Lecturer (Agricultural machinery)

About the College   

Kirkley Hall Campus is Northumberland College’s second largest site and a centre of excellence for land-based, animal and outdoor education. Part of Education Partnership North East - the top performing college group in the North East for the third year running, Kirkley Hall offers a unique and inspiring environment.

Set within 400 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside, and as the top performing land-based college nationally, the campus provides access to specialist, industry-standard facilities that support practical, hands-on learning. 

Our on-site residential provision was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025, enabling students from across the UK to take advantage of the exceptional opportunities available here.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

About the Candidate

Are you an experienced agricultural professional with extensive hands-on experience operating farm machinery? Are you passionate about passing on your skills and knowledge to the next generation of agricultural engineers and farmers? 

Northumberland College is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Programme Leader to join our ambitious Land-based team at Kirkley Hall Campus. 

As a Changemaker, you will play a leading role in delivering our Agriculture Level 2 and Level 3 programmes, with a strong emphasis on the safe operation, use and maintenance of modern agricultural machinery and equipment. You will also support the delivery of our exciting new Level 2 Land-based Engineering qualification, helping students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed by today's agricultural industry. 

This role is ideally suited to someone with significant practical experience of operating a wide range of farm machinery, such as tractors, telehandlers, cultivation equipment, grassland machinery and other agricultural implements. You will be confident demonstrating machinery operation safely and professionally, while teaching students the practical skills and industry standards expected by employers. 

Ideally, you will also have knowledge and qualifications in land-based engineering, enabling you to teach machinery maintenance, servicing, fault finding and basic repairs. However, if you have extensive industry experience and a passion for developing others, we would welcome your application. 

As Programme Leader, you will inspire students through engaging practical and classroom teaching, lead curriculum development, and work closely with colleagues and industry partners to ensure our programmes reflect the latest agricultural practices and employer needs. 

This is a 0.4 FTE (part-time) position, making it an ideal opportunity for someone who wishes to combine teaching with a continued career in the agricultural industry. We particularly welcome applications from experienced agricultural machinery operators, farm managers, engineers and industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their expertise while remaining actively engaged in the sector. If you have the skills and experience but are new to teaching, we will support you in making the transition into education.

About the Role

• The role is 0.4 FTE (2 days per week) based at Northumberland College's Kirkley Hall Campus
• The campus offers an array of industry leading teaching facilities including commercial farm and TePari operating equipment to support high standards of animal welfare
• The role includes a range of professional development opportunities including opportunities to complete a teaching qualification.

Role Responsibilities 

• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality, sequenced learning through career focused schemes of learning

• Provide an excellent experience to students through exemplary learning, teaching and standards of assessment

• Teach students to high standards using appropriate and varied student – centred approaches, embracing learning technologies to enhance the student experience. 

• Actively engage in reflective practice and contribute to the wider professional development programme. 

• Liaise effectively with the wider support team to ensure appropriate and high-quality academic support is provided as required.

• Participate in college recruitment and marketing events where required.

Qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Education and training or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards
• L3 qualification in land based related subject
• Level 2 Mathematics
• Level 2 English Language

Essential Skills & Experience

• Hands on experience of operating wide range of agricultural and farm machinery
• Experience of planning and delivery of inclusive learning sessions

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays (pro-rata'd for part time role, excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.  
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.  
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.  

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.