Part Time Deputy School Staff Instructor (CCF)

Aston University; Saltley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An educational institution in Saltley is seeking a Deputy School Staff Instructor to support cadet training and manage the CCF programme. You will assist cadets in leadership and personal development while overseeing logistics and administration. Previous military experience and youth instructing skills are essential for this role, which may require flexible working hours.

Qualifications

• Military experience as Regular, Reserve, or Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.
• Experience instructing/coaching youth in structured environments.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings/weekends.
• Strong IT literacy and administrative competence.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering and managing the school's CCF programme.
• Support cadet training, logistics, administration, and equipment.
• Plan and supervise parades, field exercises, and training events.
• Maintain accurate cadet records and assist with documentation.

Skills

Military experience

Youth instructing experience

Communication skills

Organisational skills

IT literacy

Job description

Role Purpose

The Deputy School Staff Instructor (DSSI) will assist the SSI in delivering and managing the school's CCF programme, supporting cadet training, logistics, administration, and equipment. You will also help deliver/enhance the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) scheme and broader enrichment provision.

Working Conditions

• Term-time only, 3 days/week, with flexibility for evening/weekend training, camps, expeditions as training plan requires and through prior planning.
• Participation in at least one residential CCF camp and DofE expedition per academic year.

Key Responsibilities

• CCF Training & Support — Assist with cadet-style training: drill, fieldcraft, navigation, engineering projects, establishment site visits. Help plan/supervise parades, field exercises, weekend and residential training, including CCF visits and off-site activities.
• Equipment & Logistics — Support uniform and equipment issuance, storage, security, and maintenance. Help manage CCF workshop resources for hands-on STEM activities.
• Administration — Maintain accurate cadet records, attendance, equipment logs via Westminster system. Assist with event planning, documentation, risk assessments, and MOD returns.
• Pastoral & Enrichment — Mentor cadets, fostering leadership and personal development. Support cadet recruitment, retention, and progression. Supervise and assist with Duke of Edinburgh's Award activities, particularly expeditions.
• School Liaison — Contribute to school outreach and open events promoting CCF and enrichment programmes. Work closely with industry partners, Armed Forces, West Midlands Reserve force & Cadet Association, and cadet training teams.

About Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA)

• Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA), a University Technical College opened in 2012, delivers a university-embedded, employer-led curriculum in engineering, science, and business for students aged 13-19.
• Industry recognition: Winner of STEM Provider of the Year and Outstanding Support for Students awards.
• Impressive outcomes: 98% of students move on to higher education, apprenticeships, or jobs; 84% pursue engineering or science pathways—well above national averages.
• Strong partnerships: Employer board includes Aston University, Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Royal Engineers, RAF, NHS, Cadent & other local and national industries.
• Strategic mission: "Knowledge for Life & Skills for the Future," contextualised technical education designed for life and career readiness.

About the CCF at AUEA

• Launched in Sept 2017 with over 100 cadets under the Cadet Expansion Programme.
• RAF-affiliated contingent, aligned with national CCF mission and ethos; later to become Tri-Service with over 200 cadets parading every Wednesday afternoon.
• Engineering-focused training: Cadets engage in ambitious STEM projects—developing leadership, communication, resourcefulness, and teamwork.
• Strong university & military links: Partnership with Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering at RAF Cosford provides access to flight simulators, obstacle courses, and training areas; likewise with Royal Navy and Army.
• Frequent adventurous training conducted alongside training requirements of each service.
• Broad skills development: Open to Years 9–14, offering rank progression, Duke of Edinburgh's Award participation, and varied leadership qualifications.
• Supported by an experienced School Staff Instructor with a background as an Army Physical Training Instructor and by a Contingent Commander who served as an aircraft engineer in the RAF.

Safeguarding

AUEA is committed to safeguarding. The successful candidate must have Right to Work in the UK, pass an enhanced DBS check and complete mandatory safeguarding training.

How to Apply

Send a completed application form and cover letter outlining relevant experience to David Chapman, Principal of AUEA. Include details of your military background, youth instructing experience, and motivation for supporting cadets and DofE participants at AUEA.

Person Specification

• Essential
• Military experience (Regular, Reserve, or Cadet Force Adult Volunteer).
• Experience instructing/coaching youth in structured environments.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings/weekends.
• Strong IT literacy and admin competence.

Desirable

• Previous CCF instructing experience, across any single service.
• Knowledge of Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g. First Aid, adventure training).
• Experience with Westminster admin system.