Process Operations Trainer (Practical)

To plan and deliver high-quality teaching, learning and assessment across the Process Industry Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship standard, through a blended approach of classroom-based theory and hands-on practical training. The role will focus on developing learners’ knowledge, skills and behaviours through the use of training rigs, workshop environments and pilot process plant facilities, ensuring apprentices are fully prepared for safe and effective performance in an industrial setting. The postholder will support the development of practical training resources, contribute to curriculum design, and ensure training delivery reflects current industry practice, safety standards and employer expectations.

Key Accountabilities:

• Plan and deliver engaging learning across both theoretical knowledge modules and practical skills training, aligned to the apprenticeship standard.
• Deliver hands‑on training using process training rigs, pilot plant equipment and workshop facilities, ensuring safe and effective learning experiences.
• Demonstrate and coach core process operations skills, including plant start‑up/shutdown, monitoring, fault‑finding, and safe systems of work.
• Embed health, safety and environmental best practice in all aspects of delivery, acting as a role model for safe working behaviours.
• Develop learners’ practical competence, problem‑solving ability and operational behaviours in line with industry expectations.
• Support the design, development and continuous improvement of practical training activities, scenarios and simulations.
• Maintain, develop and utilise high-quality teaching and learning resources, including those supporting practical delivery.
• Contribute to curriculum development to ensure effective integration of knowledge, skills and behaviours, including maths and English where appropriate.
• Utilise Cogent’s LMS and other systems to support a blended learning approach and track learner progress.
• Play an active role within the delivery team, contributing to workshops, enrichment activity, employer engagement and curriculum enhancement.
• Support standardisation activities to ensure consistent assessment of practical skills and knowledge.
• Develop schemes of work, lesson plans and individual learning plans that support differentiated learning and progression.
• Support learners to successfully achieve their apprenticeship, including those with additional learning needs.
• Carry out assessment activities, including observation of practical performance, and provide clear, developmental feedback.
• Work within ESFA and Ofsted requirements to maintain high standards of teaching, learning and assessment.
• Deliver engaging sessions across classroom, workshop and digital environments.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all learners, adhering to safeguarding and Prevent requirements.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Delivery of high-quality teaching, learning and assessment resulting in strong achievement and timely completion rates.
• Effective development of learners’ practical competence and workplace readiness.
• Positive learner and employer feedback, particularly relating to practical training and industry relevance.
• Continuous improvement of teaching practice, informed by observation, feedback and self‑evaluation.
• Consistent and robust assessment of both knowledge and practical skills.
• Contribution to the development of innovative, industry-relevant training resources and practical learning experiences.

Knowledge Skills and Qualifications:

• Significant industry experience within the process, manufacturing or chemical sector.
• Level 4 (or above) qualification in a process, engineering or science-related discipline.
• Strong practical knowledge of process operations, plant systems and safe working practices.
• Experience of working in or around operational plant, production environments or pilot facilities.
• Ability to demonstrate and coach practical skills effectively in a workshop or plant environment.
• Strong understanding of health & safety requirements in industrial settings.
• Ability to engage and motivate learners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Well‑organised, proactive and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A teaching qualification at level 4 or above (or willingness to work towards).
• Experience delivering or assessing apprenticeship standards either supporting learners in the workplace or in a training environment, particularly Process Industry Manufacturing Technician.
• Understanding of Ofsted, ESFA and apprenticeship quality requirements.
• Experience using e-portfolio systems such as OneFile or Smart Assessor.
• Experience of developing or delivering practical training in a controlled training environment.