Mechanical Engineer Tutor
Job Description and Person Specification
Job title: Mechanical Engineering Tutor
Place of work: Orchard Therapeutic Farm,
Hours of work: Tuesday and Fridays 8.30-4.30, Term time only+ inset days
Day Rate: £230- £300 depending on experience
Reports to: Head of Centre
Level of screening: Enhanced DBS
Who we are
OTF is an award-winning primary, secondary and post 16 alternative provision. We are a farm based alternative provision catering for young person’s who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Many of the young person’s attending have additional special educational needs such neurodivergent functioning.
Places for young person’s are commissioned by schools (maintained, non- maintained, SEN). We are an approved alternative provider for various local authorities, including Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, along with Slough and Wokingham. Young person’s who are referred to OTF have an education, health and care plan (EHCP).
We are a small and nurturing therapeutic provision who focus on building trusting relationships with young people to make steady personal success and tangible outcomes.
Where do you fit in
As a Mechanical Engineer Tutor at OTF, you will deliver practical, hands-on learning in mechanical engineering and related disciplines. You will inspire young person’s by teaching technical skills while developing confidence, resilience, and independence. You will work closely with colleagues, and external professionals to support young persons with diverse learning needs, creating a safe, inclusive and motivating learning environment.
This role requires practical expertise, teaching experience, patience, and enthusiasm for working with young persons with complex needs.
Main Duties & Accountabilities
Instruction & Training
- Plan, deliver and evaluate engaging lessons for our secondary and post 16 pathways in mechanical engineering, including mechanics, electrical, welding, servicing, power tools, maintenance and basic engineering principles.
- Use a variety of teaching methods to suit different learning styles and abilities.
- Provide hands-on demonstrations, projects, and practical exercises aligned with OCNLR level 1 standard.
Assessment & Evaluation
- Develop assessments to monitor young person’s progress and practical competency.
- Provide constructive feedback to support skill development.
- Maintain accurate records of young person’s achievement and progression.
Curriculum Development
- Contribute to the design, review, and updating of mechanical engineering curriculum and learning materials.
- Incorporate emerging technologies and industry practices to keep content current and relevant.
Student Support
- Mentor learners, offering guidance on academic, vocational, and career pathways.
- Identify barriers to learning and provide tailored support to help young person’s succeed.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all practical sessions comply with health and safety regulations.
- Promote safe practices in the workshops and learning environments.
What Success Looks Like
- Able to manage own time and work effectively to meet deadlines.
- Able to prioritise workload.
- Work as part of a team.
- Improve the attendance and engagement of young person’s.
- Teaching is of a high standard by using a range of strategies to effectively manage the room to enable pupils to engage, learn and progress.
- Maintain effective communication systems with other disciplinaries within the setting (therapists and family liaison).
- Drive outstanding outcomes for your young person’s.
Safeguarding Statement
At Hitchcox Group, we take our safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously and are fully committed to promoting the welfare and safety of all children and young people in our care. We believe that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, all staff play an essential role in ensuring that our environments are safe, supportive and inclusive.
As part of our safer recruitment practices, we will carry out appropriate pre-employment checks to ensure the suitability of all prospective employees. This includes conducting online searches on shortlisted candidates. This is part of our due diligence process, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidance.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975). Further information about the DBS process can be found at www.disclosures.co.uk.
We are committed to:
- Ensuring a culture of vigilance where the welfare of children and young people is paramount.
- Providing a safe and caring environment that enables every child to learn and thrive.
- Promoting equality, inclusion, and respect for all.
- Ensuring all staff receive regular safeguarding and child protection training in line with current statutory guidance.
Other Information
This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities and duties of the post. It is in no way intended to restrict any individual in the performance of other duties within the general nature of the post as required by the company.
This job description will be reviewed at least once per year and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the establishment in relation to the post holder's professional responsibilities, duties and grading.
Please see our website for an application form:
Orchard Therapeutic Farm - Alternative Provision - Careers
QUALIFICATIONS
Relevant mechanical engineering qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3, HNC, or equivalent).
Teaching or tutoring qualification in vocational education is desirable.
Knowledge
Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and practices.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to motivate, engage, and manage learners with a variety of learning needs.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
EXPERIENCE
Proven experience in the mechanical engineering industry.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience.
Experience teaching or mentoring young people, ideally in a vocational or alternative education setting.
Experience working with learners with diverse needs and abilities. AF/R
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Ability to engage and motivate learners from diverse backgrounds.
Practical problem-solving abilities and a hands-on approach to teaching.
Commitment to continuous professional development.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
OTHER
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Awareness of and commitment to Equality & Diversity.
Desire to develop and undertake training as required.
Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £200.00-£230.00 per day
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Mechanical engineering: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
