As Keighley College prepares to host a Staff Careers and Recruitment Day, we hear from team members about the rewards and challenges of their jobs.

Reece Simpson’s work at Keighley College is quite literally helping to lay the foundations for a brighter economic future for the district and its people.

Reece teaches bricklaying, a role he landed after working as a ‘brickie’ himself for some years and then spotting an apprenticeship opportunity at the college.

He has now been teaching full-time for a year and a half and is enjoying sharing his knowledge to help his students achieve their full potential.

A chance to shine

He said: “This was a good opportunity for me as bricklaying was beginning to get the better of me physically and teaching was always a career I wanted to pursue.

“I started at Keighley College as an apprentice teacher which included studying the level 5 in education and training whilst working as a Construction teacher, this allowed me to learn the various teaching methods whilst also gaining classroom experience.

“Upon completing the level 5 training I was offered a full time teaching contract, which I have been doing for the past 18 months.”

A sense of accomplishment – and overcoming challenges

“The most rewarding aspect of the job role as a bricklaying teacher is seeing the students’ progression throughout the course, from learning to spread mortar to building decorative walls to a high standard.

“The pandemic has caused various challenges due to bricklaying being a mainly practical course.

“It meant learning had to go online and this was difficult at first, but learners responded well and made the most of it. This resulted in the minimum disruption possible.”

Career and training opportunities at Keighley College

The college, which will play a vital role in helping the local area recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, offers all kinds of opportunities to anyone interested in a career in education, training and skills.

There are positions currently available across a number of fields including: teaching, learning support, technical, students support, leadership, administration, training and facilities.

More details can be found by booking a virtual slot on our Staff Careers and Recruitment Day, which Reece is encouraging anybody who is considering a career switch to take part in.

He said: “The advice I would give to anyway wanting to pursue a career in education is to not wait and go for it.”

To find out more about visit keighleycollege.ac.uk , call 01535 68500 or email enquiries@keighleycollege.ac.uk.

Jobseekers invited to pursue an exciting career – and help shape the workforce of tomorrow – at Keighley College

Keighley College is aiming to add to its large and committed team by staging its first ever Staff Careers and Recruitment Day.

The virtual event, featuring a live link to the campus, runs from 12 noon to 7pm on Tuesday 6 July and will be an opportunity for visitors to find out about the range of exciting job opportunities that are available as well as training opportunities for those that want to work in education, training and skills. 

The college, one of the area’s largest employers, has been growing and is now poised for further expansion thanks to a recently announced £33.6 million Towns Fund award for Keighley. Part of that funding will be used to create a new Skills Hub and a centre for manufacturing, engineering and future technology: both of which will be sponsored by Keighley College.

Those who take part in the college’s Staff Careers and Recruitment Day will be able upload their CVs, talk to members of staff and learn how they can come and be part of a fantastic staff team. The college is also keen to hear from individuals who are considering a career in education, skills and training – especially those with industry experience. 

Principal Steve Kelly said: “This is a particularly exciting time for Keighley College, and we are keen to recruit new and committed team members to join us on our journey as we continue to grow.

“This recruitment day is a great chance to find out more about the outstanding work we do here, register an interest and get involved.

“The college is at the heart of the community and has a key role to play, thanks to our skills provision and exceptional industry links to agencies like Skills House, JobCentre Plus and the Department for Work and Pensions. 

“Our work – and that of other organisations across our district – is driving the skills agenda and helping the economic and social regeneration of the town and region.

“Keighley as a location has a lot to offer including its proximity to beautiful countryside, Bronte Country, Cliffe Castle and the famous Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

“I look forward to welcoming lots of potential new employees on Tuesday 6 July, giving them a virtual tour of our cutting-edge facilities, and hearing from them about how they can contribute to our continuing success story.”

Virtual slots for Keighley College Staff Careers and Recruitment Day are available at 12 noon, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.

For more details and to book a place visit keighleycollege.ac.uk .

The college currently has positions available in a number of fields including teaching, learning support, technical, students support, leadership, administration, training and facilities.

To find out more about job opportunities at Keighley College visit https://keighleycollege.ac.uk/college-campus-information/jobs-career-opportunities, call 01535 68500 or email enquiries@keighleycollege.ac.uk.