At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Construction Department and inspire learners to excel in their careers.
- Company: Lakes College, a vibrant technical vocational college in West Cumbria.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, professional development, and subsidised facilities.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future workforce and drive excellence in education with state-of-the-art resources.
- Qualifications: Level 3 vocational qualification, teaching qualification, and management potential required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lakes College is a technical vocational Further Education College delivering education and training to full‑time and part‑time learners and apprentices to degree level. We have a vibrant campus in West Cumbria with state of the art vocational workshops and resources, including the National College for Nuclear Northern Hub. Our mission and purpose are to enable people to recognise and develop their potential. We are a people business and our mission applies as equally to our staff team as to our learners and employers. We are a good college and have ambition to be outstanding by together developing our culture, standards and expectations. We encourage innovation, collaboration and reflection to lead to new ideas and methods. We gather, evaluate and use data to drive operational improvement.
About the Role: Lakes College is home to a multi‑million‑pound Construction Skills Centre, equipped with state‑of‑the‑art industry standard trade workshops that provide our learners with practical, hands‑on training in real‑world environments. The college recently opened a Green Energy and Skills Centre, placing us at the forefront of delivering training in sustainable technologies and supporting the region's transition to a low‑carbon future. These exceptional facilities ensure our staff and students work in an environment that reflects the very best of modern industry practice.
In this role you will be an inspirational leader passionate about education and the dynamic Head of Department for the Construction Department. You will ensure that our learners are well equipped to meet the needs of local employers and that they emerge as confident, skilled professionals ready to make a difference in their fields. You will have high expectations of those around you and will drive continuous improvement and compliance that leads to learners gaining exceptional qualifications, skills and personal progression outcomes.
Working closely with the Assistant Principal and the Directorate middle leader team, this is an operational leadership post that must deliver a high‑performing curriculum team, with our learners' needs and those of our external employer partners placed at the heart of each decision made. Your exceptional leadership and management skills will enable you to secure positive outcomes for learners and your team.
We are seeking someone with management potential irrespective of discipline or curriculum area and would welcome applicants who have a curriculum background with experience of curriculum planning, timetabling, and supporting staff with evidence‑based teaching practices. We welcome you to shape the future workforce of West Cumbria and drive excellence in education.
For an informal chat, please contact Gary Martin – Assistant Principal. If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.
What We Can Offer You!
- Generous annual leave – 40 days plus 8 days bank holiday plus 2 discretionary days
- Automatic entry into Teachers' Pensions Scheme
- A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn
- Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and develop through mentorship and coaching
- Subsidised onsite restaurant
- A cycle scheme tech scheme and discounted gym membership
- Fantastic facilities to resource our ability to teach our students
Application Requirements
To ensure compliance with safeguarding guidelines, all applicants must complete the application form in full. This includes providing a full employment history, details of any gaps in employment, and information on all relevant education and qualifications. Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered. Your cooperation helps us maintain the highest standards of safety and care for children and young people.
A full employment history from the time you left full‑time education, with details of any gaps in employment explained.
Information on all relevant education and qualifications.
Qualifications
- Minimum Level 2 literacy & numeracy qualifications and willingness to update essential skills
- Level 3 or equivalent vocational professional qualification essential
- Hold a recognised teaching qualification essential
- Hold or be willing to work towards a Leadership/Management related qualification essential
- Relevant professional membership desirable
Skills Experience
- Experience in post 16 education / training including curriculum design, delivery, assessment and evaluation essential
- Demonstrable in‑depth knowledge of subject area essential
- Recent relevant teaching experience with good or outstanding observation grades essential
- Demonstrate a student‑centred approach to teaching and learning essential
- Recent and relevant industry experience in sector essential
- Knowledge of and proven ability to deliver the curriculum successfully essential
- Involvement in implementation and monitoring of college policy essential
- Experience of course management essential
Contact Information
Lakes College
Gary Martin
Hallwood Road
Workington
Cumbria CA14 4JN
Lakes College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. Lakes College is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Head of Department- Construction in Workington employer: Job Search Place Limited
Lakes College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment in West Cumbria with state-of-the-art facilities that support both staff and learners. We prioritise professional development through excellent CPD opportunities, mentorship, and a collaborative culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement. With generous annual leave, a supportive team, and a commitment to shaping the future workforce, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department- Construction in Workington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and construction sectors. Attend local events or workshops at Lakes College to meet potential colleagues and employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for education and how you can contribute to Lakes College's mission. Let them see that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Department. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you plan to drive continuous improvement in the Construction Department. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Lakes College team. Don’t wait too long though; positions can close early if we get a lot of interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department- Construction in Workington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and construction shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about shaping the future workforce and making a difference in learners' lives.
Be Detailed and Clear:Make sure to provide a full employment history and explain any gaps. We appreciate clarity, so be specific about your qualifications and experiences that relate to the role. This helps us understand your journey and how you fit into our team.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to highlight your experience in curriculum design and management. We’re looking for someone who can drive continuous improvement, so show us how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Early!:We might close the application process early if we get enough responses, so don’t wait around! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to ensure you’re in the running for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the construction industry and the specific skills required for the role. Brush up on recent trends, especially in sustainable technologies, as Lakes College is at the forefront of this area.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership and management experience. Think about times when you've driven continuous improvement or supported staff with evidence-based teaching practices. This will demonstrate your fit for the Head of Department role.
✨Align with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with Lakes College's mission to develop potential in both learners and staff. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ambition of becoming outstanding by fostering innovation and collaboration within the department.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your interest in the college's goals and challenges. Inquire about their approach to curriculum planning and how they measure success in learner outcomes. This shows you're genuinely invested in the role and the institution.
