Derby College Jobs UK For Students No Experience 2026

Working with motivated students who are seeking practical skills and job qualifications in further education is a rewarding alternative to teaching in a school or university. Derby College is one of the largest further education providers in the East Midlands. It has campuses in Derby city center, Ilkeston, and Broomfield Hall, where it serves over 25,000 students each year with academic and vocational classes. The college helps people who are leaving school, changing careers, or just want to learn new skills by offering apprenticeships, technical qualifications, A-levels, adult learning, and higher education classes. Their focus on industry partnerships, employability, and inclusive education makes the workplace a place where teaching has direct links to job outcomes in the real world for students from all backgrounds.

Derby College jobs are open to newly qualified teachers looking for their first job, seasoned professionals in the field who want to share their knowledge, recent college graduates interested in educational support roles, and people who want to change careers but are excited about skill development. Vocational lecturers work in business, health and social care, construction, and engineering. Academic teachers work in English, math, and science. Other common jobs include learning support assistants, student services advisors, curriculum managers, and company support staff. The college offers structured programs to help newcomers get started, paths for teaching qualifications for professionals in the field, and ongoing professional development to help newcomers do well as they move on to higher education. Whether you’re a qualified teacher or a professional tradesperson who wants to go into education, Derby College has the support system that can help you turn your work experience into a meaningful teaching job.

Derby College Jobs 2026 | Apply Online

Job Details:

Education and Abilities:

Derby College’s reputation for quality vocational education depends on recruiting staff who combine subject expertise with genuine commitment to student success. Assembling teams with relevant qualifications, industry credibility, and educational skills ensures learners receive training that’s both academically rigorous and practically relevant to employment opportunities across the East Midlands.

• Teaching Qualifications – For lecturer roles, either hold or be willing to work toward a recognized teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, DTLLS, or equivalent); industry professionals may start teaching while studying for qualifications part-time
• Subject Expertise – Vocational lecturers need significant industry experience and current or recent practice in their field (construction, engineering, hair and beauty, health care, hospitality); academic teachers require strong subject knowledge and relevant degrees
• Professional Qualifications – Trade-specific certifications essential for vocational areas: NVQ Level 3+ in construction trades, City & Guilds in engineering, nursing qualifications (NMC registration) for healthcare teaching, accounting qualifications (AAT/ACCA) for business
• Educational Background – Degree-level qualifications preferred for most teaching roles; Level 3 qualifications minimum for support roles; GCSEs in English and Maths (grade C/4 or above) required for student-facing positions
• Safeguarding Awareness – Strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities when working with young people and vulnerable adults; commitment to promoting student welfare and creating safe learning environments
• Digital Teaching Skills – Competency with virtual learning environments (Moodle or similar), Microsoft Teams, interactive whiteboards, and ability to deliver blended learning combining classroom and online instruction
• Enhanced DBS Clearance – All positions require enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks given regular contact with students aged 16-19 and vulnerable adult learners
• Right to Work Authorization – Legal permission to work in the UK; the college may consider sponsorship for highly specialized vocational areas where UK-based expertise is unavailable

Handsome Salary:

Derby College operates pay scales reflecting further education sector standards, with salaries benchmarked against Association of Colleges (AoC) guidance and regional FE providers. Lecturing staff compensation recognizes both teaching expertise and industry experience, with clear grade progression based on responsibility levels and additional duties beyond classroom teaching.

Employee Benefits:

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme – Generous defined benefit pension for teaching staff with employer contributions around 23% of salary; support staff access Local Government Pension Scheme with strong employer contributions
• Holiday Entitlement – Teaching staff enjoy college closure periods during Christmas, Easter, and summer (typically 12-14 weeks annually though some designated for planning/marking); support staff receive 25+ days plus bank holidays
• Professional Development – Funded teaching qualifications for industry professionals transitioning to education, subject-specific CPD courses, leadership programs, and conference attendance to maintain sector knowledge
• Flexible Working Options – Part-time teaching contracts, term-time only arrangements, compressed timetables, and some hybrid working for non-teaching roles; accommodates work-life balance better than many sectors
• Staff Wellbeing Support – Employee assistance program with confidential counseling, occupational health access, mental health awareness training, on-site wellbeing activities, and staff social events
• Additional Perks – Free on-site parking at all campuses, staff development days, discount schemes for retail and leisure, cycle-to-work program, and access to college facilities including libraries and gyms

How to Apply for Post Office Jobs?

