Sessional Fashion and Textiles Instructor - New Directions College

Reading Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local education authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a passionate Sessional Fashion and Textiles Instructor to inspire adult learners. The role requires strong sewing skills and the ability to teach various techniques. Creative flair and experience in sustainable fashion are desirable. Teaching experience is a plus but not essential, as training is provided. The position offers a supportive environment with numerous benefits and flexible working opportunities. Join a friendly team dedicated to outstanding education and community engagement.

Benefits

Teachers Pension Scheme

Annual membership to SET

Access to training opportunities

On-site day nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Qualifications

• Creative flair and fresh project ideas for classroom.
• Experience with upcycling and sustainable fashion practices.
• Teaching experience preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Teach garment-making leisure courses to adult learners.
• Create a relaxed and friendly environment during classes.
• Collaborate with team members to deliver high-quality leisure provision.

Skills

Sewing skills

Ability to teach techniques to mixed ability learners

Strong communication skills

Education

Qualification in fashion, textiles, or dressmaking

Job description

New Directions College based in Whitley, Reading is seeking a passionate and skilled Sessional Fashion and Textiles Instructor to inspire and engage our learners from January 2026. Joining our friendly and creative team, teaching garment‑making leisure courses to adult learners.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the Role

New Directions College is Reading Borough Council’s Adult Community Learning and Skills service. This year we’re celebrating 67 years of Adult Learning in Reading. We’re a small friendly College delivering to over 2000 learners and Apprentices in Reading each year, directly and through our subcontractors and partners.

You will be a confident all‑rounder with strong sewing skills and the ability to teach a variety of techniques to learners of mixed ability, from complete beginners to experienced makers. You should be able to demonstrate a broad range of dressmaking skills, including pattern cutting, garment construction, fitting and alterations, and working with different fabrics and finishes.

Experience with upcycling, sustainable fashion practices, and decorative techniques such as appliqué, embroidery, or fabric manipulation would be a welcome addition.

You’ll bring creative flair and fresh project ideas to the classroom, inspiring learners to develop their skills and confidence. A qualification in fashion, textiles, or dressmaking is desirable, but we also welcome applications from experienced practitioners with a strong portfolio of work.

Teaching experience is preferred but not essential, as training and support will be provided. Flexibility to teach both daytime and evening classes is important.

Strong communication skills are essential, along with the ability to create a relaxed and friendly environment during classes. You will work alongside a team of passionate and highly skilled arts & crafts instructors who are dedicated to delivering an outstanding leisure provision.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our Vision

• Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
• Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
• Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
• Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our Offer

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Teachers Pension Scheme
• Annual membership to the Society of Education and Training (SET)
• Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop
• On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) at Civic Offices rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A wide range of flexible working opportunities.

To find out more about New Directions College, visit the website: www.newdirectionsreading.ac.uk

For more information on the role please contact Zillah Puri – Art, Leisure and Wellbeing Learning Manager on [e-mail] or 0345 842 0012.

Closing Date: Sunday 4th January 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Setup: In person at New Directions College