Programme Leader: Plumbing

Northumberland College; Ashington; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier educational institution in Ashington is seeking a passionate Programme Leader in Plumbing and Heating. The ideal candidate will lead curriculum development, focusing on low-carbon technologies and sustainable systems, while ensuring our students acquire industry-recognized qualifications and skills needed for the evolving job market. This role comes with generous benefits and is based at a new state-of-the-art campus scheduled to open in 2026.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays)

Flexible working options

LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme

Access to retail discounts

Dental, eye care, and health cash plans

Extensive wellbeing support

Free parking on most campuses

Free gym access at Bede Campus

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Plumbing or Heating Engineering.
• Level 5 Teaching Qualification or willingness to work towards.
• Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English.
• Health and Safety certification desirable.
• Proven experience in plumbing and heating, ideally including sustainable systems or heat pump installation.
• Awareness of current and emerging technologies in building services engineering.
• Experience delivering or supporting vocational education and training.
• Confidence using industry-relevant digital tools.
• Strong employer engagement and curriculum development skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development in plumbing with a focus on low-carbon technologies.
• Ensure all programmes meet industry standards and evolving sector priorities.
• Integrate modern plumbing tools and digital software into teaching practice.
• Work closely with employers to align courses with real-world skills needs.
• Support staff to deliver innovative, high-quality teaching.
• Promote the global competencies expected in today's building services industry.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum Development

Communication

Employer Engagement

Use of Digital Tools

Education

Level 3 qualification in Plumbing or Heating Engineering

Level 5 Teaching Qualification

Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English

Tools

Digital Planning Software

Job description

At Northumberland College, we are seeking a passionate and forward-thinking Programme Leader in Plumbing and Heating to lead our curriculum into the future of modern building services. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a programme that reflects the fast-changing demands of the plumbing and heating sector—where energy efficiency, sustainability, and digital innovation are transforming the way we work.

As Programme Leader, you will be responsible for designing and delivering high-quality programmes that prepare learners for a rapidly evolving industry. With the UK's ambitious net-zero targets and the increasing demand for low-carbon heating systems, heat pumps, smart controls, and water-saving solutions, we are looking for a leader who can incorporate these themes into the curriculum. You will collaborate with local and national employers to ensure our students are equipped with the technical skills, industry-recognised qualifications, and professional behaviours required to meet both today's and tomorrow's workforce needs. This includes embedding key areas such as green technologies, sustainable plumbing practices, and digital job planning software into the curriculum.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone from the plumbing and heating sector or with teaching experience who is eager to inspire and lead the next generation of highly skilled professionals. Join us at Northumberland College and play a leading role in training future plumbing and heating specialists who will drive forward the UK's green construction agenda.

Role Responsibilities

1. Lead curriculum development in plumbing, with a focus on low-carbon technologies and sustainable systems.
2. Ensure all programmes meet industry standards and evolving sector priorities.
3. Integrate modern plumbing tools and digital software into teaching practice.
4. Work closely with employers to align courses with real-world skills needs.
5. Support staff to deliver innovative, high-quality teaching.
6. Promote the global competencies and behaviours expected in today's building services industry.

Minimum Level 3 qualification in Plumbing or Heating Engineering.

Level 5 Teaching Qualification or willingness to work towards.

Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English.

Health and Safety certification desirable, Proven experience in plumbing and heating, ideally including sustainable systems or heat pump installation.

Awareness of current and emerging technologies in building services engineering.

Experience delivering or supporting vocational education and training.

Confidence using industry-relevant digital tools (e.g., digital planning software, smart diagnostics).

Strong employer engagement and curriculum development skills.

Excellent leadership, communication, and organisation abilities.

Additional Information

Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state-of-the-art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing, and engineering centre will be located.

The college offers technical, vocational further and higher education, including large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND. It has campuses in Ashington and Ponteland, with satellite centres across the region. The new campus at Wansbeck Business Park will feature innovative architectural design and operation, supported by a significant investment of over £52 million, supplementing recent investments of £14 million in existing facilities.

Join EPNE and benefit from a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, including:

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
• Flexible working options (dependent on role).
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme (depending on role, 15.7% - 23.68%).
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform with retail discounts and more.
• Dental, eye care, and health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free gym access at Bede Campus.