At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community learning initiatives and develop skills in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in the beautiful Western Isles.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Full UK driving licence required; interviews in person for a personal touch.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: Experience in community development and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 19681 - 19681 £ per year.
18.5 hours per week, Permanent position
Grade F – £18,214 to £19,681 P.A. (inclusive of £1,498 Distant Islands Allowance per annum)
Grade H (on completion of qualification) - £22,295 to £24,098 P.A. (inclusive of £1,498 Distant Islands Allowance per annum)
Based in the Western Isles, an opportunity has arisen for a Trainee Community Learning & Development Worker. The post holder will work as part of the Western Isles team of Community Learning & Development (CLD) Workers delivering CLD Services, in partnership with other agencies. They will work under guidance and supervision while developing the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role whilst also working towards a relevant CLD qualification.
It’s essential that you have previous experience in CLD - Youth, Adult or Community Development and you must be educated to a level that would enable you to undertake a CLD Standards Council recognised qualification which must be completed within a set timescale. You must have an understanding of CLD principles and practice, and the ability to develop this through study and practical experience. You must have good group work skills, the ability to work effectively with young people and adults, and be able to facilitate the development of community groups.
It is essential you have a full UK driving licence. This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme as a legal requirement of a regulated role with Children and Protected Adults.
It is vital you read the job description and person specification; in your Experience statement please detail how you meet each of the essential criteria we ask for in the person specification. Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment to the post will be on the first point of the grade F. On completion of qualification the grade will change to the first point of grade H.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
Closing Date: Monday 20 July 2026
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Community Learning & Development Worker, Barra (2990) - CNS06353
✨Dive into Adult Education Networks
Get involved with local adult education networks and workshops. These communities are filled with professionals who can offer insight into the field and might know of trainee opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential mentors!
✨Volunteer for Community Learning Events
Look for volunteer opportunities in community centres or educational organisations. Hands-on experience running workshops or assisting in classes can really help you stand out when you apply for trainee positions. Plus, you’ll expand your network within the sector.
✨Leverage University Career Resources
If you’re a student or recent grad, make sure to use your university's career services. They often have listings for trainee roles exclusive to students and can connect you with alumni working in adult education.
✨Apply via Our Website for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for the Trainee Community Learning & Development Worker, Barra (2990) - CNS06353 role at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. This gives you a direct line to us, and we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are genuinely interested in adult continuing education.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Community Learning & Development Worker, Barra (2990) - CNS06353
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Lifelong Learning:In a field like adult and continuing education, it's super important to showcase your enthusiasm for helping others learn and grow. Use your cover letter to share any personal experiences that sparked your interest in adult education—maybe you’ve volunteered in teaching roles or participated in workshops that changed your perspective.
Highlight Relevant Experience, Even If It's Informal:Don’t fret if you haven’t held a formal position in adult education yet! We love seeing any relevant experience, including tutoring, mentoring, or even organising study groups. Make sure to emphasise these experiences on your CV and explain what skills you gained from them—such as communication, patience, or creativity in lesson planning.
Tailor Your CV for Us:When applying for the trainee role at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, be sure to adapt your CV to highlight the skills that matter most in adult education. Focus on any accommodating learning methods you're familiar with or tools you’ve used to engage learners of different backgrounds. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Get Creative with Your Application:Since this is a trainee role, we want to see your potential and willingness to learn. Don’t hesitate to get creative in your application! Consider including a brief outline of a project you’d love to tackle in adult education or share any innovative ideas for engaging adults in learning—this can really make you stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
✨Be Ready to Share Your Passion for Education
As a trainee in the adult continuing education space, it’s vital to communicate your genuine enthusiasm for teaching and helping others learn. Think of personal anecdotes or experiences where you've engaged with adult learners — this will show Comhairle nan Eilean Siar that you're not just in it for a job; you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Brush Up on Educational Theories and Practices
Expect to face questions about adult learning principles or techniques like andragogy. Familiarising yourself with key theories will not only prepare you for possible technical questions but will also allow us to engage in meaningful discussions with the interviewers at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar about how you envision applying these concepts in practice.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn and Adapt
As a trainee, your potential and willingness to grow are just as important as your current skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to new learning environments before; it's a great way to demonstrate your ability to take feedback and develop your teaching style as you train with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
✨Prepare for Role-Playing or Scenario Questions
You might encounter role-playing scenarios where you’ll need to demonstrate how you'd handle real-life teaching situations. Practise responding to potential learner challenges you might face in adult education. Show us how you could guide a reluctant learner or manage a diverse classroom setting, which will impress the interviewers at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar!
