Senior Construction Skills Instructor New Roots Workshop | Exeter and surrounding areas Salary: £32,000-£36,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience Job Type: Permanent, full-time (term-time working) What we offer 40 days' annual holiday. Workplace pension. Career development opportunities. Funded certified training. Ready for a change from the tools? Put your skills to a different kind of work. You've spent years developing your skills and experience in construction. Now you have the opportunity to pass that knowledge on and help young people build a future of their own. New Roots Workshop is growing, and we're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced tradesperson to join our team as a Senior Construction Skills Instructor. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a background in construction or a related trade who is looking for a rewarding career change, combining practical trade skills with mentoring, instruction and personal development. You don't need to be a qualified teacher. What matters most is your practical experience, your ability to engage with young people and your enthusiasm for helping them develop the skills and confidence to build a positive future. We provide training, support and opportunities for professional development, so you can grow into the instructional side of the role. About the role As a Senior Construction Skills Instructor, you'll deliver practical, hands-on construction sessions in a safe, supportive and engaging workshop environment. You'll work with young people, typically aged 14-19, many of whom have found mainstream education challenging. Your role will be to help them develop practical construction skills, understand workplace expectations, build confidence and discover their potential. You'll be more than an instructor. You'll be a positive role model and mentor, helping young people develop the practical and personal skills they need to progress into apprenticeships, further education or employment. Key responsibilities Practical instruction and skills development Plan and deliver engaging, hands-on construction and trade-based sessions. Demonstrate practical techniques and supervise learners using tools, equipment and materials. Help learners develop confidence, competence and pride in their work. Reinforce professional workplace standards, expectations and behaviours. Create new practical learning opportunities and contribute to the ongoing development of the provision. Support learners with progression into employment, apprenticeships and further education. Keep up to date with construction industry developments and best practice. Mentoring and learner support Build positive, professional relationships with learners and act as a consistent, positive role model. Encourage resilience, self-responsibility, teamwork and effective communication. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and manage behaviour positively and consistently. Monitor and record learner progress, attendance and achievements. Communicate effectively with parents, carers and referring organisations where required. Support learner progression and help identify opportunities for further development. Health, safety and safeguarding Promote a strong health and safety culture throughout all workshop activities. Follow organisational policies, procedures and risk assessments. Carry out dynamic risk assessments to ensure activities are safe and appropriate. Maintain a clean, organised and well-equipped workshop. Supervise off-site projects, site visits, volunteers and external contributors. Understand and uphold safeguarding responsibilities, including recognising and reporting concerns. Complete a funded Level 2 Safeguarding course following appointment. Wider responsibilities Support the organisation of materials, equipment and resources for practical sessions. Contribute to site visits, employer engagement activities and taster days. Use existing industry contacts to create opportunities and strengthen employer relationships. Support meal preparation as part of the wider daily programme. Transport learners when required (business mileage and appropriate business insurance covered by New Roots). What we're looking for We're looking for someone who combines genuine construction experience with the right personality and attitude to inspire young people. You may currently be working as a tradesperson, site supervisor, construction operative or experienced engineer and be looking for a new challenge where you can use your skills in a rewarding way. Essential requirements At least five years' first-hand experience within the construction industry or a related trade. A genuine passion for working with and supporting young people. Confident using construction tools, equipment and materials. A good understanding of health and safety within a practical working environment. The ability to demonstrate practical skills and lead engaging activities. A positive, patient and consistent approach to behaviour management. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to build positive relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. A proactive, adaptable and enthusiastic approach. Strong organisational and time-management skills. Basic IT skills, including the ability to record learner progress, attendance and communicate professionally. A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Willingness to undertake safeguarding training and complete an enhanced DBS check. Desirable experience and qualifications Experience working with young people aged 14-19. Experience supporting learners with SEN, SEMH, additional needs or challenging behaviour. Relevant vocational qualifications within construction or an associated trade. Previous experience in mentoring, coaching, training or instruction. Teaching or instructional qualifications. Health and safety qualifications, such as CSCS, First Aid or equivalent. Familiarity with vocational education, including BTEC, City & Guilds or T Levels. Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection within an educational setting. Don't have teaching qualifications? That's absolutely fine. We welcome applications from experienced tradespeople who have the practical knowledge, patience and enthusiasm to help young people succeed. Training and support will be provided. About New Roots Workshop New Roots Workshop provides young people with practical opportunities to develop construction skills, workplace habits and confidence. Based in a purpose-built workshop on a live construction site, we support young people who may have struggled within mainstream education, helping them discover their strengths and take positive steps towards further education, apprenticeships and employment. Our learners develop their skills through hands-on workshop sessions, live projects, employer visits and work experience programmes. We believe that practical learning can open doors, build confidence and create opportunities for young people who might otherwise struggle to find their path. Our vision Vocational skills for a positive future. To empower young people with the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive and make a positive impact on their lives and communities. Our mission We equip young people with practical trade skills and essential qualifications to build successful futures in construction. Through hands-on vocational training and work-based projects, we develop their confidence and employability, helping them make a positive contribution to their communities. Safeguarding and safer recruitment New Roots Workshop is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all young people and staff. We follow safer recruitment guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and the necessary pre-employment checks. The successful candidate will be required to complete a Level 2 Safeguarding course, funded by New Roots, following appointment. New Roots Workshop is an equal opportunities employer. Appointment is subject to successfully completing a three-month probationary period (across term time)
Construction Skills Instructor in Exeter employer: VGC
VGC Group is an excellent employer for Mechanical Fitters, offering competitive pay and unique benefits such as on-site accommodation and access to recreational facilities like a gym and games area. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a supportive work culture, VGC Group provides a rewarding environment for those looking to advance their careers while working on exciting infrastructure projects in the beautiful location of Glen Mor, Invergarry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Skills Instructor in Exeter
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like VGC, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Construction Skills Instructor at VGC.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at VGC
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!