A growing number of people in Suffolk are switching their career and taking up teaching, according to University Campus Suffolk.

In response to this increasing demand, the university is re-launching its teacher training qualification at West Suffolk College, in Bury St Edmunds.

The Certificate in Education and Professional Graduate Certificate in Education is for anyone who wants to train to be a professional teacher and is aged 16 and up, or who is currently teaching in the sector and needs a professional qualification.

Course tutor Vicky Skinner said: “University Campus Suffolk (UCS) Bury has an ambition to become a teaching centre of excellence, and we are re-launching this course to meet the growing demand for post 16 teaching qualifications.

“It is a fantastic course, both for those who teach already and for those who have always wanted to. Students are given the professional tools to teach in further education colleges, sixth form colleges, adult education, prison education and a wide range of other training and educational settings.

“If you’ve always wanted to teach, or need the professional qualification then this is the course for you.”

The courses are available to graduates and to non-graduates with the appropriate vocational qualifications.

Former student Angela Demoore said: “The course has been a massive eye-opener for me. I’ve learnt a lot and I would recommend it to anyone serious about teaching and developing themselves as learning facilitators.”

The pre-service course, for those looking to make a change in their career and become a teacher, takes one year full-time.

The in-service course will take a total of two years part-time and will interest teachers and trainers who are already in full or part-time employment.

For more information and to find out how to sign up please contact 01284 716333 or go online at www.ucs.ac.uk