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- Tasks: Lead and develop the Technical Industries curriculum at Sheppey College.
- Company: Join East Kent Colleges Group, an Ofsted Outstanding rated provider focused on community and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 38 days holiday, discounts, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of vocational education while inspiring students in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree level qualification and teaching qualification required, with experience in curriculum management.
- Other info: We promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Role
Lead the future of Technical Industries in Sheppey College. East Kent Colleges Group are seeking a Head of Department to join Sheppey College at an exciting time of development and growth in its community as we expand our site and provision. You'll oversee our Engineering, Construction, Creative and Junior College areas, with teaching commitments within Engineering or Construction. As a Head of Curriculum for Technical Industries, you will be responsible for developing and implementing our new provision in addition to managing a portfolio of curriculum programmes. You will promote high standards of teaching, learning and assessment in a positive and supportive culture that continues to be outstanding.
With responsibilities of development and oversight of the new 14-16 Junior College, you'll be leading those wishing to specialise in a vocational or industrial sector from an earlier age. Your industry background and sector insight will inform the 16-18 curriculum within your department. Alongside our priority of excellent student experience, we also focus on our employees. Here are just some of our benefits when working for the East Kent Colleges Group:
- Competitive salary and holiday entitlement (38 days + bank holidays)
- Access to 100's of online discounts via our Rewards Scheme (Inc. Restaurant, Grocery, Retail, Gym, Holidays)
- Access to cycle to work, car leasing and tech purchasing schemes
- Generous pension scheme - 28% employer contribution
- Being part of a company with an Eco-Sustainability focus of being Net-Zero
- Time off for your child's first day at school, moving home and for interviews
- Being part of our Community Days and Annual Staff Celebration Day
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Free eye tests and glasses vouchers, free flu jab, free counselling and occupational health support
- Free Parking and close to train links.
About You
Our ambition is to find an experienced yet innovative and proactive individual to join our management team to take forward and shape the future of our new Engineering curriculum, which includes our new Junior College 14-16 provision in Engineering as well as 16-18 qualifications at Level 2 initially, to feed growth into Level 3 from 2026 onwards. The successful applicant will have previous experience of curriculum management and be responsible for ensuring that curriculum delivery is of the highest quality whilst ensuring the required support being in place to help all learners thrive and achieve in our dynamic teaching and learning environment.
The successful candidate will bring a track record and genuine passion for driving up standards and a pro-active, can-do attitude that will inspire your team. Up to date industry knowledge and a good understanding of current industry practices in construction or engineering (mechanical and production) are essential requirements for this role. So too is a commitment to excellence, a focus on delivery and strategic understanding.
To be successful in this role, you will hold a degree level qualification and a recognised teaching qualification (DET/PGCE/CertEd). With demonstrable teaching practice at good or outstanding level, you will also have experience of curriculum planning and development and a proven ability to manage and lead an experienced, professional team to deliver results.
Commitment to Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and we ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities for upholding these principles. As a designated establishment, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore have an obligation to carry out checks to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults. These checks include conviction/caution self-declaration, Enhanced DBS check and obtaining sufficient referencing. It is a criminal offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. If you are successful in being shortlisted to interview, your suitability to work with children and vulnerable adults will be explored as part of the interview process.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
East Kent Colleges Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of our communities. We are particularly keen to increase the diversity of our staff body and encourage applications from candidates where there is underrepresentation in our workforce. We are proud to hold the Positive About Disability Award and are a Disability Confident Employer. This confirms our commitment to interviewing all applicants who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. With any successful candidate, we will explore any reasonable adjustments to a role due to health needs or disability. Similarly, we have a commitment to Care Leavers (Care Covenant Pledge) and to current or previous Armed Forces personnel (Armed Forces Covenant Pledge) with a commitment to interview applicants who meet the positions essential criteria and who have declared this on their application. We welcome applications from anyone wishing to work flexibly and those considering a return to work from a career break. We do not engage with agencies for permanent staff and have an in-house recruitment team.
Head of Technical Industries employer: Ashford College
Contact Detail:
Ashford College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical Industries
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and developments in the engineering and construction sectors. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in your field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education and technical industries. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role at Sheppey College.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in curriculum management and how you've successfully led teams. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership style and your ability to drive standards in teaching and learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Research East Kent Colleges Group's values and recent achievements, especially their Ofsted rating. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs will show that you're a great cultural fit for the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical Industries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in curriculum management, engineering, and construction. Emphasise any leadership roles and achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive standards and inspire a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for education and your vision for the Technical Industries department. Discuss how your industry knowledge and teaching experience align with the goals of Sheppey College.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree level qualification and recognised teaching qualification (DET/PGCE/CertEd) in your application. Mention any additional certifications or training that may enhance your candidacy.
Showcase Your Commitment to Excellence: In your application, provide examples of how you have previously ensured high-quality curriculum delivery and supported learners in achieving their goals. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford College
✨Showcase Your Curriculum Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in curriculum management. Highlight specific examples where you successfully developed and implemented educational programmes, particularly in engineering or construction.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Stay updated on current industry practices in construction and engineering. Be ready to share insights on how this knowledge can enhance the curriculum and benefit students, especially in the context of the new Junior College provision.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, your ability to lead and inspire a team is crucial. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated teams to achieve high standards in teaching and learning.
✨Align with Their Values
Research East Kent Colleges Group's commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to articulate how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment for both staff and students.
