Workshop Instructor - Manufacturing & Recycling

PeoplePlus

  • York
  • £28,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Are you practical, people-focused, and ready to make a real impact? We’re looking for a Workshop Instructor – Manufacturing & Recycling to lead a dynamic prison workshop focused on recycling and light manufacturing turning waste materials into valuable products like mattress toppers, pet beds, and pillows, while also supporting sustainability initiatives both locally and internationally.This is not your average workshop. It’s a space for purpose, progress, and second chances.About the RoleAs the Instructor, you’ll manage the daily operations of the recycling and production workshop, supervising a team of prisoners as they develop hands-on skills and contribute to meaningful, environmentally conscious projects.You’ll be responsible for setting work schedules, maintaining production quality, and ensuring the workshop runs safely and efficiently. You’ll also play a key role in preparing individuals for future employment by embedding key employability skills into daily routines and supporting the delivery of warehousing qualifications where relevant.Working closely with Work & Skills Coaches and custodial staff, you'll contribute to each prisoner’s personal development and rehabilitation journey.What You’ll Be Doing
  • Induct prisoners into the workshop, covering health and safety, tool control, and production processes.
  • Lead and motivate the workshop team, ensuring productivity, discipline, and personal growth.
  • Manage daily production targets and quality standards to meet external contract requirements.
  • Carry out regular health and safety risk assessments and maintain strict tool security in line with prison protocols.
  • Support prisoners in developing transferable employability skills such as timekeeping, quality control, and teamwork.
  • Deliver or support the assessment of warehousing qualifications where appropriate.
  • Keep accurate records of attendance, productivity, and individual progress.
  • Provide reports and feedback for sentence planning, ACCT reviews, and incident reporting.
  • Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure the smooth running of the workshop and alignment with wider resettlement objectives.
What We’re Looking ForWe’re seeking someone with:
  • Experience in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, or recycling, ideally in a supervisory or instructional role.
  • Strong people-management skills and the ability to build a positive, structured work environment.
  • A solid understanding of workplace health and safety standards.
  • Organisational ability to manage stock, schedules, and performance monitoring.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills.
  • An understanding of security expectations within a custodial setting or a willingness to learn.
Experience delivering or assessing vocational qualifications is desirable but not essential we’ll support you to gain this.Why This Role MattersThis workshop gives people the opportunity to gain skills, purpose, and pride in their work. Through recycling and production, prisoners are not only learning valuable trades they’re making a meaningful contribution to the environment and society.

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