At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and inspire students in horticulture through engaging practical and theory-based lessons.
- Company: Join The Bedford College Group, a leading education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Earn £21 per hour with flexible hours and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a beautiful parkland setting.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Horticulture qualification and teaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 21 - 21 £ per hour.
The Bedford College Group is currently seeking an Associate Lecturer in Horticulture to join our Land-based Education department. As an Associate Lecturer, you play an important role in the success of our students through:
- Teaching & Learning Delivery: Plan, prepare, deliver, and assess high-quality horticulture programmes across RHS Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, using both practical and theory-based teaching approaches to meet learner needs.
- Learner Progress & Student Support: Monitor, assess, and report on learner achievement and progress, providing guidance, support, and personal tutoring to help students achieve their goals and progress into further study or employment.
- Curriculum Development & Quality Assurance: Develop schemes of work, learning resources, and curriculum content while contributing to quality assurance processes and the continuous improvement of horticulture provision.
- Horticultural Resource & Industry Engagement: Maintain horticultural facilities, equipment, and learning resources, while developing strong employer and industry partnerships to enhance learner opportunities and curriculum relevance.
- Compliance & Professional Responsibilities: Uphold safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, health & safety, and professional development requirements, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and effective learning environment for all learners.
About you:
- Qualifications & Industry Expertise: Level 3 Horticulture qualification (or higher), GCSE English and Maths, and a commitment to achieving a recognised teaching qualification, supported by recent horticulture industry experience and strong practical horticultural knowledge.
- Teaching & Learning Capability: Experience delivering teaching, training, or assessment activities, with the ability to plan and deliver engaging practical and theory-based learning that supports student achievement and progression.
- Communication & Assessment Skills: Strong communication, assessment, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to monitor learner progress, provide constructive feedback, and support a high-quality learning experience.
- Organisation & Professionalism: Well-organised, reliable, and adaptable, with the ability to manage responsibilities effectively, maintain professional standards, and remain learner-focused in all aspects of the role.
- Flexibility & Continuous Development: Holds a driving licence, committed to ongoing CPD and industry updating, and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet programme and organisational needs.
What is an Associate? Associates work on a short-term basis as assigned. They teach or provide support services, and they work with and are supported by core staff. As an Associate you will be issued with an Associate Agreement, under this Agreement period you will be eligible to work on assignments offered to you.
Interviews to be held: TBC
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:
- Valuing Teamwork: We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously: We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred: At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive: We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring: We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence: We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
About Shuttleworth College: Shuttleworth College is set within the stunning location of Old Warden Park, near Biggleswade. It's a specialist land-based college, offering agricultural and environmental education, alongside animal sciences, equine studies and outdoor adventure all delivered within acres of parkland, farmland, lakes and woodland.
About The Bedford College Group: The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.
Safeguarding our Students: The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Associate Lecturer - Horticulture in Biggleswade employer: The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and success of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. Located at Chicksands Military Base, this role provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on learners' lives while enjoying generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave and a competitive salary. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on inclusivity, you will find a rewarding environment that fosters both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Lecturer - Horticulture in Biggleswade
✨Get Hands-On in Local Gardens
Dive into volunteer work at local gardens or community farms. This not only gives you practical experience but also helps you build connections in the horticulture community. You'd be surprised at how many temporary roles pop up through local networks!
✨Visit Local Plant Shows or Horticultural Events
Check out seasonal plant shows or horticultural fairs in your area. These events are fantastic for networking and learning about temporary positions that may not be advertised online. Chat with vendors and attendees — you never know who might know of a gig at places like The Bedford College Group!
✨Tap into the Agriculture Community
Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to horticulture. Engaging in discussions or asking about temp roles can lead to insider tips and opportunities. Plus, it showcases your passion for the field, which is always a bonus!
✨Make Your Intentions Clear on Your CV
In your CV, highlight your availability for temporary positions and any hands-on experience you have. Tailor your approach to companies like The Bedford College Group, making sure they know you're keen and ready to jump in as soon as they need someone. And don't forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Lecturer - Horticulture in Biggleswade
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Horticultural Knowledge:Make sure to showcase any relevant horticulture experience you have. Mention specific plants, gardening techniques, or landscaping projects you've worked on. If you have any certificates in horticulture or botany, include those too – they'll definitely catch our eye!
Show You're Flexible and Ready to Learn:Since this is a temporary role, we want to know you're adaptable and eager to soak up new experiences. In your cover letter, express your willingness to learn and take on different tasks that may come up. Share any previous temporary roles and what you gained from them!
Include Practical Experience:In horticulture, hands-on experience matters a lot. If you’ve volunteered at a community garden or helped maintain private gardens, mention these gigs! Tailor your CV to include any practical work that demonstrates your skills in plant care, garden layout design, or pest management.
Use Clear, Concise Language:When applying for a temporary role, keep your application straightforward. Avoid jargon and focus on the essential skills you bring to the table. We want to understand your experience quickly, so make every word count. Remember, we love clear communication at The Bedford College Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bedford College Group
✨Get to Grips with Plant Knowledge
In the world of horticulture, having a solid grasp of plant types, care techniques, and pest management is essential. Brush up on your understanding of the plants relevant to The Bedford College Group—it might just impress them if you can chat about local species or seasonal challenges!
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since you’re applying for a temporary role, they’ll want to see that you’re ready to hit the ground running. Be prepared to discuss any hands-on experience you have with gardening tools, techniques, and maintenance tasks. If you've got a portfolio of your gardening projects or any past experiences, don't hesitate to share!
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Much of horticulture works in teams, especially during busy seasons. Anticipate questions about your experience working collaboratively. Think of examples of how you’ve contributed to team efforts in past gardening projects or seasonal work—showing your team spirit is key!
✨Express Your Flexibility and Learning Mindset
Given that this is a temporary position, make sure you convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Employers like The Bedford College Group will appreciate your willingness to tackle various tasks, from planting to weeding, and how you can fit in wherever needed!
