Novus is seeking a skilled and motivated Site Carpentry Teacher to join our team at HMP Oakwood, delivering high-quality vocational learning within a prison education setting. This is a rewarding 12-month fixed term opportunity to use your site carpentry knowledge and practical trade experience to support learners in developing core carpentry skills, safe working practices and the confidence to progress towards further training or employment within the construction sector.
We have a great opportunity available to join Novus, our prison education provider at HMP Oakwood, working as a Site Carpentry Teacher. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed term contract, working 37 hours per week.
Who are Novus?
Novus are a leading UK provider of prison education and have been supporting men, women, and children of all ages to take new directions for over 30 years. Novus are part of the LTE group of companies that include TMC, MOL, Total People, UCEN, and LTE Group Operations. They are currently rated “Good” by Ofsted and have partnerships with over 1000 industry and employer partners, ensuring our learners secure their place as the movers and shakers of the future. Our business is growing year on year due to our continued success as a leading provider in prison education.
Site Information
HMP Oakwood is a Category C men’s prison located in Featherstone, Staffordshire, near Wolverhampton. It is one of the largest and most modern prisons in the United Kingdom. The teams' aim is to create an environment in which staff and prisoners feel safe, and where causes of prison stress are minimised. The prison’s mission is to provide a secure, safe, and rehabilitative environment that encourages positive change and prepares inmates for a successful reintegration into society.
Role Responsibilities
Deliver engaging and practical site carpentry lessons and qualifications within a prison education environment, supporting learners to develop essential trade skills, safe working practices and the confidence to progress into further training or employment in the construction industry.
Please see the attached role profile for an overview of general role responsibilities. Specific details of the individual role are shared during the interview process.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
The following criteria are listed as essential on the role profile. However, there may be options available for applicants with industry experience to complete the required qualifications in-post, subject to funding and eligibility conditions.
- Hold a teaching qualification and, where applicable, relevant subject specialist qualification in Site Carpentry, with a commitment to obtain one outstanding qualification within 12 months.
- Hold a minimum Level 2 qualification in Literacy and Numeracy.
- Have industry experience or relevant qualifications in site carpentry, joinery or a related construction trade. Occupational experience is an essential requirement for this role.
- Have experience creating stimulating, vibrant environments which are conducive to learning and motivational for learners
- Have a good previous track record of achieving quality targets and positive team working
- Engage with and produce accurate and timely reports
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills to inspire learners
- Have an ability to motivate and enthuse learners from diverse backgrounds in the subject matter
- Demonstrate good organisational skills to prioritise workload and meet deadlines/targets
Benefits
- 40 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
- 2hrs allocated for wellbeing / personal development per week
- Significant pension contributions (Teachers pension)
- Retail Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Cycle to work scheme
Safeguarding
The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Novus is committed to providing an environment where everyone is valued as an individual and where learners and colleagues can work, learn, flourish and develop their skills and knowledge in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We are committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities in which we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and learner community that reflects the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.
The closing date for this job advert is 22/09/2026. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!
