Employing over 200 academic staff across its three Campuses in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester, Cheshire College has a passion for empowering individuals to thrive in the workplace and has launched a programme to provide support and training for new lecturers joining, including the opportunity to complete recognised teaching qualifications.

Industry professionals make up over half of Cheshire College’s current teaching staff and bring with them a wealth of specialist sector knowledge to enhance learners’ understanding and skills, with many still working within the business or running their own to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations. 

Cheshire College’s new Lecturer Development Programme has a dedicated range of support and development opportunities for industry experts joining their academic team with no prior teaching experience or qualifications, including the chance to complete a Level 4 Certificate in Education & Training before progressing on to a Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training.

Silke Novak, Lecturer in Construction joined the College after 11 years of experience in industry which included working as an Electrical Building Services Engineering and also studying for a Master’s in Engineering. She completed her PGCE whilst teaching learners on full-time programmes and said: “Being able to join the College as a lecturer whilst continuing to complete my qualifications on the same site was extremely convenient and meant I was able to draw on my classroom experiences when completing my qualification and vice versa. 

“I had a fantastic mentor during this time within the department who supported me with my teaching and completing my qualification, and I’m so glad I made the move from industry into education to inspire the next generation of construction workers.” 

Available to all lecturers and assessors joining from industry as well as those with prior experience, as Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) or trainee teachers, Cheshire College’s Lecturer Development Programme also includes an assigned curriculum mentor and regular 1-2-1 support from the Quality team. 

Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal of Innovation, Curriculum & Quality, said: “I’m delighted to announce the launch our new Lecturer Development Programme which will provide academic staff joining us with a range of help and support to ensure they feel comfortable within their role and can confidently provide learners with an outstanding experience.

“We’re committed to ensuring our staff are happy and enjoy their work, and alongside the Lecturer Development Programme we provide a structured induction, annual performance development reviews and excellent CPD opportunities all in a safe, fulfilling, team-centred working environment at one of our state-of-the-art Campuses.” 

As the largest provider of post-16 education in the region, the College’s world-class facilities are the result of a £140m investment in the latest technology and real work environments. Home to 11,000 learners and 1,000 Apprentices, Cheshire College is passionate about driving economic growth through the development of future e-focused skills and work with over 500 employers, industries and organisations to achieve this.

With a variety of lecturing vacancies currently live, ranging from health, science and engineering to education, art and design, Cheshire College welcomes applications from all sections of the community with different teaching experience. To find out more about the College’s range of vacancies, click here.