Senior Science Instructor

Company Description The S&A Academy, part of the S&A Transform Group, specialises in delivering innovative and industry-relevant professional training, certifications, and government-funded apprenticeships. Operating across Technology, Science, Engineering, AI, Data, and Management sectors, the Academy supports career development from Level 2 to Level 7 (Master’s Degree level). With strategically aligned academies, S&A ensures exceptional quality for learners, apprentices, and employers. The Academy collaborates with industry leaders to design practical programs that equip apprentices with current, valuable skills and qualifications comparable to a UK University degree. These programs provide opportunities for both individuals seeking career progression and employers looking to develop skilled professionals.

Role Description This is a fixed-term position for a Senior Science Instructor working predominantly remotely with the requirement to travel regionally. The Senior Science Instructor will be responsible for designing and delivering engaging lessons in all three sciences, and for the Level 3 Water Treatment Technician Apprenticeship. Day-to-day tasks include lesson planning, providing high-quality instruction, evaluating student performance, and offering constructive feedback. The instructor may also collaborate with other educators to develop innovative teaching methods and update curriculum content to align with modern industry standards.

Specific duties of the role:

• Embrace S&A Academy’s mission, vision and values and deliver on our expectations for high standards in apprenticeship training by providing excellence in the experience, progress and outcomes for our apprentices and their employers.
• Follow S&A Academy’s apprenticeship sign up and on-boarding process in line with ESFA funding requirements including checking individual and funding eligibility requirements, suitability and ensuring all paperwork is compliant with ESFA audit process for apprenticeship standard
• Deliver induction to newly on-boarded apprentices and ensure apprentices can use Aptem effectively.
• Work with the team to develop our client base and network to build the business.
• Deliver exciting and interactive sessions teaching sessions in line with the programmes in the S&A’s Science Academy.
• Mark work and give structured feedback in line with S&A Academy assessment policy.
• Conduct regular 1-1’s with learners in relation to progress on assignments and give feedback on marked work.
• Deliver small group stretch and challenge sessions to improve the depth of knowledge of both private delegates and Science apprentices.
• Create challenging content for both live delivery and online content relevant to industry and apprenticeship standards.
• Apply and reference relevant initial and diagnostic assessment to ensure that each apprentice has an appropriate individual learning plan, with associated support that meets their individual needs.
• Inspire, motivate and raise apprentices’ aspirations through developmental feedback, target setting and individual action planning.
• Monitor apprentices closely to ensure early identification of those who become disengaged/at risk of leaving a programme and work with colleagues to provide access to pastoral support and guidance where necessary.
• Use formative assessment during the on-programme element of the apprenticeship to enable apprentices to achieve gateway requirements and to prepare them for end-point assessment, ensuring they are fully informed about the standard of their work what they need to do to get a pass or distinction at End Point Assessment.
• Lead in the development, planning and delivery of apprenticeship standards and programmes within our curriculum area, developing resources and attend CPD sessions to ensure your own occupational competence and knowledge are up to date.
• Maintain up to date records on Aptem e-portfolio system including giving timely feedback on individuals progress towards mastery of relevant skills, knowledge and behaviours.
• Demonstrate a commitment and value of the importance of maths and English skills to the apprentice’s future and ensure they are fully engaged in continual development of these skills to the highest level.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of Awarding Body requirements along with current occupational competence in area of delivery.
• Mentor instructors who are new to the role by allowing them to shadow teaching, providing feedback to others in teaching and ensuring you maintain a supportive working relationship with them.
• Carry out IQA and Peer Observations in line with the Quality Lead (Science) across the range of standards and qualifications in the S&A Science Academy.
• Maintain an up to date knowledge and understanding of Ofsted’s education inspection framework and support the quality team in ensuring we are inspection ready at all times.
• Maintain an up to date knowledge and understanding of apprenticeship funding requirements and methodologies to ensure S&A Academy are compliant and funding opportunities are maximised.
• Facilitate access to relevant, current information advice and guidance (IAG) for career and personal development and take part in events aimed at the tech community to inspire and educate on new and emerging technology and advances in the industry including attending open evenings and recruitment events.
• Report concerns about quality, health & safety and safeguarding through appropriate channels and operate at all times to professional standards and boundaries ensuring the safety and safeguarding of all students in accordance with S&A Academy’s Policies and Procedures.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science related subject
• Maths and English Grade GCSE (or equivalent)
• Teaching/Assessor Qualification
• Masters or PhD in Science related subject (desirable)

Experience

• Minimum 4 years experience of working in a Science based/Laboratory based role in Industry, including Water Treatment
• Minimum 5 years Teaching/Assessing/Training experience
• Use of e-portofolio systems such as Aptem
• Use of VLE development software (desireable)

Competencies

• Knowledge of the relevant occupational standards for Science based apprenticeships
• Ability to differentiate learning to meet individual needs
• Ability to prepare a range of training materials
• Knowledge of Apprenticeship and other training programmes
• Ability to organise a diverse workload effectively within set timescales to meet targets and deadlines
• Ability to work flexible hours to ensure students variable work patterns can be accommodated
• Excellent administrative and co-ordination skills and ability to monitor student progress
• Ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels
• Able to lead and take action when necessary e.g. escalation of quality issues.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Understanding of Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding in the workplace
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Adaptability, resourcefulness and ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to promoting and supporting learning and achievement
• Friendly, enthusiastic and innovative approach
• Committed, reliable, flexible and persevering

Special Requirements

• Full driving licence and use of a car
• Willingness to travel across the region and get involved in our Science community events