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If you’ve ever thought about teaching or training adults, you’ve probably come across the term PTLLS at some point. You might have seen it on job adverts, descriptions about PTLLS courses, or career guides — and maybe wondered what it actually means.
Let’s clear it up right from the start: PTLLS used to be the go-to starting point for anyone who wanted to teach or train adults in the UK. These days, it’s been replaced by the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) — but you’ll still see people calling it “PTLLS” because that’s what it was originally known as.
This qualification is short, practical, and recognised nationwide. It’s perfect if you want to start teaching adults in colleges, training centres, community learning, or workplace settings. You don’t need to be a qualified school teacher — it’s for post-16 and adult education.
In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know: what PTLLS means, what’s included in the modern AET version, how long it takes, what jobs you can get, and why training with Training Tale can make your journey faster, easier, and fully CPD-accredited.
What Does PTLLS Stand For?
Let’s start with the basics. PTLLS is an abbreviation for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector.
PTLLS helps people who want to teach adults or post-16 learners. — not children in primary or secondary schools. So, if your goal is to train in colleges, private training companies, adult learning centres, or even within your own workplace, this is the type of course for you.
When PTLLS was first introduced, it was part of a set of teaching qualifications that covered all levels of adult education. Awarding bodies updated and renamed them over time to improve clarity and flexibility. That’s how we got the current system:
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) – this replaced PTLLS
- Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) – replaced CTLLS
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) – replaced DTLLS
So when you hear someone talk about PTLLS, they’re really talking about the same qualification that’s now called the Level 3 AET.
What Is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)?
The AET is a short, nationally recognised qualification that proves you can plan, deliver, and assess basic teaching or training sessions for adults.
It’s classed as a Level 3 course, which makes it ideal for beginners who want to start teaching without jumping straight into higher qualifications. You don’t need any previous teaching experience — just the willingness to learn and the ability to explain your subject clearly.
Think of it as your first professional step into the world of education and training. It gives you the confidence, knowledge, and credibility to stand in front of a group of learners and deliver structured lessons that meet real outcomes. Once you’ve completed the Level 3 AET, you can move up to Level 4 (CET) and eventually to Level 5 (DET) if you want to make teaching your main career.
What Does the PTLLS / AET Course Allow You to Do?
Once you’ve completed your PTLLS or AET, you’ll be qualified to teach or train adults in a range of settings. That could include:
- Workplace training or staff development sessions
- Private training companies or learning providers
- Adult community learning courses
- FE colleges offering short or specialist courses
- Apprenticeship or vocational programmes
It’s ideal if you already have a skill or trade — for example, care, beauty, construction, or customer service — and now want to teach others how to do it. However, it’s worth noting that the AET doesn’t make you a qualified school teacher (you need QTS for that). It focuses on adult and post-16 learning, not teaching in primary or secondary schools.
Still, it’s an excellent entry-level qualification that can take you far, especially if you want to grow into a teaching or training career.
Who Are AET or PTLLS Courses For?
You don’t have to be a teacher already to take this course. In fact, most people who sign up for PTLLS or AET are professionals who already have skills they’d like to share. This qualification suits a wide range of people, including:
- Workplace trainers who deliver induction or refresher training
- Career changers who want to move into education
- Staff in care, health, beauty, or hospitality who teach short courses
- Freelance trainers working for private organisations
- People who run workshops or coaching sessions and want formal recognition
Many people also take this course to test the waters — to see if teaching or training is something they’d enjoy before committing to longer qualifications. It’s a great way to gain confidence in front of a class and learn the essentials of how adults learn best.
If you’re based in the capital and ready to begin, explore the Level 3 Award in Education and Training – PTLLS Course in London by Training Tale.
What Do You Learn in a PTLLS or AET Course?
The course teaches you everything you need to start delivering safe, effective, and engaging lessons. You’ll cover:
- How to plan a short, structured teaching session — from learning outcomes to timing and resources.
- Inclusive teaching methods — understanding how to support learners with different needs and backgrounds.
- Assessment and feedback — how to check learning and give constructive comments.
- Roles, responsibilities, and boundaries — understanding what’s expected of a trainer or teacher.
- Safeguarding and equality — keeping learners safe and ensuring fairness for everyone.
One of the best parts of the course is the micro-teach — a short 15–30 minute session you deliver to your peers. It’s practical, not scary, and gives you real experience leading a group. After completing your micro-teach and written assignments, you’ll have the confidence to plan and deliver real sessions in the workplace or training centre.
How Long Does a PTLLS or AET Course Take?
The course is short and flexible. If you choose an online or fast-track option, you can usually finish it in 4–6 weeks, studying part-time around your job. Some learners even complete it in a couple of weeks if they work quickly and submit assignments early. Classroom or blended courses sometimes take longer — around 1–2 days of delivery plus time for your coursework.
Do You Need Qualifications or Experience to Take PTLLS Courses?
Not really. That’s one of the reasons this course is so popular. You don’t need formal teaching experience or a long list of qualifications. You just need:
- Reasonable English skills (so you can write your assignments and communicate clearly).
- Basic subject knowledge — something you’d like to teach.
Some providers might ask for Level 2 English or Maths, but it’s not a strict rule. If you are able to express yourself clearly in writing and speech, you’ll be fine. Many people take this course as their first step into education, and they do perfectly well.
What Jobs Can You Get After Completing a PTLLS or AET Course?
