Sessional Fashion and Textiles Instructor - New Directions College

New Directions College based in Whitley, Reading is seeking a passionate and skilled Sessional Fashion and Textiles Instructor to inspire and engage our learners from September 2025. Joining our friendly and creative team, teaching garment-making leisure courses to adult learners.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the Role:
New Directions College is Reading Borough Council’s Adult Community Learning and Skills service. This year we’re celebrating 67 years of Adult Learning in Reading. We’re a small friendly College delivering to over 2000 learners and Apprentices in Reading each year, directly and through our subcontractors and partners.

You will be a confident all-rounder with strong sewing skills and the ability to teach a variety of techniques to learners of mixed ability, from complete beginners to experienced makers. You should be able to demonstrate a broad range of dressmaking skills, including pattern cutting, garment construction, fitting and alterations, and working with different fabrics and finishes.

Experience with upcycling, sustainable fashion practices, and decorative techniques such as appliqué, embroidery, or fabric manipulation would be a welcome addition.

You’ll bring creative flair and fresh project ideas to the classroom, inspiring learners to develop their skills and confidence. A qualification in fashion, textiles, or dressmaking is desirable, but we also welcome applications from experienced practitioners with a strong portfolio of work.

Teaching experience is preferred but not essential, as training and support will be provided. Flexibility to teach both daytime and evening classes is important.

Our classes cater to a range of learners, from complete beginners to experienced makers, including adults with SEND. While teaching experience is desirable, training can be provided.

Strong communication skills are essential, along with the ability to create a relaxed and friendly environment during classes. You will work alongside a team of passionate and highly skilled arts & crafts instructors who are dedicated to delivering an outstanding leisure provision.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our Offer:
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment
A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
Teachers Pension Scheme
Annual membership to the Society of Education and Training (SET)
Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop.
On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) at Civic Offices rated outstanding by Ofsted
Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work

To find out more about New Directions College, visit the website: www.newdirectionsreading.ac.uk

For more information on the role please contact Zillah Puri – Art, Leisure and Wellbeing Learning Manager on zillah.puri@reading.gov.uk or 0345 842 0012

Closing Date: Sunday 10th August 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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