Practical Instructor - Agriculture

Role: Practical Instructor – Agriculture
Location: Shuttleworth College – Old Warden
Salary/Benefits: £26,780 – £31,415 per annum DOE, pension, retail and leisure discounts, professional development opportunities, access to college courses
Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

We are currently seeking a Practical Instructor in Agriculture to join our Land and Environment department at The Bedford College Group. As a Practical Instructor you play an important role in the success of our students through:

• Practical Instruction & Student Support – Deliver hands‑on training in agricultural machinery, animal care and crop management, ensuring sessions meet individual learning needs and vocational standards.
• Curriculum Delivery & Assessment – Develop practical teaching schemes, assess learner competence, provide feedback and contribute to internal verification and awarding body requirements.
• Resource & Area Management – Prepare and maintain practical learning materials and equipment, ensuring all work spaces are clean, safe and hazard‑free in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Team Collaboration & Events – Work closely with technical staff, support marketing and recruitment events and participate in team meetings to contribute to departmental goals.
• Compliance & Professional Development – Uphold safeguarding, equality and health and safety standards while actively engaging in training and development to maintain professional effectiveness.

• Qualifications & Certifications – Level 3 qualification in Agriculture or related land‑based subject, tractor and forklift competency certificates, GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Practical Experience & Industry Knowledge – Recent hands‑on experience in the land‑based sector, including working with agricultural machinery, farm animals and crops, with strong knowledge of husbandry and UK industry practices.
• Health, Safety & Compliance – Solid understanding of safe working practices, relevant legislation and health and safety requirements, commitment to safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Skills & Professionalism – Highly organised, self‑motivated, capable of delivering high‑quality learning experiences. Skilled in communication, teamwork and using IT for documentation and record‑keeping.
• Flexibility & Commitment – Valid driving licence, willing to travel and work flexibly across locations. Committed to continuous learning, equality and promoting the College's values and reputation.

• Valuing Teamwork – One team working together to achieve great outcomes.
• Improving Continuously – Challenge ourselves to always do better by sharing knowledge and learning from others.
• Student Centred – Student focus in all decision‑making to create positive outcomes.
• Inclusive – Celebrate differences and diversity, learning from each other.
• Open and Caring – Care about wellbeing of staff, students and community, building trust and support.
• Nurturing Education Excellence – Deliver programmes that challenge students to achieve ambitions.

Shuttleworth College is a specialist land‑based college located at Old Warden Park, offering agricultural and environmental education, animal sciences, equine studies and outdoor adventure within acres of parkland and farmland.

All staff will undergo thorough vetting including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

For a detailed job description and application process, please refer to the attached Job Description or contact