Programme Lead Carpentry and Joinery in Sunderland

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 20 October 2026

Reference: 0707-26

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 prioritise 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.

About the Role

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational individual to join our growing Construction Team at Sunderland College. We are seeking a candidate who can demonstrate outstanding teaching, learning and assessment practices across Carpentry and Joinery qualifications, ensuring positive outcomes for all students.

There is significant potential to further develop and promote provision within this curriculum area, and you will play an important role in driving this forward. You will plan, promote, deliver, monitor and evaluate teaching, learning and learner progress. You will also build strong relationships with parents, employers and the wider construction industry to ensure that every student receives an outstanding learning experience.

Role Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, monitor and evaluate high-quality teaching, learning and assessment across Carpentry and Joinery programmes from Level 1 to Level 3, including apprenticeships.
• Take responsibility for the recruitment, retention, progress and achievement of students on your programme(s).
• Lead curriculum planning, internal and external quality assurance and programme performance reviews.
• Provide high-quality academic and pastoral support, including effective tracking, monitoring and timely intervention.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety and professional practice within the workshop.
• Develop strong links with employers and the wider construction industry to support work experience, apprenticeships and positive learner destinations.
• Support marketing and recruitment activities, including open events, school engagement and applicant interviews.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Carpentry and Joinery
• Level 2 qualifications in both Maths and English, or recognised equivalents.
• Minimum of two years’ relevant industry experience in Carpentry and Joinery.
• Experience of delivering teaching, learning and assessment within an FE or apprenticeship setting.
• Experience of planning and leading Carpentry and Joinery programmes.
• Experience of supporting students’ achievement, progress and personal development.
• Competence in using digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
• Experience of assessment and feedback in line with awarding body requirements

What’s in it for you?

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

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• 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.