Starting a career in education is one of those big life decisions that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. It’s not just about choosing a job—it’s about stepping into a role that has the power to shape lives, influence futures and leave a real impact. But if you’re sitting there thinking, “I want to work in education, but I don’t know where to start,” you’re definitely not alone.

The good news? There’s no single route in. Whether you’re fresh out of university, thinking about a career change, or simply wondering if education is your calling, there are so many different paths available—and no “right” or “wrong” way to begin.

Let’s talk about how to figure out the best path for you.

Do you want to be in the classroom?

For many, the word “education” suggests one thing: teaching. And for good reason—it’s one of the most rewarding, challenging and life-changing roles out there. If you’ve got a passion for a particular subject, love the idea of working directly with students or feel confident leading and inspiring others, teaching could be the perfect route.

But becoming a teacher doesn’t have to be an overnight leap. Whether you go down the PGCE(Postgraduate Certificate in Education), SCITT(School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) or another training route, you can take your time and get support every step of the way. There’s no shame in exploring it slowly and you’re allowed to change your mind.

Not ready to teach yet? You don’t have to.

Maybe you’re not quite sure about teaching or you want to get some experience before committing. Education is full of incredible support roles: like Teaching Assistants, Learning Mentors or Behaviour Support staff—that let you work closely with students, build confidence and figure out what suits you.

These roles are perfect for anyone who’s still exploring, wants something a little more flexible or is passionate about helping without being centre stage. Plus, they’re an amazing way to get your foot in the door and grow your skills while you figure things out.

Prefer to work behind the scenes?

Education isn’t just about classrooms; it takes a whole team to keep schools and colleges running. If you're more interested in organisation, wellbeing, admin or operations, there’s space for you too. Pastoral staff, office teams, safeguarding leads and HR professionals all play a crucial role in making sure students and staff are supported day-to-day.

You don’t have to stand in front of a whiteboard to change lives. Some of the biggest impacts happen quietly, behind the scenes.

What if you’re still not sure?

Here’s something no one tells you enough: you don’t need to have it all figured out. It’s completely okay to test the waters first. Temp roles, fixed-term contracts or flexible placements are all great ways to see what you enjoy without a long-term commitment. You’ll gain experience, grow your confidence and get a better sense of where you thrive.

And if you need help navigating all of this? That’s exactly what we’re here for.

NextGen Teachers is here to support you.

At NextGen, we work with people at all stages of their education journey: from total beginners to those making a return or a switch. We take the time to understand what you want and guide you through your options in a way that feels helpful.

Whether you’re considering teaching, thinking about support roles or just want to see what’s out there, we’re ready when you are.