Joining Derby College’s teaching community means demonstrating both your subject expertise and your passion for helping students achieve their potential. The college values diverse backgrounds—whether you’re transitioning from industry or moving from school teaching—so tailoring your application to highlight how your experience benefits FE learners will strengthen your submission.

• Access the Careers Portal – Visit derby-college.ac.uk/jobs or search “Derby College vacancies” to reach the official recruitment website listing all current opportunities across campuses
• Search Available Positions – Filter by job type (teaching, support, management), subject area, campus location, and contract type (full-time, part-time, fixed-term) to identify roles matching your expertise
• Download Application Materials – Read the full job description, person specification, and candidate information pack carefully—these outline specific requirements and help you understand departmental priorities
• Register Your Profile – Create an account with your email address to access the application system, save your progress, and receive notifications about new vacancies in your areas of interest
• Complete the Application Form – Fill in sections covering personal information, employment history, educational qualifications, professional memberships, and teaching credentials (or willingness to obtain them)
• Write Your Supporting Statement – Address each essential criterion from the person specification with concrete examples; for teaching roles, explain your subject passion, teaching philosophy, and understanding of FE learners’ diverse needs and motivations
• Upload Required Documents – Attach your CV, copies of qualifications and teaching certificates, professional registration evidence, and references from recent employers or academic supervisors
• Submit Ahead of Deadline – Review everything thoroughly, ensure your statement demonstrates understanding of vocational education’s unique character, then submit well before the closing date

Watch for emails from Derby College’s HR team, as shortlisted candidates typically receive interview invitations within 2-3 weeks, often including requests to prepare micro-teaching sessions or presentations demonstrating your subject delivery.

Apply Here

List of Available Job Openings

Derby College’s diverse curriculum means teaching and support opportunities exist across virtually every vocational and academic discipline. From traditional trades to emerging digital sectors, positions span practical workshop instruction, classroom-based academic teaching, student wellbeing support, and administrative functions that collectively create positive learning experiences for thousands of students pursuing qualifications from Entry Level to degree programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I teach at Derby College without formal teaching qualifications?
   Yes, particularly if you bring strong industry experience in vocational subjects. Derby College regularly hires industry professionals for construction, engineering, health care, and other technical areas who don’t yet hold teaching qualifications. You’ll typically start on an associate lecturer contract while completing your teaching qualification (usually DTLLS or Cert Ed) part-time over 1-2 years, with the college funding your course and providing mentorship. However, you must be committed to gaining the qualification—it’s a condition of continued employment.
2. How does teaching in FE differ from teaching in schools?
   FE students are typically more motivated because they’ve chosen their subject and see direct career links. You’ll teach post-16 learners (16-19 year-olds, adult returners, apprentices), so classroom management differs from secondary schools—less discipline issues but more diverse ability levels. Teaching is often more practical and hands-on, especially in vocational areas. You’ll have fewer teaching hours than school teachers (typically 21-24 contact hours weekly) but significant marking, planning, and student support responsibilities. The culture feels more relaxed and collegiate than many secondary schools.
3. What support exists for industry professionals new to teaching?
   Derby College provides comprehensive induction covering safeguarding, equality, college systems, and teaching basics. You’ll be assigned a mentor (experienced lecturer in your department) who observes your teaching, provides feedback, and supports your development. The college offers regular “teaching and learning” CPD sessions on classroom management, assessment, differentiation, and digital tools. You’ll also have reduced teaching hours initially while completing your teaching qualification, allowing time to develop your practice without overwhelming workload.
4. Are there opportunities for career progression in FE?
   Absolutely. Typical progression moves from lecturer to senior lecturer or advanced practitioner (focusing on teaching excellence), then into curriculum leadership as course leader, subject coordinator, or head of department. Some staff move into cross-college roles like quality assurance, teacher training, or student services management. Others become assistant or vice principals overseeing entire curriculum areas. The key is demonstrating teaching excellence, gaining additional qualifications (Master’s degrees valued for senior roles), and showing willingness to take on responsibilities beyond classroom teaching.
5. What’s the work-life balance really like for FE lecturers?
   It’s generally better than school teaching but varies by department and time of year. You’ll have generous holiday periods (though expect some planning/marking during these), and term-time working patterns. However, evenings can involve parent meetings, open events, or teaching evening classes for adult learners. Assignment marking peaks around assessment deadlines can be intense. Most lecturers appreciate having planning time during the day rather than squeezing it around back-to-back lessons like in schools. Part-time contracts are common and genuinely respected, making it easier to balance other commitments than many professions.