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 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.
Rail Education Outreach Officer 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 tangible 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
✨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 teachers and school staff. Building these connections can give you an edge and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Education Outreach Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in delivering educational sessions. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your enthusiasm for teaching and community engagement!
Showcase Your Experience:When writing your application, be specific about your past experiences in the education sector. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully engaged with students or managed school trips, so share those stories with us!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 or assemblies you've conducted, highlighting your engagement techniques and how you adapt to different learning styles. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and motivate students.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling challenging situations, especially in a school environment. Think of examples where you've successfully managed behaviour or adapted your approach to meet the needs of diverse groups. This shows your problem-solving skills and flexibility.
✨Highlight Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your experience working with teachers, school staff, and community groups. Share examples of how you've built relationships and collaborated effectively to achieve common goals.