Once you’ve finished, a world of teaching and training jobs opens up. Here are some examples:
- Workplace trainer — running induction or compliance sessions for new staff.
- Private training provider tutor — teaching short accredited or non-accredited courses.
- Community learning tutor — helping adults gain skills or confidence.
- Sector-specific trainer — for example, health and social care, first aid, customer service, or construction safety.
You might also use it to boost your current role — for instance, if you already supervise or mentor others at work, having a PTLLS/AET adds credibility and professional recognition. If you want to teach full-time in further education or specialise in a subject, you can move up to the Level 4 Certificate and Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training later.
How Much Does a PTLLS or AET Course Cost?
Prices depend on the provider and level of support you choose.
- Online / self-paced courses: usually £250–£400.
- Classroom or blended options: around £400–£700.
At Training Tale, courses are designed to stay affordable while still being Ofqual-regulated, recognised and tutor-supported. Start straight away, study from home, and get full support through your micro-teach and written work. Some employers even pay for staff to complete this course, especially if they’re already delivering internal training.
Why Is the PTLLS / AET Qualification Still Important?
Even though the name “PTLLS” has been replaced by “AET,” the idea behind it hasn’t changed — it’s still the key first step into teaching and training adults.
It’s short, practical, and gives you a recognised qualification that employers trust.
In the UK, adult education and workplace training are constantly growing sectors. More people are retraining, upskilling, or learning new trades every year. The growing demand for trainers creates a gap — and the PTLLS / AET qualification equips you to fill it. Once you have it, you can start teaching in less than two months, gain real experience, and keep moving up through the higher levels as you go.
Why Take PTLLS Courses with Training Tale?
Let’s be honest — there are lots of training providers out there. But if you’re spending your time and money, you want a course that’s recognised, supported, and genuinely useful. Here’s why learners choose it:
- Ofqual Bodies regulate this course, so your qualification holds real value.
- You study at your own pace, whenever it suits you.
- Your tutor gives helpful feedback, not just automated grades.
- We designed this course for real learners, not just education professionals.
- You can complete everything online, including your micro-teach video.
What’s the Learning Experience Like?
When you take a PTLLS / AET course, you’re not just reading theory — you’re learning practical skills you’ll actually use. You’ll write short assignments, create lesson plans, and record or deliver your micro-teach session, where you lead a short class or presentation. It’s simple, achievable, and a great confidence boost.
Tutors guide you through every step. You’ll learn how to:
- Plan clear learning aims and outcomes.
- Use engaging teaching techniques that work for adults.
- Handle tricky classroom moments calmly.
- Assess learning fairly and give useful feedback.
By the time you finish, you’ll know how to manage a session from start to finish — something you can apply in any professional training role.
What Comes Next After the AET Course?
The Level 3 AET isn’t the end of the road — it’s your launchpad. Once you complete it, you can progress to:
- Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET) — for people already teaching who want to develop further.
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) — the route that takes you toward full teacher status in FE or adult education.
You can also combine your AET with specialist subjects like:
- Assessing vocational achievement (AVA)
- Internal quality assurance (IQA)
- Safeguarding and equality training
Each new qualification adds to your skillset and makes you more employable.
Who Shouldn’t Miss This Course?
If you’ve ever thought things like:
- “I could teach others how to do this job.”
- “Oh, I’d love to share my skills, but don’t know where to start.”
- “I want to make a difference without going to university.”
Then this course is for you. It’s short, flexible, and gives you real results — not just theory. You’ll gain confidence, open up new career paths, and learn how to help others succeed.
Final Thoughts: Why Take a PTLLS or AET Course in the UK?
So, is it worth it? 100%.
A PTLLS or Level 3 AET course is one of the easiest and most practical ways to start teaching adults. You don’t need previous experience, you don’t need to quit your job, and you don’t need years of study.
You just need motivation, a subject you care about, and the right training provider. PTLLS Course-Level 3 Award in Education and Training Online from Training Tale gives you the flexibility and recognition you need, while Russbridge Academy offers trusted, classroom-based alternatives. Both are Ofqual-regulated and highly respected in the UK. So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your teaching journey — this is it.
Learn, qualify, and start inspiring others with your knowledge. The classroom is waiting, and your next chapter could start today.
FAQs
What does the PTLLS stand for?
PTLLS stands for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, a foundational qualification for aspiring teachers and trainers.
What are petals in education?
“Petals” refers to the PTLLS acronym, representing the initial teacher training qualification for adult and further education.
How to get PTLLS qualification?
You can earn a PTLLS qualification by enrolling in an accredited Level 3 Award in Education and Training course, offered online or in colleges.
What is the Level 3 PTLLS course?
The Level 3 PTLLS course (now called Level 3 Award in Education and Training) introduces teaching fundamentals like planning lessons and assessing learners.
How much does a Level 3 TA earn in the UK?
A Level 3 teaching assistant typically earns between £22,000 and £30,000 annually, depending on experience, region, and school type.
What is better, QTS or QTLS?
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is for school teachers, while QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) is for further education. Both are respected credentials.
Will schools accept QTLS?
Yes, many schools in England recognize QTLS as equivalent to QTS, allowing holders to teach in maintained schools.
What is the 4-year rule for teachers in the UK?
Teachers with QTLS or overseas qualifications can work for up to four years before requiring full QTS recognition in England.
