Head of Training Flight

Have you ever considered working 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.

As the Head of Training Flight the specific responsibilities will be;

Training Practices and Procedures. The planning, direction and control of training resources to meet the training programme. Ensuring all trainee records are maintained in accordance with current procedures. Ensuring all training materials, resources and documentation (including examinations) are maintained in accordance with applicable policies. 

Training Compliance Ensuring that training procedures and engineering practices within the Flight conform with the Training Procedures Manual, Training Squadron Order Book, Unit Quality Manual and other applicable policy. Monitoring all training practices and procedures employed throughout the Flight ensuring they are safe, compliant with applicable policy and promote effective learning.  This includes conducting/ensuring Instructional Techniques monitoring and Content monitoring for all Defence Trainers is carried out in accordance with applicable policy, ensuring that induction programmes for new Defence Trainers are implemented and working with the Learning Support Coordinator to manage Defence Trainer capability within the Flight.

Management of Staff  The control, administration, welfare and discipline of all staff within the Flight.  This includes (but is not limited to) Line Manager administrative tasks such as managing sickness/leave/time off in lieu recruitment (including Civil Service recruitment and military suitability interviews), performance appraisal reporting (in accordance with RAF and MOD Civil Servant policies), Engineering Authorisations and managing staff mandatory training compliance (including disclosure and barring and security requirements).

Management of Trainees The administration, welfare and discipline of all trainees and students within the Flight.  This includes ensuring compliance with the Training Review Procedures, chairing Flight Commander Training Review Boards (TRBs), attending Squadron Commander and Unit TRBs, conducting Trainee Warning reviews and provision of additional/extra training where required. 

Training Resources Managing all Ground Training Aids within the Flight in accordance with current engineering policy, liaising with the DSEME training equipment maintenance team as required and undertaking action in accordance with DCTT processes for the procurement, repair or replacement of training aids (including ensuring future requirements are captured within future plans).  Ensuring that all training areas are clean, in good order, suitable for the task and comply with all relevant health and safety, quality assurance, fire, environmental and security regulations.  This includes working with Building Custodians and DSEME Garrison Support Unit to implement infrastructure repairs and improvements as required. 

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. 

We have job opportunities available in the; 

Head of Mechanical Engineering Training Flight (METF) 

Head of Electrical Training Section (ETS) and Workshops Training Section(WTS) – this is a single post covering both Sections

Specific Criteria for: 

Head of Mechanical Engineering Training Flight (METF):

Recognised experience in a military ground engineering background.

Familiar with mechanical engineering management practices and trade policy. 

Head of Electrical Training Section and Workshops Training Section: 

Recognised experience in a military ground engineering background.

Familiar with electrical engineering and/or workshops management practices and trade policy.

Other Essential Criteria:

Vetting under the Disclosure and Barring Service

Instructional qualification and experience

Proven instructional qualification and experience.

Previous experience of working in a military environment

Proven management experience.

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

• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Communicating and Influencing

• 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 well being. 
• 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.

Job contact :

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

Recruitment team

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