Lifelong learning teaching awards revealed Tuesday 1 May 2007

New teaching qualifications for the lifelong learning sector will be piloted from September 2007.

The qualifications are made up of Level 3 and Level 4 initial awards called Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) and Level 3 and Level 4 Certificates in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector.

Initially the qualifications will be classed as a pilot and be a part of the tests and trials of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), a new flexible way of recognising learner achievement.

Garry Haynes, Professional Officer, explained: "The choice of qualification for teachers is based on the responsibilities the teacher has, rather than the amount of time spent teaching – this is a major shift from previous qualifications."

The PTLLS awards are a threshold licence to teach and are the basic minimum standard for anyone entering the profession. Find out more by visiting www.lifelonglearninguk.org.