ASPIRING English language teachers can apply for a free training course at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) as part of a regional initiative to increase the number of Teachers of English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) in Lancashire and Cumbria.

UCLan is working with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and the North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership to deliver a fully-funded 24 week course at the University’s Preston Campus, starting in October 2023. 

There are currently around 3,500 people seeking asylum living in Lancashire and Cumbria*, many of whom don’t have the necessary English language skills to fully integrate into society. The North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership has received funding from Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to provide training, that will help to increase the number of ESOL teachers in Lancashire and Cumbria.

On successful completion of the course, trainees will have an internationally recognised initial teacher training qualification – the Trinity Certificate in TESOL, which will open doors for employment across the region.

UCLan TESOL lecturer Laura Walker is leading the programme. She said:- “Developing English language skills is key for sanctuary seekers to integrate, find meaningful work and make a positive contribution to local communities. The massive shortage of local ESOL teachers one of the factors preventing them from doing this. We’re looking for people living locally who are keen to teach English to those settling in the UK. We particularly welcome applications from those with forced migration backgrounds who already have a good standard of English, want an English teaching qualification, and support learners of English.”

The 24 week part-time Teacher Training course (Trinity Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) will take place weekly at UCLan’s Preston campus on Mondays from 10am-5pm from October until April next year.

For more information, to register your interest and obtain an application form, contact UCLan lecturer Laura Walker on:- lwalker6@uclan.ac.uk. Places are limited so early application is encouraged.

Details of the Trinity qualification can be found online:- https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/teaching-english/certtesol