Specialist Instructional Officer

Specialist Instructional Officer (SIO) Mechanical

Ministry of Defence

Salary - £28,300

Position attracts an additional £6000 Recruitment and Retention Allowance (reviewed annually), and Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job grade - Executive Officer D

Contract type - Permanent

Working pattern - Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time, Compressed hours

Number of jobs available - 4

Location - Lyneham, South West England, SN15 4XX

About the job

Do you have a Level 3, or equivalent, engineering qualification? Join us and inspire the next generation of military mechanical engineers in a role that is as rewarding as it is exciting

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.

A webinar will be scheduled towards the beginning of Sep to further explain the role and to answer any questions you might have. If you are interested in attending this, please get in touch with Sqn Ldr Neil Lewis, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.

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 centric 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 discrepancies where evident.

• Ensuring conformity to authorised specifications, with any discrepancies highlighted via line management in accordance with Joint Services Publication (JSP) 822 - Defence Policy document.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) offers a range of flexibilities to enable a better work-life balance for employees. Alternative Working Patterns, in accordance with policy, can be considered where it can be accommodated by the business, but there may be occasions when a presence on site during standard working hours may be required. All working patterns and flexibilities are subject to agreement with the Line Manager.

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.

Qualifications

Candidates should have served an apprenticeship or a relevant period of training and have obtained a Level 3, or equivalent, engineering qualification, with practical experience in a related field.

Instructional experience is desirable; however, the successful candidates must be prepared to complete the relevant training on appointment.

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.

About DCTT

At the Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT), we train and educate highly skilled technicians and engineers to meet the operational demands of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. We are at the forefront of specialised training in aeronautical engineering, electronic and mechanical engineering, nuclear and marine engineering, and communications and information systems. Our programs are designed to prepare our trainees to excel in today’s and tomorrow’s combat environments.

With four schools and 11 sub-schools spread across five locations, our dedicated team of nearly 2,500 military, civil service, and contractor staff pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. At DCTT, we value mutual respect, actively promote kindness and fairness, and are committed to ensuring a healthy work-life balance for all our team members.

Our commitment to our people is unwavering. We invest in your career and personal development, recognising and celebrating your efforts and dedication. By joining DCTT, you become part of a supportive community where your contributions help shape the future of defence engineering.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,300, an additional £6,000 Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) will also be paid, therefore the total remuneration is £34,300. The RRA is subject to an annual review. MOD contributes £7,641 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.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.