Life Skills Support Worker (Construction) in Paignton

South Devon College is looking for a caring, committed and proactive individual to join our team in supporting young people and adults to achieve their full potential. Working across a range of curriculum areas and learning environments, you will provide targeted learning, pastoral and wellbeing support to students who may be vulnerable, face barriers to education, or require additional assistance to succeed.

Through building positive relationships, encouraging independence and working closely with curriculum staff and external agencies, you will play a vital role in helping learners engage confidently with their studies, develop essential life and study skills, and reach positive outcomes throughout their educational journey.

Qualifications: You will have a good standard of Maths and English (GCSE Grade A–C/4–9 or equivalent Level 2 qualification), or be willing to work towards this, alongside a Level 2 Learning Support qualification or the willingness to gain one. Experience of supporting vulnerable, at‑risk or additional‑needs learners, or transferable skills relevant to the role, is essential. You will have strong communication and written skills, be approachable, patient, professional and reliable, and have a genuine passion for helping young people and adults succeed. Above all, you will be committed to safeguarding, confidentiality and promoting the wellbeing of every learner.

Required conditions: You will be required to be in possession of an Enhanced DBS Certificate or be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check as a condition of employment at the College. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

Equal opportunities statement: The College is committed to Safeguarding/Prevent and promoting the welfare of students, including children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The College is committed to applying its Single Equality Scheme at all stages of recruitment and selection. Shortlisting, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, transgender status, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, colour, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion/belief, age, pregnancy or maternity leave, or union membership. Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate the particular needs of any candidate who has notified us of a disability. This may include changing the timing or location of any interview to enable the candidate to attend, providing information in different formats or larger type, etc.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (pro‑rata) including the option to purchase additional holiday days;
• 1 additional day’s holiday for your birthday (does not have to be used on your birthday);
• 1 additional day’s holiday for every 5 years served;
• Christmas Closure of up to 2 weeks in addition to annual leave entitlement;
• Access to a wealth of training, apprenticeships and funded higher‑education opportunities as well as dedicated training days;
• Local Government Pension Scheme Employer pension contributions of 18%;
• Subsidised fitness suite facility, onsite hair and beauty salon, access to a wide range of catering facilities, outdoor gym and free eyesight tests;
• Major supermarket and high street employee discount schemes;
• Life Assurance (if member of pension scheme);
• On Site Nursery (Mama Bears);
• Employee Assistance Programmes;
• Access to Blue Light Card membership;
• Discounted travel schemes.

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 23 August 2026