Vocational Skills Instructor - Trades and Manufacturing

Location: HMP Addiewell, West Lothian
Salary: £30,145 per annum
Hours: Full Time - 40 hours per week (08:00-16:30)

Turn your practical skills into someone else's opportunity for a brighter future

Do you have experience in trades, manufacturing or practical skills training? Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge and helping others achieve their potential?

At HMP Addiewell, we're looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable General Vocational Trades Instructor to join our Learning & Skills team.

This is an opportunity to do something different with your skills. You'll deliver hands on vocational training, helping prisoners gain practical experience, recognised qualifications and the confidence to take positive steps towards employment and life after release.

You don't need to be a qualified teacher to apply. If you have relevant industry experience, enjoy sharing your knowledge and are passionate about helping others succeed, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll do

You'll deliver engaging, practical training to learners with different abilities, backgrounds and levels of experience, across a variety of vocational areas, including:

• Manufacturing and production

• Fabric and textile work

• Industrial cleaning

• Sleep pod production

• Traditional trades and industry work parties

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Planning and delivering engaging, hands on vocational training sessions.

• Helping learners develop practical skills, confidence and transferable employability skills.

• Adapting your teaching approach to suit different abilities and learning needs.

• Assessing learner progress and preparing individuals for recognised qualifications at SCQF Levels 2–6.

• Encouraging participation, monitoring attendance and supporting learner achievement.

• Maintaining safe working practices, quality standards and effective tool and inventory control.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues and prison staff to support rehabilitation and positive outcomes.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who brings practical experience, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

You'll ideally have

• Experience in trades, manufacturing, industrial environments or practical skills training.

• Experience teaching, coaching, supervising or mentoring others, or the confidence and willingness to develop these skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate people from different backgrounds.

• Good organisational, planning and IT skills.

• A flexible approach, with the ability to adapt training to different learning styles and abilities.

• A genuine interest in rehabilitation, education and helping individuals achieve their potential.

Teaching qualification: You'll ideally hold a recognised teaching qualification at SCQF Level 7 or equivalent. However, if you don't already have one, you'll have the opportunity to achieve the required qualification within 18 months of starting the role.

What we offer

Alongside a salary of £30,145 per annum, you'll benefit from:

• A rewarding role where your skills can make a meaningful difference.

• Opportunities to develop your teaching skills and gain a recognised qualification.

• Sodexo retirement plan.

• Discounts across more than 1,900 brands.

• Gym discounts to support your health and wellbeing.

• Confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, providing emotional support alongside independent legal and financial guidance.

• A supportive team committed to helping people succeed.

Working hours: 40 hours per week, with shifts from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Occasional scheduled evenings and weekends may be required.

Be part of something greater

At Sodexo, our culture is built on three hallmarks: Be Positive, Be Courageous and Be the Difference.

At HMP Addiewell, you'll put these values into practice every day, helping individuals develop the skills, confidence and motivation to create a more positive future.

Whether you're an experienced instructor or a skilled tradesperson looking for a rewarding career change, this is your opportunity to put your knowledge to work in a meaningful way.

Ready to share your skills and make a lasting difference? Apply today and help build brighter futures at HMP Addiewell.

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.

We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer.

File Downloads

• UK Rewards and Benefits Guide.pdf
• General vocational trades Instructor - June 2026.docx