Level 3: Award in Education & Training (AET) Course vs. Level 3: Teacher Training (PTLLS) Course

Posted by Alen Cooper on January 2nd, 2025

If you are considering a career in education or training, you might have come across two popular qualifications: the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) and the Level 3 Teacher Training (PTLLS). Both courses provide foundational skills and knowledge for aspiring educators, but they have unique features and benefits. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide which course aligns with your career goals.

What is the Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET)?

The Level 3 Award in Education and Training, often referred to as the AET, is an entry-level qualification for individuals who want to teach or train in adult education settings. It is ideal for:

• Professionals who wish to teach adults in colleges, community settings, or workplace environments.
• Those exploring teaching as a new career path.
• Trainers looking to enhance their instructional skills.

The AET course focuses on:

• Planning and delivering effective learning sessions.
• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a teacher or trainer.
• Assessing learners effectively.

This course is often seen as the first step toward a teaching or training career. It is accessible to individuals with little or no prior teaching experience and provides a solid foundation for more advanced qualifications.

What is the Level 3 Teacher Training (PTLLS)?

The Level 3 Teacher Training (PTLLS), formerly known as Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, is another foundational teaching qualification. While the PTLLS has now been replaced by the AET in most settings, the name is still recognized and sometimes used interchangeably.

The PTLLS course was designed to prepare individuals for roles in:

• Further education institutions.
• Adult and community learning environments.
• Vocational training settings.

Like the AET, the PTLLS focuses on equipping learners with the skills to plan, deliver, and assess effective teaching sessions. Key components include:

• Understanding teaching and learning strategies.
• Adapting to diverse learner needs.
• Evaluating personal teaching practices for continuous improvement.

Key Differences Between AET and PTLLS

While the AET and PTLLS are closely related, there are subtle differences worth noting:

1. Current Recognition: The AET has replaced the PTLLS as the standard Level 3 qualification for aspiring educators in the UK. Most training providers now offer the AET instead of the PTLLS.
2. Focus on Adult Learning: Both qualifications target adult education, but the AET has been updated to reflect modern teaching practices and the latest standards in adult education.
3. Course Content: The AET incorporates contemporary approaches to education and training, ensuring that learners gain relevant and practical skills.
4. Terminology: Although the PTLLS is no longer formally offered, many professionals and institutions still reference it. Completing an AET course today would provide equivalent qualifications to the former PTLLS.

Benefits of Pursuing the Level 3 AET or PTLLS

Both qualifications offer numerous advantages, including:

• Improved Career Prospects: Gain the skills needed to secure roles in adult education and training.
• Flexibility: Teach or train in a wide range of environments, from colleges to corporate settings.
• Personal Growth: Develop communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Pathway to Advanced Qualifications: Use the AET or PTLLS as a stepping stone to Level 4 or 5 teaching and training certifications.

Who Should Enroll?

The AET or PTLLS courses are suitable for:

• Aspiring teachers or trainers who want to work with adult learners.
• Professionals transitioning into education from other industries.
• Employers seeking to train staff in-house effectively.

The L 3: Award in Education & Training (AET) Course and the L 3: Teacher Training (PTLLS) Course serve as excellent starting points for those embarking on a teaching or training career. While the AET is the more current and widely recognized qualification, both paths offer valuable insights and skills for working in adult education settings. By understanding your career objectives and the environments where you wish to teach, you can select the course that best meets your needs.

Start your journey into teaching today with the AET and unlock new opportunities to inspire and educate others.