At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver engaging workshops and educational sessions about rail safety and sustainable travel.
- Company: Join a dynamic team promoting community engagement through rail education.
- Benefits: Full-time permanent role with opportunities for professional development and travel.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while promoting sustainable travel.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, strong communication skills, and a passion for teaching.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Platform Learning Development Officer to join the team.
Location: Wiltshire and Dorset
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
Platform is an education programme for five Community Rail Partnerships (TransWilts, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Severnside and South Wessex). Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) bring together local groups and partners along railway lines to work with the rail industry to deliver a range of community engagement and promotional activities. They promote understanding of the importance of local railways, in terms of improving mobility and sustainable travel, community cohesion and wellbeing, and social and economic development. Platform helps teachers to build their students’ knowledge of rail-safety, their understanding of sustainable and healthy travel, and their confidence in using trains. This role involves working on site at schools, on trains and at stations which can necessitate early starts as we cover a large region (wherever possible travel will be via train and a train pass will be issued).
Main duties and responsibilities include:
- Deliver in-school workshops and assemblies tailored to the needs of students and schools using appropriate engagement and behaviour management techniques.
- Confidently deliver rail familiarisation education sessions – including safety briefings – at stations, on trains, and wherever relevant.
- Develop, edit and adjust workshops routinely.
- Be the principal contact for schools in the lead up to their trips, design itineraries and book future trips.
- Take responsibility for filling bookings and meeting targets by conducting targeted marketing.
- Shadow colleagues from Platform and Community Rail and embed good practice into their own workshops.
- Liaise with stakeholders including teachers, school staff, train operating companies and staff at stations to ensure the smooth operation of a trip.
- Contribute to risk assessment planning for school trips and workshops and follow safeguarding procedures.
- Adhere to meticulous safety protocol when travelling by train and at stations.
- Gather feedback from students and teachers at the end of workshops and train trips using QR code stickers and Impact surveys.
- On non-delivery days, plan, research and create curriculum-linked learning resources across KS1 to KS3 (may only be 1 or 2 days a month).
- Generate ideas for innovative and exciting lessons that meet curriculum objectives, and link to the rail industry/local areas.
- Gather meaningful data and use it to influence reports.
Positions:
- Devon and South Somerset – Candidate ideally located close to Exeter stations, to deliver the programme to schools around rail routes across Devon and South Somerset (fixed-term contract 1st September 2026 – 31st July 2027. This post has the potential of extending depending on future funding).
- Wiltshire and Dorset – Candidate ideally located close to Westbury station, to deliver the programme to schools around rail routes to Weymouth and Swindon (maternity cover starting 1st September 2026 for up to 12 months or until the postholder returns).
About You
We are looking for someone with experience in, and enthusiasm for, delivering primary and/or secondary curriculum-led educational sessions in an inspiring and motivating way and a clear understanding and experience of the education sector.
Required experience and qualifications:
- Ability to work supportively, empathetically and flexibly with teachers, school staff and young people.
- Knowledge of Safeguarding procedures and KCSIE.
- Experience of delivering off-site learning, such as school trips or visits with community groups.
- Experience of using data to inform future actions.
- Experience of writing, or contributing to, risk assessments.
- Confidence to approach schools by telephone, in person and via email to market the scheme in order to reach scheme targets.
- Represent the scheme at community and networking events.
- A Qualified Teaching Qualification.
- A current first aid certificate or willingness to do the training.
- Driving licence, with access to a car for occasions where travelling by train isn’t viable.
Rail Education Outreach Officer in England employer: Platform Rail Education
As a Rail Education Outreach Officer, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing community engagement and promoting sustainable travel across Wiltshire and Dorset. Our organisation fosters a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on meaningful impact, you will enjoy the unique advantage of working closely with local schools and communities, making a real difference in students' understanding of rail safety and sustainable travel.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Education Outreach Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its mission! Before any interview, do a bit of homework on the Community Rail Partnerships and their impact. This will help us connect your passion for education with their goals, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your delivery skills! Since this role involves workshops and presentations, we recommend rehearsing your teaching style. Maybe even gather some friends or family for a mock session to get comfortable with your material.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend community events or educational fairs where you can meet people from the rail industry or local schools. Building these connections can give you an edge and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start. Plus, it’s super easy!
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Education Outreach Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Rail Education Outreach Officer role. Highlight your experience in delivering educational sessions and your understanding of the education sector, as these are key aspects we’re looking for.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for education and community engagement shine through in your application. We want to see how excited you are about working with schools and promoting rail safety and sustainable travel!
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, be specific about your achievements and experiences related to off-site learning and risk assessments. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our mission effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Platform Rail Education
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Community Rail Partnerships and their specific goals. Understand how your role as a Rail Education Outreach Officer fits into their mission. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in delivering educational sessions. Bring examples of workshops you've led, focusing on how you engaged students and adapted content to meet their needs. Highlight any innovative methods you've used to make learning fun and effective.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
This role requires adaptability, so be ready to share instances where you've successfully adjusted your plans on the fly. Whether it’s changing a workshop based on student feedback or managing unexpected challenges during school trips, showing your flexibility will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the specific challenges the team faces or how they measure the success of their outreach programmes. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your desire to contribute meaningfully.
