Construction Skills Instructor in Exeter, South West

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).

Voceer presents this job opportunity for VG Clements Contractors Ltd, a 1000 person sized company who are categorized as a Recruitment Agency.

This position is being managed by VG Clements Contractors Ltd, a reputable recruitment agency known for placing candidates in desirable positions.