Abstract

Workforce development in Skills for Life (SfL) has taken on a greater significance since new overarching
professional standards for teachers, tutors and trainers in the Lifelong Learning Sector (LLS) were introduced
through Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) in September 2007. This article explores the implementation of these
reforms from the viewpoint of Adult Numeracy Subject Specialist teachers. A particular consideration throughout
is the extent to which the Level 4 Numeracy Subject Specialist qualification offered is suitable preparation for
teaching on SfL numeracy programmes at all levels, and whether the newly introduced Level 5 Diploma is a fitting
replacement. Data for this article was gathered through discussions with local SfL practitioners of varying
experience and expertise. They were asked to share their views on how they entered the sector and the suitability of
the training they received. The discussions provided an interesting and rich dialogue and offer a perspective on the
work done by the government in trying to professionalise the workforce from several different viewpoints.