Dressmaking and Machine Sewing Tutor

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

The Adult Education Service is part of Coventry City Council. We provide a wide range of courses for Coventry residents age 19+ and much of our provision is targeted at people with the highest levels of need.

We offer long courses in English, maths, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), ICT/Digital and vocational subjects such as Early Years, along with provision for adults with learning disabilities.

We also offer a very wide range of short community courses in arts, crafts, music, dance, exercise, fitness and family learning. In addition, we run a highly supportive study programme for young people.

Our work-based learning offer includes Apprenticeships in the following subject areas:

• Nursery Workers
• Teaching Assistants
• Leadership/Management; and
• Customer Care.

We also provide courses for adults who are seeking work via the Council’s Job Shop.

Our main base is at Southfields Old School, CV1 5EJ, with provision delivered at around 25 other sites within Coventry, mostly in areas of highest need.

We welcome applications from anyone who wants to make a difference to the lives of people in Coventry.

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

We have one part-time permanent Dressmaking & Machine Sewing Tutor role available.

Make a real difference in your community by inspiring learners to develop practical, creative and employability skills through dressmaking and machine sewing.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Dressmaking and Machine Sewing Tutor to join our team and support adults to develop skills in garment construction, pattern interpretation, sewing techniques and textile crafts. Whether learners are taking their first steps into sewing or building on existing experience, you will help them develop confidence, creativity and independence through high-quality teaching and learning.

This is an exciting and creative opportunity to share your expertise and inspire learners through hands-on, practical learning. You will plan, deliver and evaluate engaging courses covering areas such as machine sewing, dressmaking, alterations, repairs, upcycling, fabric selection and garment construction. You will create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for learners from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Delivery will take place across a variety of community venues and settings throughout Coventry during the daytime, evenings and weekends. You will support learners to develop practical skills, achieve their individual goals and progress into further learning, volunteering or employment opportunities.

The successful candidate will maintain a safe and inspiring workshop environment, ensuring learners can confidently use sewing machines, equipment and materials while developing their technical skills and creative potential.

The role involves 6 working hours a week of which approx. 4 hours per week will be in class teaching with the remaining hours utilised for duties such as planning, preparation, marking, assessment, learner administration and course promotion. This position operates throughout the year and is not term-time only, providing learners with opportunities to access learning on a year-round basis.

You will join a supportive team of tutors committed to delivering outstanding learning experiences and helping residents develop new skills, improve wellbeing and engage in lifelong learning.

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Dressmaking and Machine Sewing Tutor who is passionate about supporting adult learners to develop practical, creative and employability skills.

You will have strong knowledge and experience of dressmaking, machine sewing and garment construction, together with the ability to inspire and motivate learners from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. You will be committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where learners feel confident to develop new skills, achieve their goals and progress in their learning journey. You must have a relevant teaching qualification at level 3 or above and appropriate subject specific qualifications. Experience of teaching beginners through to intermediate learners and of delivering accredited qualifications in textiles, craft or creative subjects would be beneficial.

You will be able to:

• Deliver high-quality machine sewing, dressmaking and textile courses for adult learners.
• Plan, prepare and deliver engaging sessions that meet the needs of learners with varying levels of experience and ability.
• Teach a range of techniques including garment construction, pattern interpretation, fabric selection, alterations, repairs, upcycling and finishing techniques.
• Support learners to develop practical sewing, creative design and textile skills while building confidence and independence.
• Create an inclusive, welcoming and safe learning environment that promotes participation, achievement and wellbeing.
• Assess learner progress, set individual learning targets, provide constructive feedback and celebrate achievement.
• Deliver accredited textile qualifications where required and complete associated assessment, moderation and quality assurance processes.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

Need help completing your application form? The Job Shop can support you. You can email them at jobshopemploymentsupport@coventry.gov.uk or visit the Job Shop in person, please see their webpage for more information. For all other queries, contact Resourcing@coventry.gov.uk.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'.

We recognise that you might use AI tools to help with your application. While these tools can be useful, please make sure that all information you provide about your experience, skills, and qualifications is accurate. What matters most to us is hearing about your experience and the achievements that truly reflect you!

Interview date(s): Late October/Early November

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies