Learning Support Assistant

Have you ever considered working in an exciting inclusive engineering training environment? Do you have the desire and ability to learn new skills within the aviation-driven electronic and mechanical engineering (EME) 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, activity 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 Electrical Mechanical Engineering (DSEME), is a whole-force mix of Military, Civil Service and Contractor personnel, who play a key role in delivering world-class technical training to a broad audience of soldiers and aviators across a variety of engineering disciplines ensuring the RAF and Army’s operational effectiveness. Our Learning Support Assistant role offers interesting, demanding and rewarding opportunities.    

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

Learning Support is the provision of learner support and Defence Trainer (DT) professional development support.

As the Learning Support Assistant, you will be responsible for;

Undertaking the role of Defence Trainer Supervisor (DTS), including the conduct and recording of IT monitoring observations, iaw DTS TORs.

Maintaining the Instructional Techniques (IT) monitoring database and informing Line Managers of any DTs that require an observation.

Uploading observation sheets on to SharePoint.  

Mentoring DTs to improve their practice.

Testing students for Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) (also known as Specific Learning Difficulties) using the Dyslexia Adult Screening Test (DAST) (if qualified).

Providing one-to-one tutorial support to trainees and phase 3 students with difficulties in areas such as: time management, revision learning strategies, goal setting, note taking, active reading strategies and exam techniques.

Assisting the Learner Support Coordinator (LSC) in:

Arranging and delivering training staff Continued Professional Development (CPD).

Managing the Moodle site.

Undertaking 3-monthly SpLD interviews with Phase 2 trainees and acting on any feedback, recording interview dates on the SpLD database.  Including arranging for Aviator Development Flight (ADF) to gather feedback from trainees who have received support with SpLD issues at the end of the course.

Development and delivery of Study Skills lessons, including gathering feedback from trainees.

Identifying SpLD trainees arriving from phase one training. 

Interviewing students with a suspected or confirmed SpLD and raising electronic/hard copy files, Individual Learning Plans, arranging appointments and writing business cases.

Ensuring quality checks are undertaken to ensure documentation is stored correctly in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations and where appropriate files which do not meet retention criteria are destroyed.

Ensuring compliance in learner support activities with Ofsted assurance frameworks.

Deputising for the LSC as required. 

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.

Vetting is required from the Disclosure and Barring service. 

Essential (can be undertaken in role):   

1. Defence Trainer Practitioner.
2. Advanced Trainer Practitioner.
3. Defence Trainer Supervisor.
4. Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring qualification.
5. Knowledge of SpLD Policy.
6. Certificate in Education.

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

• Developing Self and Others
• Leadership
• 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 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. 

Job contact :

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

Recruitment team

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