Specialist Instructional Officer (SIO)

Lyneham, South West England, SN15 4XX

Have you ever considered teaching in an exciting inclusive engineering training environment? Do you have the desire and ability to deliver the underpinning principles for electronic and mechanical engineering (EME) within a military aviation environment? If so, there is a brilliant opportunity for you in a modern teaching organisation. 

DCTT Vision 

The Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT) trains and educates highly skilled technicians and engineers to meet the operational demands of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. We specialise in aeronautical engineering, electronic and mechanical engineering, nuclear and marine engineering and communications and information systems – to prepare our trainees to operate in today’s and tomorrow’s combat environment. 

With nearly 2,500 military, civil service and contractor staff based across six locations, we value our diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage mutual respect, actively foster kindness and fairness, and promote a healthy work-life balance. We invest in our people; offering career and personal development opportunities and recognise staff efforts and commitments. 

One of DCTT’s School’s, The Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering (DSEME), plays a key role in delivering world-class technical training to soldiers and aviators across a variety of engineering disciplines. Currently based at MOD St Athan, DSEME’s sub-school, No 4 School of Technical Training (4SoTT) will be relocating to MOD Lyneham over the coming months, which presents an exciting opportunity to join the Royal Air Force 4SoTT to deliver Trade Group 5 (TG5) initial and specialist trade training. 

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

No 4 School of Technical Training (4SoTT) is actively seeking training specialists, with an ability to contribute effectively within a high performing team. You will be involved in developing RAF TG5 personnel by delivering training programmes that will develop them as technicians within the RAF.  A range of opportunities are available including responsibility for completing training needs assessments, creating a theoretical and practical curriculum or instructing in an exciting and well-supported training environment. 

The successful candidates will be expected work within the No 4SofTT Training Squadron and will be responsible for the instruction of Military students in a range of theoretical and practical disciplines focused within the fields of Ground Support Equipment and Military Transport, However, plant or vehicle experience is transferrable. 

We have job opportunities available in the 

• Electrical Training Section – ETS 
• Workshops Training Section – WTS 
• Mechanical Engineering Training Flight – METF 

As an SIO you will be specifically responsible for;

Delivering training ensuring conformity to authorised specifications and any discrepancies are highlighted to Course Design via line management in accordance with JSP 822 – Defence Policy document https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jsp-822-governance-and-management-of-defence-individual-training-education-and-skills 

Producing lesson plans and supporting course materials to support student centric learning in accordance with (iaw) JSP 822

Participating in internal and external evaluation audits as required in accordance with the 4SofTT Training Procedures Manual

Take responsibility for ensuring that the conduct, punctuality, discipline and dress standards of all students meet the required standards

To integrate Literacy and Numeracy into lessons in accordance with Instructional Specification (I Spec) and Learning Specification (L Spec) Trainer directives

Ensuring all students are given a safety brief on their training environment and they observe relevant fire, health and safety precautions and evacuation procedures.

Highlighting any potential improvements through the line management chain for inclusion in the Training Squadron Continuous Improvement.

Making preparations before starting an instructional period to ensuring that training areas and resources (tools, hand-outs, training aids etc) are in a serviceable condition with any unusable serviceability reported through the chain of command. 

Any mandatory course documentation is completed within 5 working days of completing the phase in accordance with training quality manual (TQM).

Undertake a minimum of 5 hours Continuous Professional Development (CPD) per annum to address developmental goals

To ensure compliance with personal responsibilities to students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD).

Undertaking Additional Trade Training (ATT) or Extra Trade Training (ETT) as agreed iaw TQM.

Acting as a Role Model ensuring that the highest standards of behaviour are maintained in accordance with the Defence Trainer Code of Conduct & Civil Service Code of Conduct

Ensuring that supervision ratios of staff to students conform to the requirements of the I Spec/LSpec and any concerns regarding safety of students are highlighted through their chain of command.

To monitor student welfare and process any concerns through the chain of command in accordance with 4SofTT Supervisory Care Directive

To remain current in and personally arrange for Instructional Techniques (IT) and Content Monitoring (CM) observations to be undertaken

When acting as an examination invigilator ensure any concessions or specialist requirements are carried out

To highlight discrepancies and assist the Examinations Manager to review any examination questions that are not valid

The Ministry of Defence offers a range of flexibilities to enable a better work-life balance for employees. Alternative Working Patterns, in accordance with policy, can be considered where it can be accommodated by the business, but there may be occasions when a presence on site during standard working hours may be required. All working patterns and flexibilities are subject to agreement with the Line Manager. 

The ideal candidate should be a great communicator with the ability to effectively describe complicated ideas to different audiences. You must be well organised, proficient in time management, and have good public speaking skills. You’ll be required to be both proactive and reactive, assessing the skills and knowledge within the group and determining what training is needed to grow and nurture these individuals.

Specific Criteria for: 

• Electrical Training Section (ETS): 
• Recognised experience in a military ground engineering background. 
• Familiar with electrical engineering management practices and trade policy. 
• Workshops Training Section (WTS): 
• Recognised experience in a military ground engineering background. 
• Familiar with workshops engineering management practices and trade policy. 
• Mechanical Engineering Training Flight (METF): 
• Recognised experience in a military ground engineering background. 
• Familiar with mechanical engineering management practices and trade policy.  

Role Specific Training:   

• Defence Trainer course (DTc) as applicable.  
• Successfully shadow TG5 General Technician Mechanical (GTM)/General Technician Electrical (GTE) or General Technician Workshops (GTW) (as applicable) Training modules.  
• Compliance with SIO Competency framework  

This post will suit a highly motivated individual who is keen to take the initiative and influence training. 

The Ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and the ability to positively influence and manage students 

Candidates should have served an apprenticeship or a relevant period of training and have obtained a Level 3, or equivalent, engineering qualification, with practical experience in a related field.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Communicating and Influencing

Alongside your salary of £28,300, Ministry of Defence contributes
£7,641 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• A Flexi-time scheme (on successful completion of probationary period that supports a better work-life balance. 
• 25 days paid annual leave rising by 1 day per completed year of service to a maximum 30 days. 

• Eight public holidays per year, plus Leave for HM The King’s birthday. 
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year. 
• Special Paid Leave for other volunteer duties. 
• A wide range of Defence discounts – such as Healthcare, Insurance, Motoring, company discounts with Virgin, Vodafone, and Microsoft Office. Find more discounts at https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/all-benefits/  

• Advance of pay to purchase travel season tickets or ‘cycle to work’ scheme (upon completion of 6 months service). 
• In year rewards and ‘thank you’ schemes. 
• Over 60 growing staff Networks to join. 
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave. 
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing. 
• Access to learning and development tailored to your role and career aspirations.  
• Free on-site gymnasium, Cardiovascular, Strength and conditioning outdoor sports facilities. 
• On-site shop/cafe facilities. 
• Free onsite parking. 

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

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Job contact :

• Name : WO2 Philippa Noble
• Email : philippa.noble980@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk