New Tutors
If you would like to develop your own skills and help other people learn, then Adult Learning can provide support and training.
You could
- Enhance your knowledge and skills
- Start a new career (previous tutors have gone on to teacher training, or to become college lecturers)
- Improve your job prospects. The experience and skills gained could help you in your workplace, or to get another job
- Gain satisfaction from helping people learn things that make a difference to their lives
- Increase your income through working as a paid tutor
How to become a tutor
Initially tutors will have to complete and submit a tutor application form and a course proposal. This will then be followed by an interview. Our tutor vacancies will be advertised twice a year at: www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/shetland-islands-council/jobs
Adult Learning tutors come from a range of backgrounds. They have a common desire to share their skills, as well as a willingness to help others.
Get in touch with us if you would like more information.
Frequently asked questions
I don't have a qualification in teaching, could I teach a class?
We are not looking for trained teachers, although they are most welcome.
You could become a Volunteer Literacy Tutor with Adult Learning and work with an individual learner. You should be comfortable with your own literacy, have good listening and communication skills and want to help adults learn.
Or you could become an Evening Class tutor. You need to have good knowledge, enthusiasm and experience of your subject area. It is also helpful if you have experience of passing on your skills. You could get this through volunteering or offering short workshops. Talk to us if you want to gain some experience before becoming a paid tutor.
What help and support will I get if I become a tutor?
You could sign up for an 'Introductory Training in Adult Literacies Learning' course for Volunteer Literacy tutors or a 'Skills for Tutoring' course for evening class tutors. This is a good starting point. You will then be assigned a member of the Adult Learning team who will provide individual support as required. He/She will discuss your training needs and be able to support you with any queries about resources, venues etc. You can also access tutor meetings and training.
How many hours do I have to commit to?
Volunteer literacy tutors need to commit to sustained support for individual learners over a period of 6 months. We will discuss this with you. Generally most volunteers spend a couple of hours a week supporting individual learners.
We are flexible over the timing and duration of evening and day classes, but once you have committed to deliver a course, we need you to be reliable.
What resources will I have access to?
This very much depends on the nature of the course or individual support being delivered. Literacy volunteers will have access to a wide range of materials and resources at the Adult Learning Huts. Our staff will direct you to resources which will be most suitable for individual learners in the first instance, but you have access to the resource library and as you get to know the learner you are working with you will develop a better insight into their specific needs and be able to tailor learning plans accordingly.
For tutors delivering courses which require specific materials, wherever possible we expect tutors to give direction to learners in advance of the classes, so that they can acquire materials. For some classes tutors acquire materials - e.g. ingredients, and re-charge at cost to learners. We will discuss this with you when you put in a course proposal.
What else is expected of me as an Adult Learning tutor?
The main requirement of the job is to be responsive to learners' needs and to help them achieve their learning goals. We require you to plan sessions to meet learners' needs, keep records such as a register, fill in timesheets, ensure the class is delivered safely etc. etc. You will find details in your Tutor Handbook and this will be covered at your Induction and during training.
