Practical Instructor - Agriculture
Practical Instructor - Agriculture

Practical Instructor - Agriculture

Biggleswade Full-Time 25000 - 35000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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 – Agriculture

Location: Shuttleworth College – Old Warden

Salary/Benefits: Salary between Β£26,780 and Β£31,415 per annum DOE and Qualifications, People’s pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.

Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent – 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:

  • Practical Instruction & Student Support – Deliver hands-on training in agricultural machinery, animal care, and crop management, ensuring sessions meet individual learning needs and vocational standards.
  • Curriculum Delivery & Assessment – Develop practical teaching schemes, assess learner competence, provide feedback, and contribute to internal verification and awarding body requirements.
  • Resource & Area Management – Prepare and maintain practical learning materials and equipment, ensuring all workspaces are clean, safe, and hazard-free in compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Team Collaboration & Events – Work closely with technical staff, support marketing and recruitment events, and participate in team meetings to contribute to departmental goals.
  • Compliance & Professional Development – Uphold safeguarding, equality, and health and safety standards, while actively engaging in training and development to maintain professional effectiveness.
  • About you:

  • Qualifications & Certifications – Holds a Level 3 qualification in Agriculture or a related land-based subject, with tractor and forklift competency certificates, and GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
  • Practical Experience & Industry Knowledge – Brings recent hands-on experience in the land-based sector, including working with agricultural machinery, farm animals, and crops, with strong knowledge of husbandry and UK industry practices.
  • Health, Safety & Compliance – Demonstrates a solid understanding of safe working practices, relevant legislation, and health and safety requirements, with a commitment to safeguarding and professional boundaries.
  • Skills & Professionalism – Highly organised, self-motivated, and capable of delivering high-quality learning experiences. Skilled in communication, teamwork, and using IT for documentation and record-keeping.
  • Flexibility & Commitment – Holds a valid driving licence and is willing to travel and work flexibly across locations. Committed to continuous learning, equality, and promoting the College’s values and reputation.
  • 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:

  • 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.

    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\’s 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

    The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional development of its staff. Located in the picturesque setting of Old Warden Park, Shuttleworth College provides unique opportunities for Practical Instructors in Agriculture to engage with students in a hands-on learning environment, while enjoying benefits such as competitive salaries, pension schemes, and access to further education courses.
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    Contact Detail:

    The Bedford College Group Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

    We think this is how you could land Practical Instructor - Agriculture

    ✨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.

    ✨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.

    ✨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.

    ✨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

    Hands-on Training in Agricultural Machinery
    Animal Care Expertise
    Crop Management Knowledge
    Curriculum Development
    Assessment and Feedback Skills
    Resource Management
    Health and Safety Compliance
    Team Collaboration
    Communication Skills
    Organisational Skills
    Self-Motivation
    IT Proficiency for Documentation
    Flexibility in Work Locations
    Commitment to Continuous Learning
    Understanding of Safeguarding Practices

    Some tips for your application 🫑

    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

    ✨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.

    ✨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.

    ✨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.

    ✨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.

    Practical Instructor - Agriculture
    The Bedford College Group
    Location: Biggleswade
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