Top teaching skills in high demand for 2026
Let’s be honest, working in FE keeps you on your toes. One minute you’re sorting out a practical assessment, the next you’re supporting a student who’s having a tough time at home. It’s never dull. But as we settle into 2026, the list of what colleges are actually looking for in their staff has shifted a bit.
As a recruitment agency chatting to colleges day in, day out, we know what they’re after. It’s not just about having the right certificates anymore. The real demand is for tutors, lecturers, and assessors who can handle the real-world stuff effectively.
Here are the skills that will get you hired in 2026.
Tech that actually gets used
We’re past the days where just putting a slide deck on the VLE counted as "digital learning." Colleges are looking for staff who can use tech to properly engage students. We’re talking about integrating industry-standard software into lessons, so students are work-ready from day one.
Whether it’s using VR for a construction walkthrough or just managing your coursework tracking without needing three people to help you, digital confidence is huge. You don’t need to be a computer whizz. But you do need to show you’re not scared of a new platform. If a college sees you can pick up a new piece of kit and run with it, you’re already winning.
Rolling with the punches (adaptability)
If working in a college teaches you anything, it’s that plans A and B usually go out the window before morning break. Funding rules tweak, student cohorts vary wildly, and industry needs pivot overnight.
The most hireable people right now are the ones who don’t flap when things go sideways. Colleges want staff who can adapt their delivery on the fly. Maybe you’ve got a mixed ability group where half the class is flying and the other half needs one-to-one support. Maybe the workshop equipment is out of action. Can you still deliver a cracking session? Resilience and flexibility are massive selling points on your CV.
Inclusive practice that works
The demand now is for practitioners who can spot a barrier to learning and tackle it without making a big song and dance about it. This means being sharp on neurodiversity and mental health awareness. It’s about differentiating your teaching so the mature student returning to education feels just as supported as the 16-year-old fresh from GCSEs.
Industry links are everything
This is the bread and butter of FE. Colleges exist to get people into careers. The best candidates right now are the ones who keep one foot in the industry.
If you’re teaching plumbing, are you up to date with the latest heat pump regs? If it’s graphic design, do you know what software agencies are actually using this week? Colleges love it when you can say, "This is how they do it in the real world right now." It engages students and keeps the curriculum fresh.
If you’ve got recent industry experience or keep your professional networks alive, shout about it. It’s worth just as much as your teaching qualification.