About the College
Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located.
Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.
The College has two main campuses in Ashington, and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region
Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About the Role
At Northumberland College, we are seeking a passionate and forward-thinking Programme Leader in Plumbing and Heating to lead our curriculum into the future of modern building services. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a programme that reflects the fast-changing demands of the plumbing and heating sector—where energy efficiency, sustainability, and digital innovation are transforming the way we work.
As Programme Leader, you will be responsible for designing and delivering high-quality programmes that prepare learners for a rapidly evolving industry. With the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets and the increasing demand for low-carbon heating systems, heat pumps, smart controls, and water-saving solutions, we are looking for a leader who can bring these themes into the heart of the classroom.
You’ll collaborate with local and national employers to ensure our students are equipped with the technical skills, industry-recognised qualifications, and professional behaviours required to meet both today’s and tomorrow’s workforce needs. This includes embedding key areas such as green technologies, sustainable plumbing practices, and digital job planning software into the curriculum.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone from the plumbing and heating sector or with teaching experience who is eager to inspire and lead the next generation of highly skilled professionals.
Join us at Northumberland College and play a leading role in training future plumbing and heating specialists who will drive forward the UK’s green construction agenda.
Role Responsibilities
- Lead curriculum development in plumbing, with a focus on low-carbon technologies and sustainable systems.
- Ensure all programmes meet industry standards and evolving sector priorities.
- Integrate modern plumbing tools and digital software into teaching practice.
- Work closely with employers to align courses with real-world skills needs.
- Support staff to deliver innovative, high-quality teaching
- Promote the global competencies and behaviours expected in today’s building services industry.
Qualifications
- Minimum Level 3 qualification in Plumbing or Heating Engineering.
- Level 5 Teaching Qualification or willingness to work towards.
- Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English.
- Health and Safety certification desirable
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in plumbing and heating, ideally including sustainable systems or heat pump installation.
- Awareness of current and emerging technologies in building services engineering.
- Experience delivering or supporting vocational education and training.
- Confidence using industry-relevant digital tools (e.g. digital planning software, smart diagnostics).
- Strong employer engagement and curriculum development skills.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisation abilities.
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 23.68%)
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
