About the role: Vocational Trainer in Art and Design
We are looking for an enthusiastic and inspiring Vocational Trainer in Art and Design within the Createch Faculty, based at Banbury College. Createch is where creativity meets technology, bringing together creative skills and emerging technologies.
The Vocational Trainer role is highly varied, with no two days the same. You will undertake a broad range of responsibilities, including:
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Technical and studio support: Carrying out technician duties such as organising equipment and studio spaces, managing the booking system, checking equipment in and out for students, tracking resources, ordering supplies, and ensuring safe working practices are maintained at all times.
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Teaching and student support: Delivering student-facing sessions, supervising practical workshops, leading tutorials and one-to-one support, and providing constructive feedback and guidance to support student progress.
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Curriculum planning and collaboration: Working collaboratively with the faculty team to plan and develop projects, schemes of learning and lesson delivery, as well as contributing to the standardisation of assessment practices.
You will play a vital role in guiding students as they develop a wide range of practical skills, which may include a broad array of art and design specialisms. At present, we are particularly interested in candidates with skills and experience to support our expanding Textile and Fashion Maker T Level provision.
We would also welcome applicants with the ability to creatively contextualise English and maths within art and design, helping to support students who are resitting GCSEs and enabling them to apply these core skills in meaningful, subject-relevant ways.
This is a fixed-term role based at Banbury College until 2 July 2027. Due to the range of skills we are seeking, we are open to considering this full-time position as one or more part-time roles, depending on the strengths of successful candidates. Please clearly state in your personal statement whether you wish to be considered for full-time or part-time hours, outlining the specific skills and expertise you bring to the role. If applying for a part-time position, please also include details of your availability and flexibility in relation to working days.
What do you need to be a successful Vocational Trainer in Art and Design?
Successful candidates will have an appropriate professional qualification and/or a degree in a relevant field, such as Art & Design. Knowledge of UAL and T-Level specifications is desirable but not essential. While we welcome applications from those without formal teaching qualifications, you should be able to inspire learners and be committed to developing your teaching practice.
Candidates should demonstrate a flexible approach, excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, and a passion for supporting students as they build a wide range of creative skills. Experience in managing studio spaces, booking systems, and maintaining equipment would be an advantage, as would a generalist background that allows you to support a wide range of specialisms and art practices.
Working closely with students is at the heart of this role, so excellent pastoral skills, the ability to model positive behaviours, and confidently manage and uphold expectations are key. You will also take pride in maintaining and organising our creative spaces, workshops, and equipment stores to support a high-quality learning environment.
Finally, you should have a desire to engage with the wider community, building links with local businesses and industry partners to enhance students' work experience and project-based learning opportunities. This role sits within the wider Creative Industries and Createch Faculty, which includes Media, Art & Design, Performing & Production Arts, Games Development, IT and E-Sports, and therefore may offer future opportunities to collaborate with, or teach additional specialisms should a candidate be able.
What Activate Learning offer to new Teaching staff?
Here at Activate Learning, we recognise the importance of a good induction when joining a new organisation. Whether you are an experienced teacher or new to teaching, we provide all teaching staff with a comprehensive, mandatory, three-day induction programme. This provides new employees with an understanding of Activate Learnings mission, values and Learning Philosophy led culture, ensuring you feel connected and supported from day one.
In addition, we offer a one-day Introduction to Teaching session, covering our teaching, learning, and assessment approaches.
Learn more about Teachers at Activate Learning
Who we are
Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.
We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.
When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.
Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.
Why work with the Activate Learning Group?
Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:
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Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
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Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
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Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
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Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
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Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
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Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for Activate Learning staff.
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Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
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Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
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On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.
For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits & wellbeing offering, please visit our work-with-us/wellbeing
Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.
Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.
Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.
Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.
Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.
