From Pipes to Progress – Train the Next Generation of Plumbers

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

If you’re ready to put the tools down in the cold and step into the warmth of the classroom, this is a great opportunity to stay active in the trade while enjoying a better work-life balance, predictable hours, and far less physical strain than site work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Delivering high-quality plumbing training and coaching through face-to-face, online, and workplace-based sessions.

• Conducting regular progress reviews with apprentices and employers, setting targets, and ensuring timely completion of apprenticeship standards.

• Assessing apprentices’ work against required standards and preparing them for their End Point Assessments.

• Developing and delivering engaging workshops, group activities, and one-to-one coaching tailored to apprentices’ skill levels.

• Building strong relationships with employers to ensure apprentices gain meaningful on-site experience.

• Embedding best practices around safety, equality, diversity, and sustainability into all learning activities.

Why This Role Might Suit You Better Than Site Work

• No more early mornings in cold, wet conditions or unpredictable site work — you’ll spend most of your time in a warm, fully equipped plumbing workshop and classroom.

• Regular, predictable hours — no emergency call-outs, weekend plumbing emergencies, or weather-related delays.

• Less physical strain — perfect if you want to reduce heavy lifting, awkward pipe work, or long hours on-site while staying active in the trade.

• Use your plumbing expertise, not your back — mentor apprentices eager to learn real-world plumbing skills.

• A stable, long-term career path with opportunities to develop professionally as a trainer, assessor, or mentor in the plumbing industry.

Main Responsibilities

• Delivering and assessing apprentices’ skills, knowledge, and behaviours against plumbing apprenticeship standards.

• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring all work meets ESFA funding requirements.

• Providing pastoral and academic support to help apprentices overcome challenges.

• Maintaining high-quality apprenticeship delivery in line with Ofsted and awarding-body expectations.

• Working closely with business development and apprenticeship teams to deliver high-quality training.

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

You’ll bring:

• Strong plumbing experience, including Gas qualifications, and coaching/training experience.

• Relevant teaching or assessor qualification — or willingness to work towards one (e.g., PTLLS, TAQA, A1 Assessor Award).

• Knowledge of apprenticeship standards, assessment, and End Point Assessment requirements.

• Good organisational and IT skills, including experience with 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.

• Welcome bonus on joining.

Details:

• Hours: 37 per week

• Contract: Permanent

• Pay: £38,631–£42,204 per year + welcome bonus

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 plumbers.

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