What is PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector)?

The PTLLS qualification replaces the City and Guilds 7307 Certificate in Teaching Adult Learners, 7407 Certificate in Further Education Teaching and 7302 Certificate in Delivering Learning. In September 2007, the government introduced new regulations to reform the training and qualifications of teachers, tutors, trainers and instructors.

Who “must” attain the PTLLS qualification and do I “have” to gain it?
In the broadest of terms, organisations that draw down funding directly or indirectly through Skills Funding Agency, (previously known as the Learning and Skills Council), will require their trainers to have PTLLS or its equivalent as a minimum. This may also be required for organisations or individuals who are contracted to deliver training for organisations in receipt of such funding. This can include “Work based learning” providers, adult and community learning providers, specialist colleges, train to Gain, public sector organisations (such as the armed forces or prison service), private employers and also where underpinning knowledge is required for particular qualifications.

Will I need PTLLS/CTLLS, this new "license" or an equivalent; will organisations expect me to hold PTLLS as a minimum to deliver training?
We think in time they will require it (or an equivelent). Trainers holding relevant qualifications are being sought after more than ever before and the demand for the PTLLS and now more so the CTLLS qualification is increasing. We believe PTLLS will become a minimum requirement by not only those who are required to hold it but also by non funded organisations to show their commitment to standards by employing “qualified trainers”. Trainers have for years relied on their experience as their qualification to deliver training but the move of employers now wanting to see a trainer is Qualified is growing fast. The lack of trainer qualifications has haunted the training industry for far too long.

It is further believed that in time any trainer operating within the UK will need to hold a license (this requires CTLLS or equivalent) or run the risk of not being employed as a trainer or hired as a freelance contractor due to the lack of a license. Why? When you look for a company to complete work on your home, don’t you check that they have the credibility of a license to operate, or that they are at least a member of a professional body? Most people do just that, so why shouldn't organisations do the same when they want to employ or contract a professional trainer?

Completing PTLLS and CTLLS will give you the qualifications required to become licensed, joining the Institute for Learning (IfL) will provide you with membership of a professional body and by going through the "Professional Formation" with the IfL you will be a Qualified, Licensed trainer.

Doing this boosts the credibility of a trainer and their organisation, shows a commitment to standards and demonstrates professionalism in an increasingly competitive commercial training world. Buying in now could avoid lost contracts in the future as gaining the these qualifications is not a swift process!

If you would like an example of how well recognised and how important PTLLS has become, just visit the web page of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) shown here - http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/training-provider-qualifications.aspx where it states that "All trainers delivering SIA licence-linked qualifications are required to hold the 'Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector' (PTLLS) or a recognised equivalent and/or higher level teaching qualification".

More evidence as to why employers should invest more in training, read the speech by Geoff Russell (Chief Executive of the Skills Funding Agency) who explains why employers MUST invest in training -http://tinyurl.com/67uvofj

What is covered during the PTLLS course?
The PTLLS qualification has seven theory and seven practical tasks. To achieve the qualification, candidates must successfully complete both the theory and practical assessments. The 7 theory tasks are measured by 7 questions around the following areas:

• Understand own role, responsibilities and boundaries of role in relation to teaching
• Understand teaching and learning approaches in the specialist area
• Demonstrate session planning skills
• Understand how to deliver inclusive sessions which motivate learners
• Understand the use of different assessment methods and the need for record keeping

The practical elements include

• Produce a learning programme/scheme of work in your subject area for a minimum of six sessions
• Produce a session plan (this can be from the scheme of work or different) for a minimum of 15 minutes
• Deliver the micro-teach/teaching practice session
• Explain and justify the reasons behind your choice of teaching and learning approaches and use of resources
• Obtain feedback from your peers and tutor and complete a self evaluation to reflect & evaluate the effectiveness of your own teaching
• Complete Reflective Learning Journals and a summative assessment (a reflection of what you have gained from the whole course)

Are there any entry requirements or pre requisites to attend?
City and Guilds state that all learners must be able to read and interpret written tasks, and to write answers in a legible and understandable form. Learners will also need to be able to organise written information clearly and coherently. Whilst we allow for handwritten assignments Learners who are, and have been, able to bring a laptop with them have said it has made their written assignments far easier.

If you have any questions regarding our course, the qualification or whether it is right for you or your trainers, please contact Mac Macdonald directly on 07968 865 007, emailing Mac here click on this link or buy using our contact form here and Mac will get back to you as soon as he can.

Why should I gain Professional Formation from the IfL if I don't have to? In short, to become a licensed practitioner.

PTLLS & CTLLS are not mandatory requirements for many trainers especially those who work as commercial trainers. However, taking me as an example, I can not say with certainty that I know exactly who I will be working for in 5 years time. If I find myself looking for a contract and find one where the organisation is asking for applicants to be licensed by the IfL, then I need to have it, but the process is lengthy and I will lose that opportunity if I don't already have it.

To gain PTLLS/CTLLS/licence for some will be a personal choice, I would rather be prepared for any eventuality. I also think that becoming a "Licensed Practitioner" gives my 30 years experience formal recognition and credibility and therefore makes me more employable.

The days of job security is, for most of us, a thing of the past. Can anyone afford to risk being beaten to a contract or a new job because the competition hold a level 3 qualification proving that they are qualified to deliver training? Don’t take the gamble, become qualified now.

Ultimately the choice is yours, so feel free to call Mac to discuss this further if you wish.

01952 274 993 - 07968 865 007