Reversing the FE staffing crisis: How we built a teacher pipeline

In the realm of FE, the challenge of teacher and assessor shortages is a regular talking point in management meetings across the country.

At Wigan & Leigh College, we have transformed our approach head-on through the establishment of our Teaching & Learning Academy (TLA).

The academy was launched in 2021 after the success of a further education professional development grant pilot we ran, which supported subject-specific professional development and new educators. Over the past three years the TLA has become integral to our recruitment and retention strategy, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in teaching.

Switch to teach: Cultivating dual professionals

Our Be Brilliant – Switch to Teach programme identifies candidates with industry expertise and the potential to excel in education, regardless of formal teaching qualifications. We have attracted tradespeople including plumbers and electricians, and engineers in manufacturing firms. Some were self-employed.

This approach has led to 77 per cent of new staff appointments in 2024-25 being successfully filled on the first attempt. Four years ago our figure was around 50 per cent.

To support these new educators we offer financial assistance for teaching qualifications ranging from Level 3 to 7, aligning with individual aspirations. Over 75 staff members have completed these qualifications in the past three years, reinforcing the dual-professional model that is essential to FE.

Off to a good start

All new teaching staff participate in our six-week Be Brilliant Essentials induction programme which covers high expectations, effective planning and assessment for learning, culminating in a micro-teach session. This initiative fosters a sense of belonging and cross-college collaboration, with 165 staff members completing the programme.

New educators also benefit from reduced teaching timetables, departmental mentors and support from teaching and learning coaches to ensure a smoother transition into their roles.

Embracing technology

We invest in cutting-edge, research-informed platforms to enhance teaching practices. All staff have access to Teachermatic, an AI-powered tool that streamlines administrative tasks, with 186 members regularly using it to save time.

Additionally, the HOW2 platform empowers educators to take control of their professional development, with 1,972 pedagogical techniques currently being developed within the college and 800 successfully embedded to improve teaching quality.

Workload and retention

Recognising that administrative workload contributes to staff attrition, we have tailored our professional development offerings to include tools and training that alleviate these pressures. Our efforts have yielded tangible results: staff turnover stands at 14 per cent, 3.7 per cent below the Association of College’s benchmark.

First-year staff turnover is 17 per cent, 8 per cent below the FE sector average, while staff sickness rates are at 2.3 per cent, below the AoC average of 2.7 per cent.

Collaboration and sector influence

The TLA extends its impact beyond our institution through strategic collaborations. We are currently partnering with Gatsby, Edge Hill University and other FE colleges on the Industry Associates initiative, offering a free 12-week programme to industry professionals engaged with FE curriculum design and delivery. This initiative ensures high-quality curriculum input whilst inspiring potential educators.

As part of the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) Education and Workforce project we are collaborating with the University of Manchester to integrate PhD researchers into FE teaching, particularly in STEM subjects. This innovative model not only addresses staffing shortages but also strengthens the FE-HE relationship, promoting a system-wide approach to bridging skills gaps.

The landscape of education is evolving, and traditional approaches to recruitment and retention are no longer sufficient.

Our Teaching & Learning Academy exemplifies how innovation, collaboration and a commitment to professional development can effectively address the challenges facing the FE sector.

By investing in our educators and embracing change we are not only meeting current demands but also shaping a resilient and dynamic workforce for the future.