At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in structural technologies education, ensuring high standards and student success.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Slough and Langley College, part of Windsor Forest Colleges group.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, free parking, and various health perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while shaping the next generation of structural technology experts.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and teaching experience in vocational courses required.
The predicted salary is between 45196 - 48286 £ per year.
Windsor Forest Colleges group is looking for a Head of Department for Structural Technologies to join our Slough and Langley College team starting in August 2026 on a permanent, full‑time basis. This role offers a full‑time position on Scale M at Slough and Langley College paying between M38 £45,196.00 and M41 £48,286.00 per year.
The role of Head of Department for Structural Technologies is a pivotal leadership role reporting to the Curriculum Director, dedicated to driving student retention, achievement, and educational innovation within structural technologies. The postholder will lead and develop the structural technologies curriculum team, directly overseeing programme managers and ensuring high standards of technical teaching across both practical workshops and classrooms.
Key responsibilities include:
- Implementing the Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Framework tailored to vocational trade training.
- Monitoring at‑risk students to deliver targeted support.
- Utilising the college's Quality Cycle to continuously improve learner outcomes.
- Spearheading curriculum development by building strong ties with regional employers and industry stakeholders.
- Ensuring that the college's trade offerings align perfectly with local structural technologies market demands and the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
Candidates must possess a degree‑level qualification alongside a recognised teaching qualification, supported by recent, successful experience running vocational courses and maintaining high student success rates in trade disciplines. Essential criteria include proven expertise in managing or mentoring instructional and academic staff, setting performance targets, and maintaining the rigorous student discipline and safety awareness required for practical workshop environments.
The role requires exceptional communication and decision‑making skills, physical and financial resource management capabilities to oversee specialised structural technologies equipment and materials, and proficiency in using Information Learning Technology (ILT) to enhance technical training. A deep understanding of 14‑19 Further Education and contemporary structural technologies industry developments is highly advantageous.
Benefits:
- Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) currently offering 28.68% employer contribution.
- Free onsite parking at all sites.
- Access to a wide range of subsidised leisure courses.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Family friendly policies supporting Work Life Balance.
- Onsite Coffee Shop & Cafeteria.
- Various health & wellbeing benefits including discounted gym memberships, confidential staff counselling and discounted hair and beauty treatments at the Salon at our Langley College site.
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS and Barred List check along with other legally required checks which are an essential part of the safeguarding process.
Head of Department for Structural Technologies in Slough employer: The Windsor Forest Colleges Group
Windsor Forest Colleges Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work environment for the Head of Department for Structural Technologies role at Slough and Langley College. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the college provides access to professional development opportunities, a generous Teachers’ Pension Scheme, and various health and wellbeing benefits, all while fostering a collaborative culture that prioritises work-life balance and community engagement.
Contact Details:
The Windsor Forest Colleges Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department for Structural Technologies in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in structural technologies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your achievements in managing vocational courses and improving student outcomes. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to educational innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on how you've led teams and improved curriculum standards, as these are key for the Head of Department role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Slough and Langley College.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department for Structural Technologies in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in structural technologies and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Teaching Skills:Since this role involves overseeing technical teaching, it’s crucial to demonstrate your teaching qualifications and any successful experiences you’ve had in vocational education. We’re keen to know how you’ve driven student success in the past!
Highlight Industry Connections:We value strong ties with regional employers and industry stakeholders. If you have experience building partnerships or aligning curriculum with market demands, make sure to mention it! This will show us you understand the local landscape.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Windsor Forest Colleges Group
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the structural technologies curriculum. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and innovations in the field, as well as the specific needs of local employers. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate leader ready to drive educational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or mentored staff in the past. Highlight your experience in setting performance targets and maintaining high standards. This is crucial for a Head of Department role, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate others.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Head of Department, effective communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve communicated with students, staff, and industry stakeholders. Think of specific instances where your communication made a difference, whether in resolving conflicts or enhancing collaboration.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in practical workshop environments. Think about how you would handle at-risk students or implement the Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Framework. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
