Hiring Trends in Higher and Further Education
The UK’s education landscape continues to shift, with hiring patterns in higher and further education reflecting broader pressures on funding, skills shortages, and student demand. As institutions try to adapt, here are some key trends shaping education recruitment currently.
1. Financial pressures are reshaping educational staffing
Universities are feeling the squeeze, with many facing deficits due to capped tuition fees and rising operational costs. According to the Russell Group, the average cost of teaching a UK undergraduate now stands at £11,000 per year, while fees remain frozen at £9,250 – a shortfall that’s forcing some institutions to make cuts. Cardiff University, for example, announced in early 2024 that it was seeking to cut around 400 academic roles, or roughly 7% of its workforce, to address a projected £31 million deficit.
2. Teacher recruitment in further education remains difficult
In further education, colleges are still struggling to attract and retain qualified teachers, especially in technical and STEM subjects. The 2023/24 Initial Teacher Training (ITT) census revealed that only 50% of the secondary education recruitment target was met, with subjects like physics recruiting just 17% of required trainees.
This shortfall poses a risk to the Government’s broader skills agenda, which relies heavily on FE colleges to deliver training in high-demand sectors.
3. Graduate job competition at a high
For graduates entering the job market, competition is fiercer than ever. In 2023–24, UK employers received an average of 140 applications per graduate role, a 59% increase from the previous year.
This increase is partly due to an uncertain economic climate and the widespread use of AI tools making job applications quicker and easier to submit – but it also highlights the need for universities and colleges to better align courses with employment outcomes.
How are colleges and universities hiring now?
Despite the challenges, education providers are continuing to recruit — just with more targeted, strategic approaches:
· Focus on flexibility: Institutions are increasingly hiring staff on flexible or hybrid contracts, especially for part-time teaching or industry-linked roles.
· Emphasis on industry experience: FE colleges in particular are prioritising candidates who bring real-world, vocational expertise that can be directly applied in the classroom.
· Digital skills in demand: Roles related to digital learning, edtech, and online course delivery have seen a boost in both HE and FE, with universities investing in remote learning infrastructure post-pandemic.
Standing out in a competitive market
For education professionals looking to stand out in a crowded hiring environment, here are three key tips:
1. Tailor your application: Avoid generic CVs – align your experience with the specific values, mission, and strategic goals of the institution.
2. Showcase impact: Whether in teaching, research, or student support, highlight measurable outcomes (e.g. student satisfaction scores, curriculum innovation, widening participation).
3. Always upskill: Demonstrate awareness of emerging challenges (AI in education, funding pressures, access and inclusion) and how you can contribute to solutions.
While the education sector continues to face recruitment issues, presenting yourself strategically can help you take the next step in your career. To find further and higher education opportunities contact the Bookmark team today.
