industry knowledge

✨ Live tutor guidance before and during your microteach

✨ Personalised feedback to help you develop your teaching skills

✨ Flexible online learning that fits around work and family commitments

✨ Friendly, approachable support whenever you need it

✨ A supportive learning environment that builds confidence as well as competence

Unlike many providers, you're never left to complete your microteach alone. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Why study the Level 3 Award in Education and Training? Award in Education and Training is widely recognised as the ideal first teaching qualification for anyone wishing to teach adults or learners aged 19+. It is accepted by employers, private training providers and many colleges, while also providing a clear progression route onto assessor, internal quality assurance and higher-level teaching qualifications.

Common questions

"I've never taught before."

That's exactly what this qualification is designed for. No previous teaching experience is required, and we'll guide you from planning your first lesson through to successfully completing your microteach.

"I'm nervous about standing up in front of people."

You're not alone. Many of our learners have never taught before. We'll help you prepare, practise and build your confidence before your assessment.

"I work full-time."

Our flexible study options are designed to fit around work, family and existing commitments, allowing you to study at a pace that suits you.

"Is this qualification recognised?"

Yes.

Both our Focus Awards and VTCT Skills pathways are Ofqual-regulated qualifications that are widely recognised by employers, awarding organisations and training providers.


Career opportunities

After successfully completing this qualification, you could:

✨ Deliver your own professional training courses

✨ Teach within private training academies

✨ Deliver in-house staff training

✨ Become a freelance trainer

✨ Progress to Assessor qualifications

✨ Progress to Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

✨ Continue onto the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

Your next step

Whether you're ready to teach your first workshop or you're planning a long-term career in education, the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF) is the perfect place to start.

If you're unsure which study route is right for you, we'd be delighted to help.

📩 Contact us today, and we'll guide you to the most suitable qualification for your location, learning style, and career goals.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE OVER OTHERS?📌 Many providers offer self-study teacher training with little or no tutor contact — great if you’re highly independent, but not ideal if you’re nervous about assessments or need step-by-step guidance.

📌 Some courses are only ABT-accredited and not Ofqual-regulated. While cheaper, they don’t carry the same recognition or progression routes into colleges, approved centres, or funded training.

✨ Our Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Award in Education and Training is available through Focus Awards or VTCT Skills, includes live tutor support throughout your studies, and is specifically designed for professionals working within the beauty, massage, sports, fitness and complementary therapy industries. Designed for Beauty, Massage & Therapy Professionals

Unlike many teacher training providers, we specialise in supporting professionals from the beauty, massage, complementary therapy, sports massage and fitness industries.

We understand that teaching practical vocational skills is different from teaching in a traditional classroom. Our tutors have extensive experience delivering hands-on training, so you'll receive guidance that's relevant to your profession and future teaching career.


Whether you plan to teach accredited qualifications, CPD workshops, in-house staff training or your own specialist courses, we'll help you develop the confidence and teaching skills to succeed.

More FAQ's

Q. What can I use the Level 3 Award in Education and Training for?
Most learners enrol because they're ready to share their professional knowledge, develop their career or create an additional income stream.

After qualifying, many of our learners go on to:
✔ Teach beauty, massage, sports massage and complementary therapy qualifications
✔ Deliver CPD workshops and specialist training
✔ Create online courses and live training programmes
✔ Train staff within their own business
✔ Launch their own training academy
✔ Progress onto Assessor and IQA qualifications
✔ Continue onto the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

Whether you're looking for a complete career change or simply want to add teaching to your existing business, this qualification provides an excellent foundation.

Q. How do I choose the right study route?
We offer two ways to complete this qualification.
1. Fully Online (Focus Awards)
Ideal if you live in England or Northern Ireland and would like to study entirely online with live tutor support and an online microteach.
2. Blended Learning (VTCT Skills)
Perfect if you'd like to study online while completing your microteach and practical assessment face-to-face at our Bideford training centre.
If you're unsure which route is right for you, simply get in touch and we'll be happy to advise.

