Working as an ETF Associate

As an ETF Associate, you'll have opportunities to contribute to national programmes, influence professional practice, support educators and leaders, and help drive positive change across the sector.

Whether you're an experienced practitioner, leader, consultant, researcher or specialist, you'll work alongside ETF and fellow experts to improve teaching, learning, leadership and workforce development across England and beyond.

What you will be doing

Assignments vary depending on the project and your expertise. You may deliver professional development, support sector improvement projects, design learning programmes and resources, contribute to research and evaluation, and help shape professional development across the FE and skills sector.

Opportunities may involve working with colleges, independent training providers, sector bodies and funders, including on high-profile national initiatives.

Areas of expertise needed

• Leadership development (supporting current and aspiring leaders across the FE and skills sector).
• Initial Teacher Education (ITE) (design and delivery of teacher training and early career support).
• English, maths and ESOL (improving teaching, learning and outcomes in core curriculum areas).
• Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) (inclusive practice, accessibility and learner support strategies).
• Digital, AI and technology-enhanced learning (use of technology, digital platforms and AI to support learning).
• Youth engagement and European programmes (supporting projects, partnerships and workforce development initiatives that engage young people and contribute to international collaboration and knowledge exchange).
• Mentoring and coaching (supporting practitioner development through mentoring and coaching approaches).
• Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and wellbeing (supporting us in championing key ETF values across the sector and addressing sector workforce needs in these areas).
• Bid writing (supporting our efforts to secure income to support our charitable mission).

How to Join

Our Associate commissioning process matches specialist expertise with relevant opportunities. Successful applicants join our Register of Associates and may be invited to submit proposals for specific projects.*

To apply to become an Associate, complete the application form using the button below.

“My work as an ETF Associate has involved supporting maths, ESOL and vocational tutors across a wide range of providers, drawing on my classroom and leadership experience to develop effective, inclusive approaches.
I’ve valued the opportunity to work on government-funded projects with colleges and practitioners nationwide.
The role has been engaging and professionally rewarding. The flexibility, collaboration and exposure to diverse settings have strengthened my practice, expanded my sector knowledge, and allowed me to make a meaningful contribution to improving teaching and learning across further education.”

*Being on the Register of Associates does not guarantee work, but ensures you are considered for relevant opportunities. We will share these periodically by way of a monthly newsletter, or ad-hoc for urgent commissions.