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Training for Industry Associates in Further Education (FE)
Gatsby is working with the Department for Education and FE colleges to shape a new robust and scalable training model for Industry Associates.
Research undertaken in 2022 by York Consulting Ltd identified a clear categorisation of teaching roles in further education (FE). This research noted the important role of Industry Associates in contributing to teaching. Industry Associates, who are employed externally in their own industry fields, collaborate with FE teachers to deliver specialised content such as masterclasses, workshops, or short curriculum topics.
Further research drew on insights from both FE providers and employers to explore how Industry Associates are used; and roundtables held with FE colleges flagged the importance of Industry Associates in maintaining an up-to-date curriculum and bringing teaching closer to industry. Over time Industry Associates may also choose to increase their engagement, with some undertaking initial teacher education (ITE) to become FE teachers.
These insights show the importance of supporting Industry Associates to make meaningful contributions to students’ learning, and ensuring that Associates' early engagement with the FE learning environment is positive.
This pilot model is designed not only to provide immediate support to Industry Associates, but also to serve as a potential pathway into ITE for those who wish to pursue a career in FE teaching. The Industry Associates training will:
- Build confidence and equip Industry Associates with teaching essentials suited to a further education setting.
- Strengthen onboarding processes to facilitate a smooth transition of industry professionals into teaching roles.
- Create a sustainable model that can be recognised and adopted nationally.
Crucially, this pilot will gather evidence and create a high-quality, research-driven training product for all FE providers. The pilot will engage with four colleges that already have effective induction processes, ensuring Industry Associates in the pre-Level 5 space are supported for potential progression into teaching.
“We are pleased to be supporting this project, which will draw from expertise across FE to shape introductory training for individuals coming into the teaching environment for the first time. The project has been shaped through collaboration with the Department for Education to ensure that we are working towards high-quality outputs that can be a sustainable model for national adoption.”
For further information please contact Emma Sayers, Research Officer: emma.sayers@gatsby.org.uk