Specialist Instructional Officer

About the job

Job summary

Have you considered teaching in a dynamic, inclusive engineering training environment? Do you have the expertise to deliver the foundation principles of mechanical engineering within the thrilling context of the Royal Air Force’s ground engineering profession? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for you to join a modern teaching organisation dedicated to shaping the future of Defence engineering. 

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

You will join the Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT) and will play a vital role in developing training programs designed to transform RAF personnel into competent and inspired mechanical technicians. 

The successful candidates will be responsible for the theoretical and practical instruction of Military students within the fields of Ground Support Equipment and Military Transport. However, plant or vehicle experience is also relevant. 

As an SIO, you will be specifically responsible for; 

• Delivering training and lessons. 
• Producing lesson plans and supporting course materials to support student eccentric learning in accordance with JSP 822. 
• Participating in internal and external evaluation audits as required in accordance with the School’s Training Procedures Manual. 
• Ensuring that the conduct, punctuality, discipline and dress standards of all students meet the required standards. 
• Integrating Literacy and Numeracy into lessons. 
• Ensuring all students are given a safety brief on their training environment and they observe relevant fire, health and safety precautions and evacuation procedures. 
• Making an active contribution to the Continuous Improvement of the School and its outputs, by proactively highlighting potential improvements through the Training Squadron line management chain. 
• Making ample preparations before starting an instructional period to ensuring that training areas and resources (tools, hand-outs, training aids etc.) are in an acceptable and safe condition, with any deficiencies reported through the chain of command.
• Ensuring that any mandatory course documentation is completed within 5 working days of completing the phase in accordance with training quality manual (TQM). 
• Undertake a minimum of 5 hours Continuous Professional Development (CPD) per annum to address developmental goals. 
• Ensuring compliance with personal responsibilities to students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD). 
• Undertaking additional lessons for the trainees, either as Additional Trade Training (ATT) or Extra Trade Training (ETT). 
• Acting as a Role Model ensuring that the highest standards of behaviour are maintained in accordance with the Defence Trainer Code of Conduct & Civil Service Code of Conduct. 
• Ensuring that supervision ratios of staff to students conform to the requirements and any concerns regarding safety of students are highlighted through their chain of command. 
• Monitoring student welfare and managing any concerns through the chain of command in accordance with 4SofTT Supervisory Care Directive. 
• Remaining current in Instructional Techniques (IT), and personally arranging for IT and lesson Content Monitoring (CM) observations to be undertaken by Learning Support staff within the school. 
• Ensuring that any concessions or specialist requirements are carried out when acting as an examination invigilator.
• Assisting the Examinations Manager to review any examination questions that are not valid and highlighting any discrepancie where evident. 
• Ensuring conformity to authorised specifications, with any discrepancies highlighted via line management in accordance with Joint Services Publication (JSP) 822 - Defence Policy.

Person specification

The ideal candidate should be a great communicator with the ability to effectively describe complicated ideas to different audiences. You must be well organised, proficient in time management, and have good public speaking skills. You will be required to be both proactive and reactive, assessing the skills and knowledge within the group and determining what training is needed to grow and nurture these individuals. 

Specific criteria for instructional personnel includes: 

• Essential: Recognised experience and background mechanical engineering (for example, vehicle workshops). Recently qualified individuals who may not have experience are encouraged to apply.
• Desirable: Experience in a military engineering environment is desirable.
• Desirable: Familiar with mechanical engineering management practices and trade policy.
• Desirable: Experience in delivery of training. 

Role Specific Training:

• Defence Trainer course (DTc) as applicable.
• Successfully shadow TG5 General Technician Mechanical (GTM) Training modules. 
• Compliance with SIO Competency framework which can be provided to successful applicants on request. 

This post will suit a highly motivated individual who is keen to take the initiative and influence training.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and the ability to positively influence and manage students. 

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Sit a mechanical engineering trade multiple-choice examination paper from the appropriate TG5 mechanical engineering syllabus
• Deliver a 15–20-minute presentation as a lesson on a TG5 mechanical engineering subject which will be stipulated if invited for interview.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,580, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,569 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• A Flexi-time scheme (on successful completion of probationary period that supports a better work-life balance). 
• 25 days paid annual leave rising by 1 day per completed year of service to a maximum 30 days. 
• Eight public holidays per year, plus leave for HM The King's birthday. 
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year. 
• Special Paid Leave for other volunteer duties. 
• A wide range of Defence Discounts – such as Healthcare, Insurance, Motoring, company discounts with Virgin, Vodafone, and Microsoft Office to name a few. Search Discover my Benefits to explore your benefits.
• Advance of pay to purchase travel season tickets or ‘cycle to work’ scheme (upon completion of 6 months service). 
• In year rewards and ‘thank you’ schemes. 
• Over 60 growing staff Networks to join. 
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave. 
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing. 
• Access to learning and development tailored to your role and career aspirations.
• Free on-site gymnasium, Cardiovascular, Strength and conditioning outdoor sports facilities. 
• On-site shop/cafe facilities. 
• Free onsite parking. 

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements. 

Additional information:

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
Salary: 29,580
Frequency: Per year
Employment type: Full-time

---