At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver engaging workshops and educational sessions on rail safety and sustainable travel.
- Company: Join a dynamic education programme promoting community engagement through rail partnerships.
- Benefits: Full-time role with potential for contract extension and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities to travel and engage with schools across the region.
- Why this job: Inspire young minds while making a positive impact on local communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in delivering educational sessions and a Qualified Teaching Qualification required.
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.
Learning Development Officer in London employer: Platform Rail Education
As a Learning Development Officer with Platform, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing community engagement and promoting sustainable travel through education. Located in the beautiful regions of Wiltshire and Dorset, our organisation offers a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, alongside 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 Learning Development Officer in London
✨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 how they impact local communities. This will help us connect your passion for education with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your delivery skills! Since this role involves workshops and presentations, try rehearsing your teaching style with friends or family. We want to see you shine when it comes to engaging students and teachers alike.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the role and the company culture. We can learn a lot from their experiences and maybe even get a referral!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your creativity! When discussing your ideas for innovative lessons, let your personality shine through. We want to see how you can make learning exciting and relevant for students in the rail context.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Development Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Learning Development Officer role. Highlight your experience in delivering educational sessions and working with schools, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:We love seeing enthusiasm! In your application, let us know why you're passionate about education and community engagement. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in students' lives.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Platform Rail Education
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Community Rail Partnerships and their impact on local communities. Understanding their mission will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've delivered engaging educational sessions. Highlight your ability to adapt workshops for different age groups and learning needs, as this is crucial for the Learning Development Officer role.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Be ready to talk about your experience with off-site learning and how you've managed logistics for school trips. Emphasise your adaptability and willingness to work early hours or travel, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Engage with Data
Discuss how you've used data to inform your teaching practices or improve programmes. This shows that you can contribute to gathering feedback and using it effectively, which is important for the role.
