Halton’s Adult Learning team is currently training the next generation of tutors as part of the Pathways to Teaching programme, funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Halton Borough Council is in its second year of co-ordinating the programme on behalf of the Combined Authority. Following the success of year one of the project, which saw 34 learners across the city region take their first steps in becoming qualified teachers, the Combined Authority approved a second year of the project, which aims to address the growing need for adult education tutors.

Kelly Arrowsmith, Quality and Learner Experience Manager at Halton Adult Learning and Pathways to Teaching Co-ordinator, says: “’At Halton Adult Learning we have experienced first-hand the difficulties faced when recruiting high quality Adult Learning tutors.  Adult Learning managers across the City Region developed the Pathways to Teaching Programme which enables local authorities to ‘grow their own’ Adult Learning tutors.

“It has been a privilege for Halton to co-ordinate the project on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and to watch the development and progression of the teachers of tomorrow. We are passionate about providing our residents with the opportunity to embark on meaningful and successful teaching careers – the Pathways programme allows us to do this.’

Halton residents enrolling onto the Pathways to Teaching programme will:

  • Achieve accredited qualifications in Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding and British Values
  • Achieve the Level 3 Ascentis Award in Education and Training (formally PTLLS)
  • Complete a placement with a Halton Adult Learning tutor, spending time in the classroom and taking part in the Teaching Cycle
  • Upon completion, have access to funding for progression on to further teaching qualifications e.g. Level 5 / Level 7 Certificate in Education with a partner providers

Learner testimonials from the current Pathways to Teaching group:

  • This course has really helped me improve my confidence. It has also given me really interesting ideas on how teaching works. (James)
  • It’s a helpful and supportive group. (Matthew)
  • Being in Kingsway Learning Centre has helped me learn more than expected and being on my Pathways to Teaching course feels like a family. (Jason)
  • Very supportive atmosphere, from the tutor and students. Learnt a lot for future education and teaching. (Toni)
  • The course is filled with interesting modules and the research I conduct for my assignments has improved both my confidence and knowledge. The course is taught by an experienced tutor and undertaken by learners of different backgrounds and nationalities which makes the learning environment very diverse, inclusive and supportive. (Karina)
  • Although I have worked in the learning / teaching sector for a very long time, I am learning new things every week. (Derek)

Steph Morgan (pictured), Pathways to Teaching Tutor for Halton and Liverpool, gave her feedback on the course: “It is a pleasure to teach the future educators of Halton. In the classroom sessions, the trainee tutors have time to reflect on their own schooling experiences and how this might shape their role as adult tutors. The high level of support our trainees can access means that they are comfortable and secure in their learning journey.”

This course is FREE. Start your teaching journey today by registering your interest for Pathways to Teaching 2024/2025 (starting September) – email kelly.arrowsmith@halton.gov.uk