Programme lead Plumbing

Sunderland College; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35-48 days holiday

Flexible working

LGPS/Teacher pensions

Lifestyle discounts

Health & wellbeing benefits

Free parking

Job summary

Sunderland College is seeking an inspirational Programme Lead for Plumbing to join the Construction Team in Sunderland. You will plan, deliver, and monitor high-quality teaching and assessment from Level 3 up to HTQ Level 4, ensuring outstanding student outcomes and strong employer links.

The role requires Level 4 qualifications in construction, experience in FE/HE teaching, and a commitment to curriculum development and learner progression in plumbing.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in relevant construction subject.
• Minimum Level 4 qualification in relevant construction-related subject.
• Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, monitor and evaluate teaching and assessment from Level 3 to HTQ Level 4.
• Recruitment, retention, progression and achievement of students on your programme(s).
• Lead curriculum planning, QA, and programme performance reviews.

Skills

Industrial experience

Teaching delivery

Curriculum planning

Student support

Digital learning tools

Assessment & feedback

Education

Level 3 construction subject

Level 4 construction subject

Maths & English level 2

Tools

None

Job description

Programme lead Plumbing

Construction & Building Services

Location: Sunderland

Salary: £31,375 to £40,912 per annum

Post Type: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 04 September 2026

Reference: 0432-26-R3

About The College

Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.

The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

About The Candidate

It is essential that applicants are qualified to Level 4 in a relevant Construction trade and possess industrial experience within the sector. It would be desirable to possess a teaching qualification and or assessor qualification.

About The Role

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational individual to join our growing Construction Team at Sunderland college. We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate outstanding teaching, learning and assessment practices across all levels in Plumbing qualifications up to HTQ L4 to ensure positive outcomes for students. There is significant potential of further development and promotion of provision across this curriculum area and it is expected that you will be part of the team to drive this forward. You will plan, promote, deliver, monitor and evaluate your teaching and the progress of learners. You will create and cultivate strong links with parents and employers and work with the Construction industry to ensure that all students gain an outstanding experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, monitor, and evaluate high-quality teaching, learning and assessment from Level 3 up to HTQ Level 4
• Take responsibility for the recruitment, retention, progress and achievement of students on your programme(s)
• Lead on curriculum planning, internal and external quality assurance, and programme performance reviews.
• Provide high-quality academic and pastoral support, including tracking, monitoring and intervention where needed.
• Develop and maintain strong employer links and support positive destinations for all learners.
• Support marketing and recruitment activities, including open events and interviews.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in relevant industry-specific Construction subject.
• Minimum Level 4 qualification in relevant Construction-related subject.
• Level 2 qualifications in both Maths and English.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum of two years' industrial experience in the construction sector
• Experience of delivering teaching, learning and assessment in an FE or HE setting.
• Experience planning and leading programmes of study.
• Experience of working with students to support achievement and personal development.
• Competence in using digital technologies to enhance learning.
• Experience of assessment and feedback in line with awarding body requirements.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, CertEd, Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training) or willingness to work towards it.
• Assessor qualification or willingness to work towards it.
• Experience contributing to internal and external quality assurance
• Knowledge of inclusive practices and supporting learners with additional needs
• Engagement with curriculum innovation and educational research.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Innovative Educator tools or equivalent digital learning platforms.

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.