Personal Learning Advisor

Have you ever considered working in an exciting inclusive engineering training 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 a modern 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 Personal Learning Adviser (PLA) for 4SoTT, you will be responsible to the CO 4SoTT, through the Chief of Staff for the efficient operation, administration, and effectiveness of all professional and personal development activities in accordance with current MOD and single Service Policy, Rules and Guidance, giving timely and accurate managerial advice whenever required.

Having an awareness of the different types of training and development activity and be able to advise all staff on the most appropriate method to meet their needs.

Provide impartial and confidential advice and ensure that personnel are able to undertake courses which are of the right level for their ability and use the right delivery methods for their preferred learning style or work patterns.

The Personal Learning Adviser will monitor and assist those undertaking distance learning who may require additional support, particularly with regard to access to IT facilities.

Assist Line Managers in checking that the training and development activity provides best value for money and fulfils the business objectives by ensuring the completion of individual evaluation forms which are be used to provide constructive feedback to the 4SoTT Executives, Line Managers and the training providers.

Have a good knowledge of the training guidance contained in the RAF Manual of Training and Education and other publications setting out current MOD Civilian Policy, Rules and Guidance on the help that is available from the Department: e.g. funding, day release etc.

Provide appropriate facilities to support learners including Classrooms, Study/Interview Rooms, exam facilities, reference materials, and IT facilities.

Maintain a current library of training information that is available to all staff. This should include, as a minimum, copies of the current Defence Academy prospectus, resettlement information, and information from local higher and further education Colleges and other training providers.

Process applications for both internal and external training and development activities using the appropriate process and procedures.

Act as the focal point for advice on the enhanced learning credits and standard learning credits funding schemes for Service personnel. To facilitate this, the personal learning adviser is to be aware of changes to the schemes and have access to the on-line authorisation system.

Maintain electronic and/or manual training records. Local reporting requirements should be considered when deciding which training records are essential to keep.

Produce regular statistical information and reports on training activity for Line Managers and Training Officers to aid the evaluation process, and feed into Training Plans.

Manage training spend against budget. Where necessary the personal learning adviser will obtain the approval from Budget Staff on expenditure over your personal specific limit as detailed in any Letters of Delegation.

Manage and administer Induction Training for all Unit personnel. This to include arranging the Unit Arrivals Brief and mandated induction training activities.

Maintain accurate Mandatory Training records for all Unit personnel and provide regular management reports.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) 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. You must be well organised and proficient in time management. 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. 

Essential:

• Vetting is required from the Disclosure and Barring service.
• A thorough knowledge of the work of the Unit. 
• An understanding of the development opportunities available across Government, the Department and externally in local colleges, institutions etc.
• An awareness of changes to the organisation that may affect training needs.
• An awareness of developments in the wider training and development field.
• The desirable professional skills, knowledge or qualifications for the post are:
• Previous training delivery experience / qualification
• Project Management experience / qualification.
• Coaching and Mentoring Qualification

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

• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service

• 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