South East engineer champions new national drive to inspire career changers into FE teaching

The Department for Education’s Give Your Skills New Life campaign goes live today, spotlighting the growing need for skilled mentors in sectors like engineering, construction, health and digital. It aims to show how professionals at a crossroads in their careers can reinvigorate their own working lives while training the next generation.

In the South East, the challenge is particularly urgent. Almost one in four engineering workers in the region is now over 60, nearly double the national average, according to ECITB data. Employers are preparing for a major loss of expertise and colleges are increasingly looking to industry professionals to help fill the gap.

One of the people helping to lead that change is Zuzana Peppett, head of department at Crawley College. After 25 years in industry, including managing a manufacturing operation for 15 years, Zuzana reached a professional crossroads. Inspired by her father’s teaching career, she made the move into FE to pass on real‑world skills to young learners and support them into high‑demand roles.

Today, she teaches Manufacturing, Engineering and CAD, blending hands‑on industrial experience with dedicated mentoring to equip students with both the technical knowledge and confidence employers expect.

Zuzana Peppett, from Crawley, teaches Manufacturing, Engineering and CAD at Crawley College. She shares:

“Further education is, first and foremost, preparation for the world of work. With 25 years of industry experience, I focus on connecting theory to practice through labs, projects and so on. The best moments are when a learner thanks you after landing an apprenticeship you’ve coached and prepared them for

Mentoring is the bridge: helping students navigate complex expectations, pace their learning across all levels and present themselves professionally. We rehearse interviews, refine portfolios and solve practical problems together. Coming from industry means I can pass the skills that employers are looking for onto my students to help them succeed. If you have real-world industry skills, you already have what it takes to teach in FE – you can even start part-time and stay connected to your trade.

I’m proud to see my students grow into confident, capable professionals who are ready to contribute to industry from day one. Their achievements show the power of guidance, encouragement and real-world preparation.”

Zuzana’s story reflects the heart of the campaign: showing that FE teaching is an achievable, rewarding next step for those looking for a meaningful career change. She is also a local ambassador for the campaign, offering insight into how a shift into teaching can re‑energise experienced professionals and benefit communities facing acute skills shortages.

The Give Your Skills New Life campaign follows the journeys of several professionals in England who reached pivotal moments in their careers and chose to pivot into FE teaching.

Featuring real trainers and students filmed at colleges including West Herts Barnfield College (Luton), South Thames College (Wandsworth) and Westminster College (Paddington), the campaign champions authenticity, showing how a transition into teaching can reignite a passion for one’s craft.

Among the voices featured is Chidike Kizito Umunna, Computing FE Lecturer at West Herts College Group, who shares how moving into FE allowed him to bring his industry experience directly to learners:

"I’ve seen how Further Education can genuinely change lives, especially for students who thrive with a more practical, hands‑on approach to learning. FE trainers help people find confidence, direction and prepare for their future careers - this deserves to be recognised.

"Being part of a national campaign feels a bit surreal, but in a really positive way - I’m proud to represent the sector and the work we do every day.

"And to any industry professional thinking about making the switch, I’d say absolutely go for it. You’re not just passing on your existing skills, you’re helping people find their path. If you want a role where you can make a real, lasting difference, training others in FE is a brilliant place to be."

His experience reflects a wider reality the campaign aims to highlight: that a career change doesn’t need to be a leap into the unknown, but rather a natural evolution where existing skills gain new impact and meaning.

To learn more about using your existing industry skills to teach in FE, including how to get started and available pathways, visit gov.uk/teach-in-further-education.