At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver hands-on training in agriculture, ensuring students meet their learning needs.
- Company: Join The Bedford College Group, the largest education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to Β£31,415, pension, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a beautiful parkland setting.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Agriculture, with practical experience and relevant certifications required.
- Other info: Interviews are on 07 July 2025; commitment to safeguarding is essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 Β£ per year.
Role: Practical Instructor β Agriculture
Location: Shuttleworth College β Old Warden
Salary/Benefits: Salary between Β£26,780 and Β£31,415 per annum DOE and Qualifications, Peopleβs pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent β Full Time
About the role:
We are currently seeking a Practical Instructor in Agriculture to join our Land and Environment department at The Bedford College Group.
As a Practical Instructor, you play an important role in the success of our students through:
About you:
For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.
Interviews to be held: TBC
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:
About Shuttleworth College
Shuttleworth College is set within the stunning location of Old Warden Park, near Biggleswade. It\βs 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.
Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
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. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group\βs policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Practical Instructor - Agriculture employer: The Bedford College Group
Contact Detail:
The Bedford College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Practical Instructor - Agriculture
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest agricultural practices and technologies. Being knowledgeable about current trends in agriculture will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the agriculture sector. Attend local agricultural events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the industry, which can give you an edge when discussing your experience and insights.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with agricultural machinery and animal care. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've applied your skills in real-world situations, as this is crucial for a Practical Instructor role.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to continuous professional development. Mention any relevant courses or certifications you are pursuing or plan to pursue, as this aligns with the college's values of improving continuously and nurturing educational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Practical Instructor - Agriculture
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in agriculture, including any hands-on training or teaching roles. Emphasise your Level 3 qualification and any specific competencies like tractor and forklift operation.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for agriculture and education. Mention how your practical experience aligns with the role's requirements and how you can contribute to the success of students at The Bedford College Group.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight skills that are crucial for the role, such as communication, teamwork, and organisational abilities. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous positions, especially in educational or agricultural settings.
Align with Company Values: Familiarise yourself with The Bedford College Group's VISION values. In your application, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs, particularly in areas like teamwork, continuous improvement, and student-centred approaches.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bedford College Group
β¨Know Your Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the curriculum and teaching schemes relevant to the Practical Instructor role. Be prepared to discuss how you would deliver hands-on training in agricultural machinery, animal care, and crop management.
β¨Demonstrate Your Practical Experience
Highlight your recent hands-on experience in the land-based sector during the interview. Share specific examples of working with agricultural machinery, farm animals, and crops to showcase your industry knowledge.
β¨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Showcase your understanding of health and safety regulations and safe working practices. Be ready to discuss how you would maintain a clean and hazard-free workspace while upholding safeguarding standards.
β¨Align with the College's Values
Familiarise yourself with The Bedford College Group's VISION values. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work, particularly in terms of teamwork, continuous improvement, and student-centred approaches.