Vocational Training Lead

Trigon Recruitment Ltd; Rugby; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded education recruitment agency is looking for a Vocational Training Lead at HMP Onley. The candidate will oversee vocational curriculum delivery, ensuring compliance with standards while leading quality improvement initiatives. Strong management and curriculum development experience are essential. The role also involves coaching tutors and ensuring the high performance of educational services, as well as performance targets. A commitment to improving learner outcomes within a prison education setting is crucial.

Qualifications

• Level 5 Teaching Qualification required.
• Significant teaching experience essential.
• Proven experience in managing curriculum development and staff performance.

Responsibilities

• Manage vocational curriculum delivery and quality assurance.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and staff supervision.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and operational requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Teaching

Communication skills

Quality assurance

Education

Level 5 Teaching Qualification

Level 3 English and Maths

Job description

Job Title: Vocational Training Lead

Location: HMP Onley

Salary: From £35,000

Contract: Permanent

Role Overview

We are recruiting an experienced Assistant Manager (Vocational Skills) to support the Education Manager in overseeing vocational curriculum delivery and quality assurance within a prison education setting. This role involves managing vocational programmes, ensuring high standards and compliance with Ofsted and Ministry of Justice requirements.

You will lead on quality improvement, coach and support tutors, and drive innovation to meet challenging performance targets. This is a leadership role requiring strong management skills, curriculum development experience, and a commitment to improving learner outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Quality Management

• Support the Education Manager in managing vocational curriculum delivery and quality assurance.
• Lead on quality improvement initiatives, including lesson observations, deep dives, and learning walks.
• Develop and promote a standardised vocational curriculum aligned to learner and employer needs.
• Monitor and coordinate IQA/EQA schedules and support teams with compliance.
• Prepare annual self‑assessment reports, quality improvement plans, and contribute to budget planning.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Manage and supervise teaching and support staff using HR strategies to maximise learner success.
• Induct new staff and provide mentoring and coaching to improve teaching practice.
• Coordinate and deliver local CPD based on quality trends and observations.
• Set and monitor staff targets to ensure contractual obligations are met and exceeded.

Operational & Partnership Responsibilities

• Maintain positive internal and external partnerships for the benefit of learners.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, equality, health and safety, and prison security requirements.
• Deputise for the Education Manager when required and manage day‑to‑day operations.
• Deliver teaching sessions as needed.

Essential Criteria

• Level 5 Teaching Qualification.
• Significant teaching experience.
• Proven experience managing curriculum development, quality systems, and staff performance.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence and motivate.
• Level 3 English and Maths.
• Driving licence and access to transport.
• Clear understanding of Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF).

Desirable Criteria

• Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance (or willingness to work towards).
• Level 5 Operations or Departmental Manager Qualification.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Experience in secure environments and commitment to reducing re‑offending through education.