Textiles & Production Skills Instructor

Job Title: Textiles & Production Skills Instructor

Location: HMP MillsikeSalary: From £28,000 per annum (dependent on experience)Contract Type: PermanentHours of Work: Full-time - 38.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:30 PM, with either Monday morning or Monday afternoon off)

Role & Client Overview:

Our client is a leading provider of prison education and vocational training, committed to rehabilitation through skills development. Their structured workshop programmes help individuals gain practical industry skills, boost confidence, and prepare for meaningful employment upon release.

As a Textiles & Production Skills Instructor, you will lead a busy textile workshop within a secure setting, managing daily operations while coaching and mentoring up to 35 learners in skills such as sewing, embroidery, mending, and tailoring. Your work will promote rehabilitation, personal growth, and employability, making a real difference in individuals’ futures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and manage the textile workshop, ensuring a safe, structured, and productive working environment.
• Train and guide learners in a variety of textile-related skills, including sewing, embroidery, repairs, and tailoring.
• Foster a positive learning environment, motivating learners to develop employability skills and work ethics.
• Set and monitor production targets, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and security regulations, conducting risk assessments and managing tools appropriately.
• Manage stock, oversee procurement, and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Work closely with Work & Skills Coaches and prison staff to support individual learning and rehabilitation plans.
• Maintain detailed records of attendance, work completed, and progress made.

Essential/Desirable Criteria:

Essential:

• Experience in textile-related work (e.g., sewing, embroidery, tailoring, or repairs).
• Proven ability to supervise, train, and motivate a team in a structured environment.
• Strong understanding of health & safety protocols in an industrial or workshop setting.
• Ability to maintain strict security procedures and manage tools safely in line with prison regulations.
• Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in training, coaching, or mentoring individuals in a workshop or vocational setting.
• Understanding of restorative practices to encourage accountability and rehabilitation.
• Experience working in a custodial, industrial, or educational environment.

Benefits:

This role is a unique opportunity to inspire individuals, teach valuable skills, and contribute to rehabilitation efforts in a secure environment.

Our client offers a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• A paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced maternity scheme and wedding leave.
• Pension scheme and life assurance.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to an online wellbeing centre.
• Access to hundreds of discounts via the Additions portal.