At First Steps Together, we are committed to providing innovative, personalised education that empowers young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to thrive. We believe every learner deserves the opportunity to develop confidence, independence, and meaningful life skills within a nurturing, supportive, and aspirational environment.
We are seeking a practical, enthusiastic, and relationship-focused Vocational Teacher to deliver engaging vocational programmes for Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 learners. This role will focus on construction and skilled trades, including bricklaying, woodwork, plastering, basic maintenance, and related vocational pathways.
The successful candidate will inspire learners through hands-on, real-world learning experiences that develop practical competence, employability skills, self-belief, and preparation for adulthood.
The Role
As a Vocational Teacher, you will create a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment where young people can develop practical skills while overcoming barriers to learning. You will understand the importance of building positive relationships and adapting your approach to support learners who may experience challenges with engagement, attendance, emotional regulation, communication, or confidence.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to personalised learning pathways that help every learner achieve meaningful outcomes and progress towards further education, training, employment, and independent living.
Key ResponsibilitiesTeaching and Learning
- Plan and deliver high-quality vocational lessons for KS4 and KS5 learners across a range of construction and skilled trade disciplines, including bricklaying, woodwork, plastering, installation, and basic maintenance.
- Design engaging, practical learning experiences that develop technical skills alongside employability, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Differentiate learning effectively to meet the diverse needs of learners with autism, ADHD, SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and learning disabilities.
- Combine practical workshop-based activities with underpinning theory to ensure learners gain both vocational competence and real-world understanding.
- Support learners to achieve accredited vocational qualifications where appropriate.
Assessment and Progress
- Monitor, assess, and record learner progress, including practical competencies and vocational outcomes.
- Provide constructive feedback, celebrate achievement, and identify clear next steps for development.
- Contribute to learner reviews, personalised learning plans, and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes where required.
Behaviour, Engagement and Relationships
- Build positive, professional relationships with learners based on consistency, trust, and mutual respect.
- Establish clear routines, expectations, and boundaries that promote a calm, purposeful learning environment.
- Apply effective behaviour support strategies, including de-escalation and restorative approaches, in line with First Steps Together policies and values.
- Support learners to develop emotional regulation, resilience, confidence, and independence.
Health, Safety and Compliance
- Maintain a safe and well-organised workshop environment.
- Ensure learners use tools, equipment, materials, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) safely and appropriately.
- Conduct and adhere to risk assessments and health and safety procedures at all times.
- Promote safe working practices and industry standards within all vocational activities.
Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, support staff, families, external professionals, and leadership teams to ensure a joined-up approach to learner support.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the vocational curriculum and wider preparation-for-adulthood pathways.
- Promote positive learner destinations, including further education, apprenticeships, supported internships, employment, and community participation.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Experience teaching or delivering vocational skills within construction, maintenance, or skilled trades.
- Relevant vocational qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds, NVQ Level 2/3 or above) and/or significant industry experience.
- Strong behaviour management skills with a calm, relational, and consistent approach.
- Experience supporting learners with additional needs and barriers to engagement.
- Ability to adapt teaching strategies to meet a range of SEND needs.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with learners, families, colleagues, and external partners.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Desirable
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or recognised teaching qualification.
- Experience working within SEND settings, Alternative Provision, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), or with learners presenting SEMH needs.
- Experience delivering accredited vocational qualifications such as BTEC, NCFE, City & Guilds, or ASDAN programmes.
- First Aid qualification.
- Additional workshop safety training, including Manual Handling, COSHH Awareness, or equivalent.
What We Offer
At First Steps Together, we value our staff and recognise the impact they make every day in the lives of young people.
In return, we offer:
- Competitive salary and holiday entitlement.
- Term-time working pattern.
- Comprehensive induction programme.
- Ongoing professional development, including SEND, safeguarding, behaviour support, and first aid training.
- A supportive and collaborative team culture built on shared values and continuous improvement.
- Opportunities for career progression within our growing organisation.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people and their families.
Safeguarding
First Steps Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be subject to enhanced safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and all relevant pre-employment vetting procedures.
As part of your role, you will be expected to actively contribute to our safeguarding culture, maintain professional curiosity, and report any concerns regarding a child's welfare to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL in accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies.
Review of Job Description
This job description reflects the current requirements of the role. As First Steps Together continues to grow and evolve, responsibilities may be reviewed and amended following consultation with the postholder.
The job description should not be regarded as an exhaustive list of duties but as a guide to the key responsibilities associated with the position.
All staff are expected to contribute positively to the wider life of the organisation and uphold our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for every young person.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £32,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free flu jabs
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site gym
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
