You'll need:

• the ability to teach pupils how to do something
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You would also need to meet the usual Prison Service entry requirements, which include nationality and security checks. See HM Prison & Probation Service for more details.

You'll need, or be prepared to work towards, a level 3 vocational qualification in your subject area or trade.

You may find it useful to do qualifications in assessment, like the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

Entry requirements

You may need:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Further information

Find out more about working for HM Prison & Probation Service and about specialist production instructor roles in:

• engineering
• waste management
• textiles
• horticulture

In your day-to-day duties, you could:

• act as a role model for prisoners
• introduce new prisoners to the workshop health and safety rules
• update prisoners' learning and attendance records
• support prisoners working towards qualifications
• monitor discipline and behaviour
• search prisoners using 'rub down" or "pat down" method
• keep the workshop area and tools safe and in working order
• maintain stocks of equipment and materials

You could work in a prison.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and physically and emotionally demanding.