Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship Instructor/Mentor (0161-25) - Derby, DE22 1GB About the University We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills. About the College/Department The Nuclear Skills Academy is the first of its kind and aims to sustain nuclear capability within the UK’s submarines programme by creating a dedicated pipeline of talent at the start of their careers. Based in Derby at the iHub, the Nuclear Skills Academy is a partnership between the University of Derby and Rolls-Royce. The Nuclear Skills Academy team draws upon it's multidisciplinary and award winning skills to facilitate the delivery of apprentices across Levels 2-6. About the Role Instructor Mentors play a pivotal role in the apprenticeship journey. They are at the front line, delivering sessions, assessing, and carrying out reviews that ensure apprentices are supported, challenged, and inspired from day one. As a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship Instructor/Mentor at the Nuclear Skills Academy, you will deliver high-quality, practical, and technical learning experiences, working across both workshop and classroom environments. You will plan and deliver engaging vocational training, mentor apprentices in their development, and assess progress against industry-recognised apprenticeship standards. Your role will involve preparing tailored learning materials, supervising skills development activities, and supporting apprentices to achieve their full potential – from embedding core professional behaviours to preparing them for end-point assessments. You will liaise closely with employers, colleagues, and stakeholders to ensure the apprenticeship journey is seamless, effective, and collaborative. This is a role where you can bring your mechanical engineering expertise to life, sharing your industry knowledge and passion for technical excellence while shaping the next generation of skilled engineers. Interview Date: 24th September 2025 (On-Site) About You You'll be at the front line, delivering sessions, assessing and carrying out reviews. You'll have an eye for academic excellence, hands-on industry experience, and engaging teaching practice whilst being a team player who contributes to the onward journey at the Nuclear Skills Academy. The apprentice will be at the centre of your efforts, ensuring that you are embedding values and behaviours with them from day one, utilising the space and resource at the Nuclear Skills Academy to best effect. You will value interdisciplinary collaboration, industry engagement, and be keen to work with stakeholders to delivery an outstanding experience. Ideally you will have experience and qualifications in Assessing and Verifying or, the willingness to undertake these qualifications. Benefits Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days Teacher’s Pension Scheme Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers Discounted onsite gym A flexible working environment A commitment to personal and professional development Key Contact For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact  Paul White, Curriculum Leader, For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via Important Information The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK. Please visit our website  for more information. If you are successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post. To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage. The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern. Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here . Closing Date: 11 Sep 2025

Area: Teaching and Research Salary: £33,002 to £44,746 per annum