Q. What should I look for when choosing a training provider?
Choosing the right training provider can make all the difference to your learning experience.
We recommend looking for:
✔ An Ofqual-regulated qualification
✔ Experienced tutors with real industry experience
✔ Flexible study options
✔ Ongoing tutor support and feedback
✔ Clear learning materials
✔ A friendly and supportive learning environment
✔ Excellent learner reviews and testimonials


Q. What concerns do learners usually have before starting?
Feeling nervous is completely normal.
Some of the most common concerns we hear include:
"I've never taught before."
Don't worry—this qualification is designed for beginners and we'll guide you every step of the way.
"I'm nervous about my microteach."
We'll help you prepare thoroughly so you feel confident before your assessment.
"Will I have enough time?"
Our flexible learning options allow you to study around work, family and other commitments.
"I'm not very academic."
You don't need to be. We provide friendly guidance, clear resources and personalised tutor feedback throughout the course.

Q. Can I teach accredited courses after completing this qualification?
The Level 3 Award in Education and Training gives you the recognised teaching qualification required by many awarding organisations and training providers.
If your goal is to deliver accredited qualifications, you may also need approval from an awarding organisation and, in some cases, additional qualifications such as Assessor and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA).
Many of our learners progress onto these qualifications as they develop their teaching career.

Q. What could I earn as a qualified educator?
Teaching can become an excellent additional income stream alongside your existing business.
If you work for a training provider, college or academy, your earnings will depend on the organisation, your experience and the role you undertake.
However, many learners choose to build their own training business, where the earning potential can be significantly greater.
By running your own academy, you can:
✔ Teach groups of learners rather than one client at a time
✔ Generate income from multiple learner enrolments throughout the year
✔ Create accredited qualifications and CPD workshops
✔ Develop online courses that continue to generate income after they've been created
✔ Train your own staff while also welcoming external paying learners
✔ Build a team of tutors, allowing your academy to earn income even when you're not personally teaching

Unlike hands-on therapy work, where your income is often limited by the number of appointments you can physically deliver, an education business offers opportunities to grow, diversify and scale your income over time.
Whether you simply want to teach occasionally or dream of building your own successful training academy, this qualification provides the first step towards making that happen.

Q. Is this qualification recognised?
Yes.
Both our Focus Awards and VTCT Skills pathways are Ofqual-regulated, meaning you'll achieve a nationally recognised teaching qualification.
This qualification is widely recognised by employers, training providers and awarding organisations, while also providing progression onto Assessor, IQA and higher-level teaching qualifications.

Testimonials / reviews

All of the testimonials/reviews below have all taken a course within our Educator range (AET, Assessor, IQA)

Course Fee:

£597

(Pay in full or pay monthly)

Level 3 Award in Education and Training Course Dates & Study Options


Choose the study route that best suits your location and preferred way of learning.


💻 Route 1 – Fully Online (Focus Awards)

Awarding Organisation: Focus Awards


Designed for learners in England and Northern Ireland who wish to complete the qualification entirely online.


How the online course works

✔ Self-paced online learning through our learning portal

✔ Monthly live online tutor support sessions

✔ Personal tutor guidance and feedback

✔ Live online microteach assessment via video call


Live Tutor Support Sessions

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am

2026 Dates:

Thursday 10 September

Thursday 8 October

Thursday 5 November

Thursday 3 December


Each live session gives you the opportunity to ask questions, receive tutor feedback and prepare confidently for your assessments.


🏫 Route 2 – Blended Learning (VTCT Skills)

Awarding Organisation: VTCT Skills

Ideal if you prefer online theory study with a face-to-face microteach assessment in Bideford, North Devon.


How the blended learning course works

✔ Self-paced online learning through our learning portal

✔ Monthly live online tutor support sessions

✔ Personal tutor guidance and feedback

✔ Face-to-face microteach assessment in Bideford


Live Tutor Support Sessions

Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am


2026 Start Dates:

Thursday 10 September

Thursday 8 October

Thursday 5 November


The live tutor sessions are identical to the online route, providing ongoing support throughout your qualification.


Face-to-Face Microteach

When you're ready, your assessor will arrange a convenient date for you to attend our Bideford training centre to complete your practical microteach assessment and receive personalised feedback.

Course Duration

Study at your own pace.

Most learners complete the qualification within 12 weeks, although you have up to 12 months to complete your studies.


Your Personal Induction

After enrolling, your tutor will arrange an individual induction via live video call at a time that suits you.


