Instructor - Mechanical Engineering

Bedford College Group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Bedford is looking for an Instructor in Mechanical Engineering. This role involves delivering hands-on training and managing workshop safety. The ideal candidate will have a Level 2 qualification in the specialism and good communication skills. Emphasis on student welfare and professional development is key. Competitive salary and excellent benefits provided.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

People's pension

Retail and leisure discounts

Professional and personal development opportunities

Access to college courses

Qualifications

• Willingness to work towards teaching and assessor qualifications.
• Ability to deliver high-quality learning and demonstrate practical tasks.
• Experience in managing workshop environments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on training in mechanical engineering.
• Manage workshop safety and equipment maintenance.
• Prepare practical learning materials and support classroom delivery.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Understanding of workshop safety

Industrial knowledge

Education

Level 2 qualification in Mechanical Engineering

GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade A-C)

Job description

Instructor – Mechanical Engineering

Location: Bedford College – Cauldwell Street Campus

Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £26,780 and £31,415 per annum (DOE and qualifications), 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, people’s pension, retail and leisure discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, and access to college courses.

Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week – 52 weeks per year

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Right to Work: UK‑based contract – you must have the Right to Work in the UK. Sponsorship is not offered.

About the role

We are currently seeking an Instructor in Mechanical Engineering to join our Engineering department at The Bedford College Group.

As an Instructor, you play an important role in the success of our students through:

• Practical Instruction & Assessment – Deliver hands‑on training in fitting, milling, turning, and maintenance, assess learners’ competence, and provide constructive feedback.
• Workshop Oversight & Safety – Manage workshop environments, ensure equipment is maintained, hazards are controlled, and health and safety regulations are rigorously followed.
• Resource Preparation & Support – Prepare practical learning materials, support classroom delivery, and facilitate resource‑based learning across multiple programmes.
• Quality Assurance & Administration – Carry out verification duties, maintain inventory records, and complete administrative tasks such as registers and progress reports.
• Team Collaboration & Compliance – Attend team meetings, uphold safeguarding and EDI standards, and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and high‑performing learning environment.

About you

• Qualifications & Industry Knowledge – Level 2 qualification in the specialism, GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade A–C), and up‑to‑date knowledge of industry practices and workshop safety procedures.
• Teaching & Assessment Readiness – Willingness to work towards teaching, assessor, and verifier qualifications, with the ability to deliver high‑quality learning experiences and demonstrate practical tasks.
• Communication & Teamwork – Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work with young people and diverse groups, and contribute positively to team goals and collaboration.
• Organisation & Reliability – Proven ability to manage workload independently, meet deadlines, maintain equipment, and consistently demonstrate high job performance with a flexible and punctual approach.
• Safeguarding & Professionalism – Committed to safeguarding responsibilities, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and willing to undertake first aid and professional development to support student welfare and safety.

For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the job description attached to this vacancy.

Interviews to be held

TBC

Values

• Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who, by working together, can achieve great things, respecting opinions and valuing each contribution.
• Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students – we consider students in all decision‑making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences.
• Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of staff, students, community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage and support each other.
• Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge students to achieve their ambitions.

About The Bedford College Group

The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.

The Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College, Tresham College, Shuttleworth College (a specialist land‑based college), The Bedford Sixth Form (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford), The Corby Sixth Form (opened in September 2023), and the National College for Motorsport (alongside Silverstone race circuit). To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community‑based learning centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.

Safeguarding

The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Bedford College Group’s policy on employment of ex‑offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.