QTLS stands for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills. It is a professional status that demonstrates an individual’s ability to teach in the further education (FE) sector in England. QTLS is equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in schools.

1. Eligibility: You must meet the eligibility criteria set by the ETF, which usually includes holding a relevant teaching qualification, such as a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training or a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
2. Assessment: You’ll need to undergo an assessment process to demonstrate your teaching competence and meet the Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers in Education and Training.
3. Professional Formation: As part of the QTLS process, you’ll need to engage in professional formation activities, such as continuing professional development (CPD), to enhance your teaching skills and knowledge.
4. Submission of Portfolio: You’ll compile a portfolio of evidence demonstrating how you meet the QTLS standards and criteria. This portfolio will be assessed by a panel of experienced educators.
5. Awarding of QTLS: Upon successful completion of the assessment process and meeting all requirements, you’ll be awarded QTLS by the Education and Training Foundation.

Obtaining QTLS demonstrates your professionalism and competence as a teacher in the FE sector in England. It can enhance your career prospects and enable you to access teaching roles in further education colleges, adult education centres, and other FE settings.

1. In March of 2012, the government legislated that holders of QTLS can now teach in primary and secondary schools and be treated the same in pay and benefits as holders of QTS.  
2. Pursuing the QTLS route is more affordable and flexible than pursuing the QTS route.
3. The route to QTLS is a much more supported route and geared more towards success.
4. The QTLS is  two licences in one because holders are acknowledged as being able to teach vocational subjects as well as academics. (GCSE, A’Level)
5. The QTLS route is more friendly towards overseas teachers and
   adults who may be single family breadwinners and who cannot take time off from work to attend university..
6. The down time to becoming a qualified teacher is shorter and more guaranteed than the PGCE route.
7. The QTLS is very accommodating to people seeking career changes because of the transferable skills you can bring to the table and adapting to changing times and curriculums.
8. You have the versatility to be employed in different sectors as opposed to QTS which might be a primary QTS or a secondary QTS.
9. It is cost-effective and suited to people already on minimum wages as opposed to most university route programmes.
10. Regardless of your starting point, the end of the journey remains the same. QTLS provides the same benefits. Your salary, pension, continued professional development, advancement in the sector and professional recognition like any other profession, are the same.