Machinist Apprenticeship Instructor/Mentor (0197-25-R) - Derby, DE22 1GB

About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department
At the University of Derby, our Institute of Education and Skills is at the heart of shaping the educators, trainers, and leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to inspiring, developing, and empowering professionals across education, training, and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities. We deliver high-quality programmes that span teacher training, post-16 education, early years, educational leadership, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with real-world application, we prepare our students to make an impact in diverse educational settings. Our Skills and Apprenticeships teams at the University of Derby play a vital role in supporting learners, employers, and industries to thrive. Apprenticeships embody the University’s commitment to widening access, social mobility, and industry engagement, offering pathways for learners to gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to succeed in their chosen careers. Working in partnership with employers across a wide range of sectors, our programmes are designed to meet workforce needs while supporting individual learners to achieve their potential. From healthcare and engineering to business, digital, and creative industries, apprenticeships at Derby combine academic excellence with practical, hands-on experience. By equipping people with industry-relevant skills, we not only enhance employability and career progression but also contribute to the growth and resilience of the local and regional economy. Our Skills and Apprenticeships provision reflects the University’s mission to make a genuine difference for students, employers, and communities.

About the Role
As a Machinist Apprenticeship Instructor/Mentor, you’ll play a vital role in developing the next generation of precision engineers for Rolls-Royce Submarines and its wider supply chain. You will plan, deliver, and assess high-quality teaching and learning in CNC and machining, ensuring apprentices gain the technical knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to succeed in their careers and pass their End-Point Assessment. Using state-of-the-art facilities at the Nuclear Skills Academy, you will provide practical training in areas such as milling, turning, grinding, and inspection, supported by underpinning theory. Alongside this, you’ll mentor and coach apprentices both individually and in groups, supporting their progress, embedding English, Maths, and professional behaviours, and helping them develop the confidence and competence to thrive. Working collaboratively with colleagues and employers, you’ll contribute to the continued growth and impact of the Nuclear Skills Academy and ensure apprentices are prepared to meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.

This role is employed by University of Derby but works in partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd. Due to the nature of work that Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd conducts and the protection of certain assets, some roles within the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA) require post-holders to hold a Security Check (SC) clearance. This role does not currently require SC clearance, and this will not be a condition of appointment to this role. However, please be aware that there may be a future requirement for the successful candidate(s) to undertake a SC check should any change in circumstances render this necessary due to development of the NSA over the coming years. Due to the nature of work that Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd conducts and the protection of certain assets a person must be a UK national or in MoD approved cases a Dual National from a non-ITAR country.

About You
You will bring strong professional experience in machining and CNC operations, backed by relevant vocational qualifications at Level 3 or 4 (or higher). A workplace assessors’ qualification or equivalent would be desirable. With a solid understanding of apprenticeship delivery, you will have experience of training, mentoring, and assessing apprentices, and a clear vision of what good teaching, learning, and assessment looks like in practice. You’ll be a team player who enjoys working with colleagues and employers to deliver a seamless apprenticeship experience, while also confident in supporting apprentices individually to meet their potential. Ideally, you will hold a teaching qualification (or be willing to achieve one at Level 5) and have knowledge of internal and external verification processes. Above all, you will place the apprentice at the centre of everything you do, combining your technical expertise and passion for teaching to help shape the future workforce in advanced machining and manufacturing.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Paul White, NSA Curriculum Leader via p.white3@derby.ac.uk For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post. To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage. The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody’s concern.

Closing Date: 05 Jan 2026
Area: Teaching and Research
Salary: £33,002 to £44,746 per annum