Construction Teaching Assistant
New Meaning Centre: NMT Nuneaton
Type: Full Time, Permanent, All-year-round
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Schedule: Monday to Friday 07:30–15:30
Salary: £28,751 (Salary negotiable and based on experience)
Job Reference: WARNUNCONTA092603
Introduction
Some young people learn best when they can see it, touch it and build it. A piece of timber becomes a useful project. A wall gets repaired and repainted. A learner who arrived convinced they "can't do education" discovers they're actually good with their hands.That's where this role comes in. We're looking for a Construction Teaching Assistant to join our Nuneaton team. You'll work alongside our Construction Tutor, supporting young people as they develop practical construction skills, confidence and a sense of what's possible for their future.
This is a hands-on role and we're looking for somebody who enjoys practical work. You might have experience in construction, maintenance, property services, DIY, painting and decorating, site work, facilities management, workshop environments or general trades. You don't need to be able to do everything, but you should feel comfortable using tools, supporting practical projects and helping young people develop basic construction skills safely and confidently.
Of course, practical ability is only part of the picture. Many of the young people on our programmes have SEND and SEMH needs and haven't always had positive experiences of education. Some arrive with low confidence and may take time to trust new people. They need somebody who can stay calm, build rapport, encourage them when things become difficult and celebrate progress that others might miss.
If you're somebody who enjoys practical work, believes in young people and likes helping others learn through doing, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Support learners during practical construction workshops and hands-on projects.
- Assist learners in developing skills in areas such as woodworking, basic carpentry, painting and decorating, maintenance tasks and general construction activities. ·
- Demonstrate safe use of tools, equipment and workshop materials.
- Support the Construction Tutor in preparing materials, equipment and workshop activities.
- Help maintain a safe, organised and professional workshop environment.
- Work with individual learners and small groups to reinforce practical learning.
- Encourage learners to develop good workplace habits, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Adapt your approach to meet the needs of learners with SEND and SEMH needs. Build positive and trusting relationships that encourage attendance, engagement and progress.
- Support learners to build confidence, resilience and independence through practical achievement.
- Maintain accurate records of learner engagement and support agreed targets.
- Follow safeguarding, health and safety and workshop procedures at all times
You Will Have
- Experience in construction, maintenance, DIY, woodworking, painting and decorating, property maintenance or a related practical environment.
- Confidence using hand tools and basic workshop equipment safely.
- Practical skills that allow you to support and model construction activities for learners.
- A natural ability to build positive relationships with young people.
- Experience working with young people in education, youth work, coaching, mentoring, care, community work or similar settings.
- An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, SEND, SEMH and trauma-informed approaches.
- Patience, empathy and a calm approach when things don't go to plan.
- The ability to encourage, motivate and support learners with different needs and starting points.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Basic IT skills, including Microsoft 365.
- GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).Desirable
- Experience in a construction trade or vocational environment.
- Experience supporting learners with EHCPs.
- Relevant trade qualifications.
- A full UK driving licence.
About Us
New Meaning Training offers education with a difference.
We work with young people aged 15–25 who haven’t always had a straightforward experience of education. Some have been misunderstood, some have disengaged, and some are still working out where they fit. What they find here is something steadier — a place where there’s time to settle in, where expectations are clear, and where they’re not judged on what’s gone before.
In Warwickshire, we run two centres. Our Stratford-upon-Avon centre has been established for longer and offers a range of “Introduction to” programmes including Motor Mechanics, Hair & Beauty, Creative Art & Design, Computing Basics, and Sports. Each course gives young people the chance to try things out properly, build practical skills, and start to see what they might be good at.
Our Nuneaton centre, which opened in September 2025, focuses on Construction Multiskills and Retail & Hospitality. Like all of our courses, these are “Introduction to” programmes — designed to feel possible from the start, with a strong emphasis on learning through doing.
The Nuneaton team is still small but it already has a good rhythm. People step in for each other, share ideas, and keep things moving on days that don’t go to plan (which happens). There’s a steady sense that everyone’s working towards the same thing.
There are also moments that don’t feel like a typical education setting at all. Our teaching assistant runs yoga and sound bath sessions for learners, and sometimes staff join in too. It’s not a headline feature — it just reflects the kind of place this is. Calm when it needs to be. Flexible when it matters. Always focused on helping young people feel settled enough to take part.
Alongside this, we run a Transition Support programme for young people with an EHCP who are not yet ready for a centre-based learning environment. This sits separately from our main provision and is designed to help them move towards that next step at a pace that works for them.
Most of the young people we work with are referred through schools, PRUs, and SEND services. That means we’re always balancing two things — creating an experience where young people feel understood, while also delivering something clear, structured, and trusted by the professionals around them.
We don’t expect things to change overnight. We focus on helping things feel possible again — and building from there.
Why work for New Meaning Training?
Generous annual leave
- 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Up to 10 additional “gifted” days off each year (taken during school holiday periods)
- Annual leave increases with length of service, up to a maximum of 24 days
Pension
- Auto enrolment into The People’s Pension enrolment
- 5% employee contribution with 3% employer contribution
Blue Light Card
- Access to hundreds of national discounts (retail, food, travel, days out)
- Admin fee fully reimbursed by NMT
Service recognition
- Additional annual leave as a thank you for long service
- Gift rewards at key milestones (e.g. 5 and 10 years)
Wellbeing benefits
- Annual flu vaccination voucher (paid for by NMT)
- Birthday gift voucher to celebrate your day
Sustainable travel schemes
- Cycle to Work scheme (salary sacrifice)
- Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus Energy (salary sacrifice)
- Green Travel to Work initiatives with rewards for taking part
A supportive, values led workplace‑led workplace
- Strong focus on staff wellbeing, development, and collaboration
- Training and CPD supported as part of your role
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives
Safeguarding
New Meaning Training is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and adhere to our safeguarding and professional conduct policies.
· This role involves regulated activity with children and young people.
· Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, including Children's Barred List information, and satisfactory professional references.
· This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must disclose any convictions or cautions that are not protected under the Exceptions Order 1975 (as amended 2013 and 2020). Further information can be found in the DBS filtering guide.
· The safeguarding responsibilities of this role include promoting the welfare of children and young people and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £28,751.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Experience:
- working with young people: 1 year (required)
- DIY or construction work: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
