Job Description

Do you have a passion to work in education or are you skilled tradesperson ready to make a difference in young lives?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to lead our Occupational Studies programme, helping students gain practical skills and real-world knowledge.

Bring your hands-on trade experience--whether in joinery, brickwork, tiling, plumbing, mechanics, another vocational area--and guide learners through engaging, career-focused lessons that open doors to their futures.

What we are looking for:

? Background in a trade or vocational subject
? Delivering learning and/or mentoring experience (or willingness to train)
? A passion for working with young people
? Creativity and commitment to practical, learner-centered education

Job Information:

Job Title:

Occupational Studies Lead

Department:

Education

Location:

Salford Quays

Holidays:

45 Days

Salary Range:

34,000 (depending on experience, to be discussed at interview)

Full Time/Fixed Term/ Part Time:

Part time/full time (3-5 days can be discussed at interview)

Reporting to:

Head of Provision

Business Insurance:

Required

Working Pattern:

Monday-Friday

Hours:

9:00-4:30pm

The Occupational Studies Lead will be responsible for overseeing the quality, delivery, and development of the Occupational Studies course, ensuring it meets the needs of all learners and aligns with vocational education standards. This course is designed to provide students with hands-on, practical skills, knowledge, and the confidence required to succeed in a variety of workplace environments.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in shaping and managing a dynamic curriculum that reflects current industry practices across a range of trades. Our specialised unit is fully equipped for construction-related activities, and we are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: joinery, brickwork, tiling, plumbing, electrical installation or motor vehicle/ bike mechanics.

Key responsibilities will include planning engaging and meaningful lessons, monitoring learner progress, ensuring health and safety compliance, and maintaining high standards of presentation and learning. The Occupational Studies Lead will also support the development of learners' employability skills, helping to prepare them for progression into apprenticeships, further training, or direct employment.

This is a vital role in a practical learning environment, suited to someone with a passion for vocational education, strong organisational skills, and the ability to inspire and support young people in construction- related activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the quality, delivery, and development of the Occupational Studies curriculum.

Design and lead a dynamic vocational programme that reflects current industry standards across a range of trades (e.g., joinery, brickwork, tiling, plumbing, electrical installation, motor/ bike mechanics).

Plan and deliver engaging, practical lessons that equip learners with hands-on skills and workplace knowledge.

Monitor and assess learner progress, providing feedback and support to help students achieve their potential.

Ensure health and safety compliance within all practical learning environments and activities.

Maintain high standards of learning, driving continuous improvement across the course.

Adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of diverse learners, supporting inclusivity and accessibility.

Support learners' personal development and employability skills, preparing them for apprenticeships, further training, or employment.

Collaborate with colleagues and external partners to enhance the curriculum and provide relevant industry exposure.

Maintain and manage resources and workshop areas, ensuring tools and equipment are fit for purpose.

Contribute to quality assurance processes, including lesson observations, self-assessment, and course reviews.

Act as a positive role model and mentor, inspiring young people to achieve their career goals through vocational education

Essential Criteria:

Relevant vocational qualifications

- In one or more trades such as joinery, brickwork, tiling, plumbing, or electrical installation.

Strong practical skills

- Hands-on ability in construction-related trades with up-to-date industry knowledge.

Curriculum planning and delivery skills

- Ability to develop and implement engaging, industry-relevant learning programmes.

Leadership and management skills

- Experience managing a course or leading a team, with strong organisational and communication abilities.

Commitment to health and safety

- Understanding of relevant health and safety regulations within a practical learning environment.

Learner-focused approach

- Ability to support and motivate students of varying abilities and backgrounds.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

- To work effectively with students, staff, parents, and external partners

Full UK driving license

Desirable Skills:

-Experience of working in an educational setting delivering/ assisting vocational qualifications

-Experience working with young people with additional needs or barriers to learning

-Understanding how to adapt delivery to support inclusive learning.

-Knowledge of careers and employability pathways to help guide students towards apprenticeships or employment.

-Knowledge of safeguarding and promoting student welfare, particularly in a secondary or post-16 setting.

- Able to adapt curriculum offers based on learner interest and industry developments.

- Skilled in tracking learner progress and using data to inform planning and intervention.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 34,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave On-site parking
Work Location: In person