From experience, life as a college tutor is not necessarily easier than being a secondary school teacher. Okay, students have SOMETIMES chosen their path however, they do get EMA now. Unfortunately, you get students who are forced to go the college by parents (to bring money in) and some also attend college thinking that it’s an easy way to get money. The ones that don’t want to be there are a massive distraction to the tutor/lecturer and the rest of the class. Get them to leave, and there goes your retention figures (the number of students you keep on the course) and therefore, as a result, as a tutor, your record is affected.
As a college tutor, it is difficult to gain full time employment. Just think about the number of colleges to schools.
Many jobs are hourly paid in a college also. Yes, 20-25 pounds per hour may sound attractive however, you have to budget for the holidays and the hourly payment does not really take into account the hours of paperwork you have to complete.
There are advantages though – in a college, the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed for staff. You can take a coffee into a lesson or let students leave a little earlier if you want. It depends how regimental the school is of course but, most of the time you are governed by stricter rules. The pay system is also better in a secondary school, with more financial security.
So, you have pro and cons for each. I really wouldn’t say that one is more difficult than the other, it just depends on your preferences.
Construction – are you teaching the vocational area (construction ) or the functional/key skills side (literacy/numeracy/ICT)? I must admit, construction students can be hard work but if you have the personality to work with them, you’ll be fine.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck.
ANDREA – Absolutely no offense intended but I hope you don’t teach English and, I hope you give your students more input than your answer.