Lecturer and Programme Leader Plumbing in Sunderland

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 16 November 2026

Reference: 0432-26-R4

About the College

Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.

The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

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Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling-up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational individual to join our growing Construction Team at Sunderland College. We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate outstanding teaching, learning and assessment practices across all levels in plumbing qualifications u to ensure positive outcomes for students. There is significant potential of further development and promotion of provision across this curriculum area and it is expected that you will be part of the team to drive this forward. You will plan, promote, deliver, monitor and evaluate your teaching and the progress of learners. You will create and cultivate strong links with parents and employers and work with the Construction industry to ensure that all students gain an outstanding experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, monitor, and evaluate high-quality teaching, learning and assessment from Level 3 up to HTQ Level 4
• Take responsibility for the recruitment, retention, progress and achievement of students on your programme(s)
• Lead on curriculum planning, internal and external quality assurance, and programme performance reviews.
• Provide high-quality academic and pastoral support, including tracking, monitoring and intervention where needed.
• Develop and maintain strong employer links and support positive destinations for all learners.
• Support marketing and recruitment activities, including open events and interviews.

A Day in the Life of a Plumbing Lecturer

What Modules will you teach?

Teaching plumbing involves covering a range of topics to teach students how to install, service, maintain and commission domestic plumbing and heating systems. Units include:

• Health and safety systems
• Cold water systems
• Hot water systems
• Central heating systems
• Rainwater systems
• Sanitation systems
• New technology including air source heat pumps, solar thermal hot water and environmental technology systems.

Class Size

• Typical class size: 16 students
• This allows for hands‑on support, practical supervision, and good learner engagement.

Weekly Hours Breakdown

• The role is 37 hours per week, including: 24 hours of teaching per week

These are timetabled lessons, generally split across:

• Classroom theory sessions
• Workshop-based practical sessions
• Tutorials and Global Skills

Departmental Duties – 13 hours per week

These hours support the broader delivery, quality, and improvement of the programme. Activities include:

• Developing learning materials
• Creating/marking assessments
• Internal quality assurance tasks
• Team meetings & professional discussions
• Standardisation with colleagues
• Student progress monitoring and admin

Fitting in a Teaching Qualification

If you do not already hold a teaching qualification:

How it works

• The qualification is completed within the first 2 years.
• Usually delivered one evening per week (3 hours).
• Coursework completed alongside the job.

Workload reduction to support your transition into education:

• You will receive 3 hours remission in your first year
• This reduces teaching from 24 hours to 21 hours per week
• Ensures time to complete training and settle into the role.

What Support Will They Be Given?

New Lecturers joining the department can expect a strong network of support, typically including:

• A dedicated mentor within the team
• Structured induction to systems, policies, and curriculum
• Professional Development
• Full support to achieve teaching qualifications
• Opportunities for CPD in electrical installation, teaching, and assessment
• Access to employer-led training opportunities
• Team Support
• Collaborative planning with colleagues
• Regular team meetings and standardisation sessions
• Shared resources and schemes of work
• Student & Admin Support
• Assistance from learning support teams
• Helpdesk and technical support
• Curriculum leadership guidance for planning and delivery

What a Typical Day Could Look Like

• 08:30 – 09:00 – Arrive, prepare lessons, check email and student updates
• 09:00 – 12:00 – Teach practical or theory-based classes
• 12:00 – 12:30 – Lunch
• 12:30 – 15:30 – Afternoon teaching session
• 15:30 – 17:00 – Marking, planning, curriculum development, team meetings

Qualifications Required

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in relevant industry-specific Construction subject.
• Level 2 qualifications in both Maths and English.
• Minimum of two years’ industry experience as a Plumber in the construction industry. Domestic plumbing knowledge and experience is preferred, however commercial plumbing experience also of interest.
• Teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, CertEd, Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training) or willingness to work towards it.
• Assessor qualification or willingness to work towards it.
• Experience of delivering teaching, learning and assessment in an FE or HE setting.
• Experience planning and leading programmes of study.
• Experience of working with students to support achievement and personal development.
• Competence in using digital technologies to enhance learning.
• Experience of assessment and feedback in line with awarding body requirements.
• Experience contributing to internal and external quality assurance
• Knowledge of inclusive practices and supporting learners with additional needs
• Engagement with curriculum innovation and educational research.

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

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