Job Purpose
Internal job title: Skills and Learning Coordinator
Hours: 15 hours over 2 days (flexible)
Contract: Fixed-term contract until 01/04/2026
Advertised Salary: £33,000 - £35,000 (FTE to be pro-rated for part-time hours) + benefits
We are the charity that looks after and brings to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays its part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions.
We are looking for a part-time (2 days per week) Skills & Learning Coordinator to join our Project Delivery team.
This role is focused on the historic Ellesmere Boat Yard, Ellesmere, Shropshire. This structure is our cathedral of the waterways, a unique structure built over 150 years ago. It’s a one-of-a-kind boat lift in need of a full refurbishment. The Trust has secured Stage 1 Development Phase funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to develop a detailed plan to restore and re-purpose unused spaces and develop the managed visitor offer at the site. There is huge potential for this project to have a positive impact in areas including heritage, the environment, learning, and community engagement. We want to showcase the Yard to encourage more visitors, for them to stay longer and have a great time.
The purpose of the role is to provide strategic direction for the development of the learning offer for the Forging Ahead project at Ellesmere Yard, including a focus on STEM. The role also involves collaborating with external consultants and internal colleagues on the designs for an interpretation scheme telling the fascinating story of the Boat Yard for a diverse audience. This will include:
* Helping us grow our STEM learning programme, specifically key stages 3 to 5. See more information here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/learning-and-youth-development/stem-learning-programme
* See work we have done with key stages 1 to 2 here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/learning-bundles/stem-hydraulics
* Developing the learning plan and materials for Forging Ahead; including site visits for schools at Ellesmere, online learning, and in-school sessions.
* Supporting and mentoring colleagues/volunteers on how to most effectively deliver learning sessions.
You do not need to be an industry expert (factual support will be provided); however, you will be passionate about education and ideally STEM subjects, and driven to inspire future generations through the effective sharing of key concepts.
Our values (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/refresh/media/thumbnail/35240-our-values.pdf) and below.
Location & coverage
Offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required for team working and collaborative meetings. With Ellesmere Yard being in Ellesmere, you will ideally be located within the surrounding counties. Other travel throughout the regional waterway network will also be expected to enable site visits and gain experience.
Relevant hubs: Ellesmere Port or Birmingham.
See our network map here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network
Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience
Key accountabilities:
* Contribute to the Activity Plan for Forging Ahead, which will be submitted as part of the 2nd round bid to NLHF, and provide a detailed framework for education activities during the Delivery phase of the project.
* Lead school and group visits to Ellesmere Yard to take part in pilot STEM activities, ensuring a high-quality visit with strong learning outcomes.
* Work with external consultants contracted by the project and develop education resources in line with new interpretation being designed for Ellesmere Yard.
* Conduct detailed consultation with our target audience (children, young people, teachers, group leaders, and families) to ensure our learning programme meets their needs.
* Design and source interpretative materials for our learning activities.
* Organise pilots of learning resources and activities designed to attract hard-to-reach audiences.
* Contribute to the Canal & Rivers Explorers website as an accessible medium to deliver learning and communicate with our target audience.
* Manage CRM and administrative tasks for the Forging Ahead project.
* Develop creative, innovative, and inspiring informal learning opportunities for family visitors to our waterways, museums, and attractions, engaging people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Ensure all learning activities conform to Trust and relevant policies, including health & safety, safeguarding children, environmental, and heritage policies.
* Work with waterways, museums, and attractions to ensure safe and quality learning experiences responsive to place and suitable for our target audience (children, young people, schools, FE colleges, and universities) and aligned with the STEM agenda.
* Develop and promote quality learning resources aimed at children, young people, their teachers, families, carers, and group leaders to be delivered by education volunteers, monitoring current best practices.
* Work with colleagues to develop a long-term plan to ensure the future sustainability of an expanded learning offer at Ellesmere Yard.
* Display the Trust values and behaviours at all times.
About you
Technical:
* Degree or equivalent experience (PGCE) in relevant disciplines such as Education, History, Engineering, etc.
* Experience in teaching, community engagement, or interpretive work.
* A postgraduate qualification in education, interpretation, or heritage management is desirable.
* Experience in developing/managing volunteer and learning programs at heritage attractions, countryside sites, museums, or galleries.
* Direct experience in volunteer management, including training and mentoring, would be beneficial.
General:
* Effective communication skills with children, their teachers, families, carers, and group leaders.
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with teachers, colleagues, and partners at all levels within the Trust, external consultancies, and contractors.
* Good understanding of health & safety and safeguarding issues in a public setting.
* Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
* Ability to drive to access Ellesmere site and attend project meetings/activities.
DBS:
As this role involves regulated activity with children and adults at risk as defined by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, an Enhanced Criminal Record check will be undertaken prior to employment. Applicants must disclose any cautions or convictions, whether spent or unspent, on the application form. A criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to employment; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
To apply: click on the "Apply for this job" button and follow the process: complete the application form & upload current CV.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.
What We Offer
In addition to a £33,000 - £35,000 salary (pro-rated for part-time), we offer a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme, employee benefits, and flexible working arrangements, including:
* Double contribution to a maximum of 10% in our pension scheme.
* 25 days paid holiday plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
* Home working with hub facilities available.
* Annual £200 personal learning & growth allowance.
* Free access to counselling services.
* Employee discounts and holiday schemes.
* Two days paid volunteering leave per year.
* Free fishing facilities across our canal network.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All candidates are assessed on merit and suitability for the role.
Join us in preserving our waterways and making a difference for future generations. More about us at: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us
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