Aston University Engineering Academy
England
Job type:
Part Time, Permanent
Apply by:
15 October 2025
Job overview
Role Purpose
The Deputy School Staff Instructor (DSSI) will assist the SSI in delivering and managing the school's CCF programme, supporting cadet training, logistics, administration, and equipment. You will also help deliver/enhance the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) scheme and broader enrichment provision.
Working Conditions
* Term-time only, 3 days/week, with flexibility for evening/weekend training, camps, expeditions as training plan requires and through prior planning.
* Participation in at least one residential CCF camp and DofE expedition per academic year.
Key Responsibilities
* CCF Training & Support
Assist with cadet-style training: drill, fieldcraft, navigation, engineering projects, establishment site visits.
Help plan/supervise parades, field exercises, weekend and residential training, including CCF visits and off-site activities
* Equipment & Logistics
Support uniform and equipment issuance, storage, security, and maintenance.
Help manage CCF workshop resources for hands-on STEM activities.
* Administration
Maintain accurate cadet records, attendance, equipment logs via Westminster system.
Assist with event planning, documentation, risk assessments, and MOD returns.
* Pastoral & Enrichment
Mentor cadets, fostering leadership and personal development.
Support cadet recruitment, retention, and progression.
Supervise and assist with Duke of Edinburgh's Award activities—particularly expeditions.
* School Liaison
Contribute to school outreach and open events promoting CCF and enrichment programmes.
Work closely with industry partners, Armed Forces, West Midlands Reserve force & Cadet Association, and cadet training teams.
About AUEA
* Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA), a University Technical College opened in 2012, delivers a university-embedded, employer-led curriculum in engineering, science, and business for students aged 13–19.
* Industry recognition: Winner of STEM Provider of the Year and Outstanding Support for Students awards.
* Impressive outcomes: 98% of students move on to higher education, apprenticeships, or jobs; 84% pursue engineering or science pathways—well above national averages.
* Strong partnerships: Employer board includes Aston University, Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Royal Engineers, RAF, NHS, Cadent & other local and national industries.
Strategic mission: "Knowledge for Life & Skills for the Future," contextualised technical education designed for life and career readiness.
About the CCF at AUEA
Launched in Sept 2017 with over 100 cadets under the Cadet Expansion Programme.
* RAF-affiliated contingent, aligned with national CCF mission and ethos later to become Tri-Service with over 200 cadets parading every Wednesday afternoon.
Engineering-focused training: Cadets are engaged in ambitious STEM projects—such as building an aircraft—supporting leadership, communication, resourcefulness, and teamwork.
Strong university & military links: Partnership with Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering at RAF Cosford provides access to flight simulators, obstacle courses, and training areas and likewise with Royal Navy and Army.
Frequent adventurous training conducted alongside training requirements of each individual service.
Broad skills development: Open to Years 9–14, offering rank progression, Duke of Edinburgh's Award participation, and varied leadership qualifications.
- Supported by an experienced School Staff Instructor with a previous career as an Army Physical Training Instructor and by a Contingent Commander who served as an aircraft engineer in the RAF.
Safeguarding
AUEA is committed to safeguarding. The successful candidate must have Right to Work in the UK, pass an enhanced DBS check and complete mandatory safeguarding training.
How to Apply
Send a completed application form and cover letter outlining relevant experience to David Chapman, Principal of AUEA by
Include details of your military background, youth instructing experience, and motivation for supporting cadets and DofE participants at AUEA.
Person Specification
Essential
* Military experience (Regular, Reserve, or Cadet Force Adult Volunteer).
* Experience instructing/coaching youth in structured environments.
* Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
* Comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings/weekends.
* Strong IT literacy and admin competence.
Desirable
* Previous CCF instructing experience, across any single service.
* Knowledge of Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.
* Relevant qualifications (e.g. First Aid, adventure training).
* Experience with Westminster admin system.
