Inspire minds and shape future careers

University and VET lecturers design and deliver education and training programs across a wide range of disciplines. University lecturers teach in tertiary institutions and conduct research in their area of expertise. VET lecturers teach in TAFE colleges and private training organisations, covering areas such as business, communications, IT, trades and skilled crafts.

Both university and VET lecturers prepare and deliver lessons, assess student work, and may develop new courses or provide consultancy services to industry. University tutors support lecturers by working with small groups of undergraduate students to reinforce lecture content.

VET lecturers typically have prior industry experience and teach in their area of expertise.

Lecturers require an undergraduate qualification to teach at a university.

VET instructors need up to date industry experience and often a trade qualification. They are also required to have a Training and Assessment qualification.

TAFE SA offers the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to assist in find employment in this occupation.

Still Unsure! Then try a skills set or short course also offered through TAFE SA. Check the website for the full list of short courses.

Job prospects can be affected by the level of public funding and student demand. There is a current trend toward more permanent employment positions for university lecturers. Employment prospects in the tertiary sector are average, with little growth predicted based on the funding cuts to higher education. Demand for VET lecturers is dependent on the subject area in question. For example, there is now a greater demand for lecturers in the field of information technology than in engine reconditioning.

University lecturers teach students and supervise graduate students who are undertaking research, conduct research studies in the area of their specialisation, publish findings in books or professional journals and may also serve on committees regarding curriculum revision and development of administrative processes. The key to working in the hallowed halls of academia is to be interested in all current developments in your field of study. As an academic you have a real chance to work at the cutting edge of your field both nationally and internationally and have access to the latest information. You have a real opportunity to make a difference no matter what your area of expertise. TAFE and other VET lecturers teach courses in which they have up-to-date industry experience. They prepare and deliver training and assess students' competencies within their area of expertise.

Great teaching skills are imperative in this career, and this includes having the ability to stand before large groups of people and deliver lessons with confidence and clarity. You will also need to have an interest in people of all ages and backgrounds and exhibit patience when explaining your subject matter to those who may be absolute beginners. For those who enjoy a campus lifestyle, regular teaching hours and a challenging intellectual environment, this is a very rewarding profession. You are constantly teaching active minds and this can be very stimulating. Working with post-graduate students may stop you from getting complacent and there are great opportunities for rigorous intellectual debate.