At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on canal-based learning, teaching life skills and practical academics on a narrowboat.
- Company: Innovative educational provider focused on alternative learning environments.
- Benefits: Term-time only schedule for a great work-life balance and autonomy in shaping the curriculum.
- Other info: Enjoy a calm, therapeutic environment while mentoring students who need extra support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping disengaged youth thrive in a unique outdoor setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with narrowboats and working with vulnerable young people is highly desirable.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Role: Education, Reimagined
Forget the four walls of a classroom. We are looking for an innovative, hands-on Narrowboat Teacher to lead our canal-based learning program in Burnley. In this role, you won't just be teaching; you'll be captaining a unique learning environment for students who find mainstream school a challenge. You will use the narrowboat as a living classroom to teach life skills, teamwork, and practical academics in a calm, therapeutic setting.
QTS is not essential. We value personality, practical boat-handling skills, and a passion for supporting vulnerable young people above traditional teaching credentials.
Your Daily Voyage:
- Practical Instruction: Teach students the fundamentals of narrowboat life-steering, lock navigation, boat maintenance, and water safety.
- Bespoke Learning: Deliver basic literacy, numeracy, and life skills through "stealth learning" (e.g., calculating distances, reading maps, and budgeting for supplies).
- Mentorship: Act as a positive role model, helping students regulate their emotions and build resilience in a low-pressure environment.
- Safety First: Ensure the boat remains a safe, clean, and compliant space for all learners.
What We're Looking For:
- Maritime Competency: Strong experience handling narrowboats (RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman certificate is a massive bonus).
- AP/SEND Experience: Experience working with disengaged youth, Autism, or ADHD is highly desirable.
- The "Right" Temperament: You are calm under pressure, highly adaptable, and can build rapport with teenagers who have had a tough time in education.
- Reliability: You are ready to start ASAP and can commit to a consistent Monday-Friday schedule.
Why Apply?
- Unique Work Environment: Trade the staff-room for the towpath.
- Autonomy: Shape the curriculum and the "vibe" of the boat yourself.
- True Impact: Watch students who "shut down" in classrooms thrive in a practical, outdoor setting.
- Work-Life Balance: Term-time only, allowing for a healthy life outside of work.
How to Apply:
Ready to set sail? We want to hear why you're the right person to guide our students through choppy waters. Send your CV and a brief cover note to (url removed).
Narrowboat Lead Instructor |Teacher (Alternative Provision) employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join us as a Narrowboat Lead Instructor in Burnley, where you can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. Our unique canal-based learning programme offers a supportive and innovative work environment, allowing you to teach essential life skills while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with term-time only hours. With the freedom to shape your curriculum and a focus on practical, hands-on education, this role is perfect for those passionate about mentoring and inspiring students outside traditional classroom settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Narrowboat Lead Instructor |Teacher (Alternative Provision)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and mission, especially how they support vulnerable young people. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what the team is really looking for in a Narrowboat Lead Instructor.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios! Since this role involves hands-on teaching, think about how you would handle real-life situations on the narrowboat. Be ready to share your ideas on engaging students in a calm and therapeutic way.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our unique learning environment and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Narrowboat Lead Instructor |Teacher (Alternative Provision)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:We want to see the real you! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for working with young people and any unique experiences that make you a great fit for our narrowboat teaching role.
Show Your Skills:Highlight your practical boat-handling skills and any relevant experience you have with disengaged youth. We’re looking for someone who can steer both the boat and the learning process, so don’t hold back on showcasing what you can do!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your CV and cover note to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Mention how your background aligns with our mission of providing a calm, therapeutic learning environment for students who struggle in traditional settings.
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this unique opportunity to make a difference on the water!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your Narrowboat Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your narrowboat handling skills and any relevant maritime knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with steering, lock navigation, and safety protocols. Showing that you’re not just a teacher but also a capable captain will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion for Alternative Education
Prepare to talk about your experiences working with disengaged youth or those with special educational needs. Share specific examples of how you've supported students in overcoming challenges. This role is all about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
✨Demonstrate Your Mentorship Skills
Think of ways you can illustrate your ability to be a positive role model. Discuss techniques you’ve used to help students build resilience and regulate their emotions. The interviewers will want to see that you can create a calm and supportive environment on the boat.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Since this role involves a lot of hands-on learning, be prepared to discuss how you would adapt your teaching methods to fit the unique setting of a narrowboat. Think about how you can incorporate stealth learning into practical activities and be flexible in your approach.