Inspection report
3.62MB
Brochure
1.78MB
Recruiter contact:
Email us
Call us
About Aston University Engineering Academy
Aston University Engineering Academy
1 Lister Street
Birmingham
B7 4AG
United Kingdom
About us
Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) is one of the first university-sponsored technical colleges (UTC) in the country and with our sixth form, Aston University Sixth Form, it combines the very best education for academic and technical skills focused on industry needs summarised by our strap line "Knowledge for Life & Skills for the Future" and Ofsted 2022 "Students in this school enjoy a strong practical, technical and academic education."
For more about our most recent Ofsted where we were judged as Good with Outstanding Personal Development visit -
Ofsted report
.
Since opening in September 2012, AUEA has grown under consistent strong leadership into a vibrant learning community, oversubscribed by students from across Birmingham taught by 100% subject expert teachers.
Aston University Engineering Academy (Years 9, 10 and 11) and Aston University Sixth Form (Years 12, 13 and 14) are both housed in our £16.2 million state of the art building located in the heart of the city of Birmingham, next to the Aston University and Innovation Birmingham campuses, with a new multi-million pound extension due to start within the next few months. It is located close to the motorway links and within easy walking of three city centre train stations.
Originally designed for 600 students, AUEA now has 720 students on roll and has now been approved to expand to 800 students. We have a close-knit family of around 40 teachers, and 40 support staff, including administration staff, dedicated HLTA's/TAs, college leaders (pastoral) and technicians to name a few. AUEA is a proud recipient of the Armed Forces Covenant, Gold Employer Recognition Scheme and has Royal Navy Affiliation.
Commitment to your development
Our staff ethos is built upon collaboration and development with AUEA being awarded the prestigious silver mark for outstanding quality and culture of professional development by the Teacher Development Trust (TDT) evidencing our commitment to staff CPD including weekly early closure for CPD and training, commitment to courses and additional professional qualifications. This is supported by additional learning opportunities via our sponsor Aston University, SSAT and NPQ programmes.
Every Monday afternoon students finish earlier to allow dedicated staff CPD as well as external courses and training. We are proud to have a proven record of accelerating careers, with many of our staff securing leadership, middle leader and wider responsibilities earlier than those in the majority of other schools. Consequently, AUEA provides an outstanding platform from which to start and progress your career whether ITT, ECT admin or senior positions supported by a comprehensive induction programme.
As a valued member of AUEA staff health & wellbeing is important therefore we offer staff benefits, training and health care packages.
For example:
* Workload considerations are the heart of all we do.
* Excellent professional development opportunities including potential options for higher study through our sponsor Aston University.
* Specialist pedagogical training and inputs from leading industry partners.
* Health care package including wellbeing, access to a GP and others.
* Staff benefits through the Aston University Staff Benefits Scheme.
* Term time family day, leave of absence and TOIL options including flexible working and working from home.
* Reduced staff membership cost to Aston University's Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre.
* Access to Aston University's nursery scheme.
* Childcare voucher scheme.
* Free audiology, eye tests and health clinics via Aston University.
* Hospitality and hotel accommodation discounts.
* Sports coaching, outdoor education qualifications, and military training as part of our Armed Forces Partnerships including Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
* Opportunities for international travel as part of our Austrian Technical School (HTL) European partnerships, scientific expeditions and charity work.
* A close knit, friendly and supportive working environment.
* Excellent IT facilities, Virtual Learning Environment and physical learning resources.
* An opportunity to take part in enrichment activities such as the CCF (RAF/RN), Police Cadets, Royal College of Nursing Cadets, DofE, specialist projects and competitions.
* Partnership work with local and national education establishments and local industry.
To take a virtual tour of the academy -
click here
Please note that you are wholly responsible for fact checking in respect of the information provided by schools. Please also check for the latest visa and work permit requirements that may apply. Tes is not responsible for the content of advertisements or the policies adopted by advertising schools. Tes asks that all schools followTes' Fair Recruitment Policy.