Trainer & Skills Coach – Carpentry
Oaklands College

Oaklands College is looking for an experienced carpenter who’s passionate about the trade and ready to pass their skills on to the next generation. As our Trainer & Skills Coach – Carpentry, you’ll train, coach and support apprentices, helping them build the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in the industry.

If you’re thinking about putting the tools down in the cold and stepping into the warmth of the classroom, this is a great chance to stay in the trade while enjoying a better work-life balance, steady hours, and far less wear and tear on your body than site work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Teaching hands-on, real-world carpentry skills in the classroom, on-site and sometimes online.
• Coaching apprentices one-to-one and adapting your approach to suit their skill levels.
• Carrying out regular progress reviews to keep learners moving forward.
• Giving constructive feedback and preparing apprentices for their End Point Assessment.
• Building strong relationships with employers to ensure apprentices get quality on-site experience.
• Embedding good practice around safety, equality, diversity and sustainability.

Why This Role Might Suit You Better Than Site Work

• No more freezing mornings or working in the rain — you’ll spend most of your time in a warm, well-equipped workshop and classroom.
• Regular, predictable hours — no weekend call-ins or weather delays.
• Less physical strain — ideal if you’re looking to ease off the heavy lifting while still staying active in the trade.
• Use your knowledge, not your back — share years of experience with apprentices who genuinely want to learn from you.
• A stable, long-term career path with opportunities for professional development.

Main Responsibilities

• Delivering and assessing apprentices’ skills, knowledge and behaviours against apprenticeship standards.
• Keeping accurate records and ensuring all work meets ESFA funding requirements.
• Providing pastoral and academic support to help apprentices overcome challenges.
• Maintaining high quality across the carpentry apprenticeship programme in line with Ofsted and awarding-body expectations.
• Working with apprenticeship and business development teams to deliver high-quality training.

About You

We’re looking for someone who knows the carpentry trade inside out and enjoys helping others develop. You’ll be organised, a strong communicator, and confident sharing your experience.

You’ll bring:

• Strong carpentry experience and some coaching/training/assessing experience (or the motivation to develop it).
• A teaching or assessor qualification — or willingness to work towards one.
• Understanding of apprenticeship standards and assessment requirements.
• Good organisational and IT skills, including using e-portfolio systems.
• A supportive, learner-focused mindset and commitment to high standards.

Why Join Oaklands College?

We offer:

• Generous annual leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions.
• Ongoing CPD and free Adult Community Learning courses.
• Free onsite parking.
• Onsite gym and discounted wellness treatments.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted UNO Bus travel.
• Eye care vouchers and employee assistance programme.
• Mental health and wellbeing support.
• Staff development days and annual recognition awards.

Hours: 15 hours a week

Contract Type: Fixed Term 30/9/2026

Pay: £40 per hour

Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early if we receive high interest. Don’t miss your opportunity to help shape the next generation of skilled carpenters.

To find out more about Oaklands College Click Here!