Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering (Land-Based) in Chippenham, Wiltshire

Location: Lackham, Wiltshire

Salary: £28,168 - £39,244 per annum, Academic Grade 4 13 (dependant on skills, qualifications, and experience) plus a specialist Skills Shortage Bonus of £3,000 per year

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Close Date: Friday 2nd May 2025

Wiltshire College & University Centre have an exciting opportunity for a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering (Land-Based) to join our team.

About Us:

Wiltshire College & University Centre plays a vital role in Wiltshire's economy, inspiring people to develop the skills they need to achieve. Our four campuses are learning hubs in their communities, and we aspire to be an outstanding, financially robust, and commercially agile provider, achieving our clear social mission on behalf of learners and employers across Wiltshire and beyond. Our turnover is around £42 million per annum, we employ some 650 staff, and support around 11,500 students.

The Role:

Wiltshire College & University Centre is seeking a passionate and experienced Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering to join our dedicated land-based team at the Lackham Campus. This role offers a unique opportunity for somebody from a broader mechanical engineering background to inspire and educate the next generation of agricultural engineers, contributing to the future of the agricultural industry, where students learn about the design, construction and improvement of farming equipment and machinery through hands-on and theoretical learning. Located on a stunning 500-acre campus in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, Lackham provides an exceptional environment for both teaching and learning. Our campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a large Animal Centre and an advanced Agri-tech centre, ensuring that our staff and students have access to the best resources available.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct dynamic lectures, practical demonstrations, and workshops in agricultural engineering techniques, focusing on cutting-edge industry practices and technological advancements.
• Design and update curriculum materials to align with current industry standards and technological innovations, ensuring our students receive the most relevant and up-to-date education.
• Provide constructive feedback and support to students, fostering their academic growth and enhancing their practical skills.
• Facilitate hands-on training sessions in our well-equipped laboratories and workshop environments, emphasising health and safety regulations.
• Contribute to the creation of new courses and initiatives that meet the evolving needs of the agricultural engineering sector.
• Engage in departmental meetings, committees, and continuous professional development activities to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning.

You:

We are looking for candidates who are not only experts in their field but also enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring. The ideal candidate will have:

• A relevant degree or level 3 vocational qualification in engineering, with a specialism in mechanical engineering or closely related field. Prior experience of working within a land-based engineering sector is desirable, however applicants with the ability to interpret mechanical systems to new plant and machinery will also be considered.
• Proven experience working in a mechanical engineering environment, or as an instructor in a relevant industrial or educational setting.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering processes, techniques, and equipment, with a focus on modern technology (e.g. with fuels, engines, instrumentation, hydraulics, electrical systems), practices, and their scientific underpinnings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging and motivating students from diverse backgrounds.
• A demonstrated commitment to upholding health and safety standards in a workshop setting.
• Experience in curriculum development, assessment design, and quality assurance practices.
• A teaching qualification or a willingness to work towards achieving one.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 37 days annual leave for Academic Staff, plus bank holidays and additional closure days over the Christmas period.
• Automatic enrolment into the Teachers Pension Scheme.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Discounts with a wide variety of retailers.
• Free onsite car parking.

Application Process:

Wiltshire College & University Centre follows Safer Recruitment Guidance outlined by the Department for Education in Keeping Children Safe in Education. This involves conducting enhanced DBS checks, including checks against the children's barred list, and other employment verifications, including an online presence review for shortlisted candidates.

We embrace diversity, recognising the valuable perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and cultures individuals from different backgrounds bring. Committed to safeguarding, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we pledge to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy and assess them based on their abilities.

To submit your application for this exciting opportunity, please click Apply now.