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- Tasks: Lead the Construction Department and shape the future workforce of West Cumbria.
- Company: Lakes College, a vibrant technical vocational college with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, professional development, and free onsite parking.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' lives and drive excellence in education.
- Qualifications: Teaching qualification and experience in post-16 education essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Lakes College is seeking a dynamic Head of Department for the Construction Department. In this role, 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 operational leadership post 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 managerial potential irrespective of discipline/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.
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 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.
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. The sector delivers a wide variety of programmes including T levels, Study Programmes, Apprenticeships, adult courses, and project / commercial courses.
If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge to shape the future workforce of West Cumbria and drive excellence in education, we would love to hear from you!
What we can offer you:
- Generous annual leave – 40 days plus 8 bank holiday days plus 2 discretionary days
- Automatic entry into the 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
- Free onsite parking
- Subsidised onsite restaurant
- A cycle scheme, tech scheme and discounted gym membership
- Fantastic facilities to support 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 from the time you left full‑time education, with details of any gaps in employment explained
- Information on all relevant education and qualifications
Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered. Your co‑operation helps us maintain the highest standards of safety and care for children and young people.
Qualifications:
- Minimum Level 2 literacy & numeracy qualifications & be willing 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
- Accredited higher level management qualification e.g. ILM, CMI desirable
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
- Management of staff & projects
- Experience of FE funding systems
Head of Department- Construction in Workington employer: Lakes College West Cumbria
Contact Detail:
Lakes College West Cumbria Recruiting Team
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 to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for shaping the future workforce.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Lakes College thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can drive continuous improvement and support learners effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects successfully. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and innovation within a curriculum team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our vibrant community at Lakes College.
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 you can inspire learners and make a real difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in post-16 education and curriculum design. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs of learners and local employers.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, ensuring we can easily see how you fit the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lakes College West Cumbria
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the curriculum areas relevant to the Construction Department. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in vocational education and how they align with local employer needs. This will show your commitment to delivering a high-performing curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it fosters a positive learning environment. Think of specific examples where you've driven continuous improvement or supported staff development. This will demonstrate your managerial potential and ability to lead a team effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Innovation
Highlight any past experiences where you’ve collaborated with external partners or implemented innovative teaching practices. This aligns perfectly with the college's mission to encourage new ideas and methods, showing that you can contribute to their culture of excellence.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the college’s future plans, especially regarding the Green Energy and Skills Centre. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive approach to understanding how you can contribute to their goals.