Job Title: Vocational Skills Instructor / Unqualified Practical Teacher (Construction, Mechanics, Catering, Hair & Beauty, Bushcraft or Animal Care) Location: Blackpool & The Fylde Coast, Lancashire (FY postcodes) Are you an experienced tradesperson, mechanic, chef, stylist, or outdoor specialist who loves sharing what you know? You do not need a teaching degree or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to change lives in the classroom. In our specialist Alternative Provision (AP) schools in Blackpool, hands-on ability, genuine presence, and the skill to de-escalate and mentor young people matter far more than academic paperwork. We are recruiting Vocational Instructors and Practical Skills Leaders to deliver real-world, hands-on learning to Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students (ages 11-16) who struggle in traditional mainstream classrooms. Working in small workshop hubs, our students re-engage with education through practical accomplishments-building a stud wall, tuning a small engine, baking bread, styling hair, or working outdoors. We Are Welcoming Instructors Across Any of the Following Disciplines: Construction & Trades: Carpentry, joinery, bricklaying, tiling, painting & decorating, or multi-trade DIY skills. Motor Vehicle & Mechanics: Basic servicing, small engine repair, cycle maintenance, or MOT centre trade skills. Hair & Beauty: Hairdressing basics, barbering, nail technology, skin care, and customer-facing salon skills. Land-Based, Bushcraft & Animal Care: Small animal handling, stable management, horticulture, woodland conservation, and practical outdoor survival skills. Why Step Into Alternative Provision Teaching? Balanced Working Lifestyle: Standard school hours (8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday). Every weekend, evening, and 13 weeks of school holidays off. Micro-Class Ratios: Forget managing classes of 30. You will teach small groups of 3 to 6 pupils in dedicated workshop spaces, with support from a dedicated pastoral Teaching Assistant in the room. Make a Tangible Impact: Introduce vulnerable and neurodivergent teenagers (ADHD, ASC, SEMH) to practical trades that pave the way to apprenticeships and college. Direct Route to Permanent: A structured 12-week temp-to-perm transition giving you immediate weekly pay stability with a clear pathway to a permanent school contract. Key Responsibilities Hands-On Delivery: Run engaging, safe, entry-level practical sessions aligned with functional qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds, BTEC, Entry Level, or internal unit awards). Workshop Health & Safety: Supervise correct tool handling, equipment maintenance, and personal protective equipment (PPE) adherence. De-Escalation & Co-Regulation: Maintain firm, respectful boundaries; spot early signs of frustration or dysregulation, and co-regulate students using low-arousal, relational approaches. Life Skills & Mentorship: Encourage communication, work ethic, punctuality, and self-confidence alongside technical ability. Pastoral Support: Work hand-in-hand with class TAs and the school's pastoral leadership team to track engagement and celebrate small wins. Who We Are Looking For De-Escalation Skills: Patience, emotional resilience, and an understanding of young people facing trauma or social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges. Qualifications: QTS is not required. Relevant trade NVQs/City & Guilds (Level 2 or 3) are desirable, as is prior experience coaching, mentoring apprentices, or youth work. Safeguarding: Must hold or be willing to process an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS registered on the DBS Update Service. JSON-LD
Vocational Instructor & Practical Skills Lead in Blackpool employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Preston that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive salaries, immediate commission opportunities, and generous holiday allowances, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Our comprehensive Impact Academy training programme equips you with the skills to excel in recruitment, while ongoing support from experienced mentors fosters a collaborative environment where you can achieve your career aspirations.