During your induction, we'll:

✔ Welcome you to Holistic Therapies Training Academy

✔ Show you how to access your online learning portal

✔ Explain how your qualification is delivered

✔ Create your personalised study plan

✔ Discuss assessment requirements

✔ Answer any questions before you begin


📍 Eligibility

~ Focus Awards – Available to learners living in England and Northern Ireland.

~ VTCT Skills – Delivered through our blended learning pathway, including a face-to-face microteach assessment in Bideford, Devon.


If you're unsure which study route is right for you, contact us before enrolling and we'll help you choose the best option.

Explore Our Educator Qualifications 

Once you've gained your teaching qualification, you may wish to continue your professional development with one of our educator qualifications.
👩‍🏫 Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
Learn how to assess vocational learners and make confident assessment decisions. Ideal for tutors, trainers and workplace assessors.

👉 Explore the Assessor Qualification
✔️ Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Progress into quality assurance and learn how to support assessors, sample assessment decisions and maintain awarding organisation standards.

👉 Explore the IQA Qualification

The Educator to Academy Roadmap™
Create and launch your own accredited beauty, massage or holistic training academy with confidence.

A proven 12-week mentorship programme designed to help experienced therapists and salon owners transition into successful educators, develop accredited courses, and build a profitable training business.

👉 Explore the Educator to Academy Roadmap  

Course information

Pre-requisite / Entry level:
None

Age Restriction:
VTCT - 18 years
Focus Awards - 19 years

Geographical Coverage:
Focus Awards - This qualification is available in England and Northern Ireland
Course format:
4 online training sessions via video call
You can study at your own pace, making it ideal for busy professionals 
(You must carry out and document evidence of a minimum of 1 hour of teaching)
Attendance - Focus Awards (Online):
4 x  sessions via video call

Attendance - VTCT (Blended learning):
3 x  sessions via video call
+
1 x in-person session (Bideford) for micro-teach
Exam board:
VTCT - Vocational training & charitable trust (for blended learning)
OR,
Focus Awards (for online learning)
(Ofqual / government regulated - www.vtct.org.uk)

Career potential:
Further education teacher
- Once qualified, you can pursue teaching roles in further education colleges, schools, private training centres, or become self-employed instructors / tutors. Opportunities include delivering workshops, CPD-accredited courses, and formal qualifications within the beauty, massage, and fitness sectors.
Additional costs:
You will need to provide your own teaching resources 
Qualification gained:
VTCT Level 3 Award in Education and Training (VRQ)
VTCT Code: ET3A1
Qualification Number: 601/2758/2
This qualification is regulated under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
OR, 
Focus Awards Level 3 Award in Education and Training 
Qualification Number: 601/2758/2
This qualification is regulated under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
Course content:
Unit UET1: Understanding roles, responsibilities, and relationships in education and training
Unit UET2: Understanding and using inclusive teaching and learning approaches
Unit UET5: Understanding assessment in education and training
Guided learning hours (GLH):
48
(GLH incl’s. practical, coursework/homework, documented teaching, microteach, research/reading)

Insurance

Please check your insurance companies requirements before enrolling on this course? (It is the students responsibility to check coverage with their insurers BEFORE enrolling on this course)
We recommend you hold student insurance while studying this course to cover you while practicing &/or when carrying out case studies (where applicable).
  • If you already have therapist insurance - You should be able to add this therapy onto your current insurance
    If you do not have therapist insurance - You can take out student insurance while practicing, and top this up to therapist insurance when qualified. You can take out student insurance for around £25 which will cover you for up to 12 months. For more information and aa list of recommended insurers - CLICK HERE

Course Lessons

#holistictherapiestrainingacademy

Karen Ashton

Your instructor
Karen Ashton, founder of Holistic Therapies Training Academy and also known as 'The Aromatherapy Geek,' combines her business acumen and passion for holistic wellness to create a thriving training academy. With a background in business ownership, office management, and accounting, Karen meticulously crafts courses that meet industry standards for online, accredited, and VTCT programs. Originally established in Swindon, Wiltshire, the academy flourished after Karen moved to Bideford, Devon, in 2011 for a better work-life balance. Today, she mentors aspiring therapists, helping them achieve professional success while balancing their personal lives. Karen is also an author, vlogger, and course writer, currently working on her second publication, and continues to inspire others.
Created with