Machinist Apprenticeship Instructor/Mentor

University of Derby; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Machinist Apprenticeship Instructor/Mentor to develop precision engineers for a top industry partner. This role involves planning and delivering high-quality teaching in CNC and machining, mentoring apprentices, and collaborating with colleagues. The ideal candidate should have strong professional machining experience, relevant qualifications, and a passion for teaching. This position supports the development of future talent in advanced machining and manufacturing while ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Strong professional experience in machining and CNC operations.
• Experience in training, mentoring, and assessing apprentices.
• Clear vision of effective teaching, learning, and assessment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and assess high-quality teaching in CNC and machining.
• Mentor and coach apprentices to help them thrive.
• Collaborate with colleagues and employers to enhance the apprenticeship experience.

Skills

Machining

CNC operations

Training and mentoring

Safety standards

Education

Vocational qualifications at Level 3 or 4

Teaching qualification (or willing to achieve Level 5)

Job description

About the College/Department

At the University of Derby, our Institute of Education and Skills is at the heart of shaping the educators, trainers, and leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to inspiring, developing, and empowering professionals across education, training, and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities. We deliver high-quality programmes that span teacher training, post-16 education, early years, educational leadership, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with real-world application, we prepare our students to make an impact in diverse educational settings.

Our Skills and Apprenticeships teams at the University of Derby play a vital role in supporting learners, employers, and industries to thrive. Apprenticeships embody the University’s commitment to widening access, social mobility, and industry engagement, offering pathways for learners to gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

Working in partnership with employers across a wide range of sectors, our programmes are designed to meet workforce needs while supporting individual learners to achieve their potential. From healthcare and engineering to business, digital, and creative industries, apprenticeships at Derby combine academic excellence with practical, hands‑on experience.

By equipping people with industry-relevant skills, we not only enhance employability and career progression but also contribute to the growth and resilience of the local and regional economy. Our Skills and Apprenticeships provision reflects the University’s mission to make a genuine difference for students, employers, and communities.

About the Role

As a Machinist Apprenticeship Instructor/Mentor, you’ll play a vital role in developing the next generation of precision engineers for Rolls‑Royce Submarines and its wider supply chain. You will plan, deliver, and assess high‑quality teaching and learning in CNC and machining, ensuring apprentices gain the technical knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to succeed in their careers and pass their End‑Point Assessment. Using state‑of‑the‑art facilities at the Nuclear Skills Academy, you will provide practical training in areas such as milling, turning, grinding, and inspection, supported by underpinning theory. Alongside this, you’ll mentor and coach apprentices both individually and in groups, supporting their progress, embedding English, Maths, and professional behaviours, and helping them develop the confidence and competence to thrive. Working collaboratively with colleagues and employers, you’ll contribute to the continued growth and impact of the Nuclear Skills Academy and ensure apprentices are prepared to meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.

This role is employed by the University of Derby but works in partnership with Rolls‑Royce Submarines Ltd. Due to the nature of work that Rolls‑Royce Submarines Ltd conducts and the protection of certain assets, some roles within the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA) require post‑holders to hold a Security Check (SC) clearance.

This role does not currently require SC clearance, and this will not be a condition of appointment to this role. However, please be aware that there may be a future requirement for the successful candidate(s) to undertake a SC check should any change in circumstances render this necessary due to development of the NSA over the coming years.

Due to the nature of work that Rolls‑Royce Submarines Ltd conducts and the protection of certain assets a person must be a UK national or in MoD approved cases a Dual National from a non‑ITAR country: https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_country_landing

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role.

About You

You will bring strong professional experience in machining and CNC operations, backed by relevant vocational qualifications at Level 3 or 4 (or higher). A workplace assessors’ qualification or equivalent would be desirable. With a solid understanding of apprenticeship delivery, you will have experience of training, mentoring, and assessing apprentices, and a clear vision of what good teaching, learning, and assessment looks like in practice. You’ll be a team player who enjoys working with colleagues and employers to deliver a seamless apprenticeship experience, while also confident in supporting apprentices individually to meet their potential. Ideally, you will hold a teaching qualification (or be willing to achieve one at Level 5) and have knowledge of internal and external verification processes. Above all, you will place the apprentice at the centre of everything you do, combining your technical expertise and passion for teaching to help shape the future workforce in advanced machining and manufacturing.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Paul White, NSA Curriculum Leader via [e-mail]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail]