A recent poll asking the opinion of 43 heads of further education colleges in England has discovered that they expect their adult learning budgets to be cut by as much as 25% in this financial year.

The Association of Colleges study found that many heads expect to see 16% of their adult learning courses cut, meaning that essential numeracy and literacy courses as well as many A-level and GCSE courses for adults courses may close completely.

The Government did indeed pledge to spend more than £3.5 billion on further education in 2010 / 2011 however, they also stated that they would cut £340 million from this sector in the same period.

Whilst we all understand that the Government is under huge pressures to reduce public sector spending, cutting funding for these essential courses can only be detrimental to the UK’s economic recovery in the longer term. Its important for young adults to have access to these courses in order to improve their career prospects so not rely on the state for unemployment and / or housing benefits etc.

We all understand the value and benefits of education – that’s why we’re here!

Education gives you the options to pursue a career in your chosen profession and will help you achieve all of your life goals.  However, have you ever considered becoming an educator yourself?

The Scottish Government have recently announced statistics stating that there has been a large drop in the number of teachers in Scotland in the past year – the figure has fallen by 1,348.  This is something that needs to be addressed, and urgently. So, if you think that becoming a teacher may be your dream career there are more opportunities now for you to make this dream a reality.

ICS offer a teaching qualification which is a fantastic entry point if you are looking to work with young people in the classroom.  Teaching is one of the most important and immensely rewarding careers.  The BTEC Teaching Assistant course is recognised UK wide and is a well respected award – a great entry point for those considering a career in teaching.

Some of the topics you will cover on the course are: classroom resources; how education is organised; types of learning difficulties; strategies for supporting learners; how to evaluate learners’ progress; teaching records; providing effective supportive for your colleagues and management of pupil behaviour.

Your online classroom awaits!