Your induction

We think it is important that all staff are made to feel part of the college from day one. Therefore, all new staff receive a college induction. This includes a one-to-one Personnel induction, when you will be advised about your salary, pension and the terms and conditions of your employment; a line manager induction, when you will discuss your role, responsibilities and any training you may require; and a corporate induction, when you, along with other new staff, will meet the Principal and other members of the Executive Team to learn about the West Thames College ethos.

Your professional development

We are proud to be an Investor in People employer and take your personal and professional development seriously. There is a comprehensive staff development programme offered throughout the year for all staff consisting of general compulsory training, e.g. new staff induction, equal opportunities, line management and various health and safety training courses.

There is also a leadership and management development programme for college managers.

If you are a teacher or learning support staff member, you may be required to attain specific qualifications within an agreed time frame when you join the college. To enable you to achieve this, we will support you both financially and by giving you time off to study.

Depending on your individual needs, you may be able to attend specific training courses, or external conferences that contribute towards your professional development. The college may also be able to offer money towards the cost of a professional qualification that you may wish to take to enhance your knowledge and your career development.

We feel it is important that all staff are aware of the college’s strategic aims and are consulted and included in their implementation. For this reason, there are three College Development Days dedicated to staff training each year for all staff. College managers also take part in a Strategic Planning Away Day.

All teaching staff are expected to be proficient with using ICT to support learning, and will be given appropriate training to ensure that they have the requisite skills. Support staff routinely use PCs in their daily roles and will be offered training and development to maintain and improve their ICT skills.

Staff can join any LSC-funded course offered by the college, subject to availability, for free. For those new to teaching, we offer teacher training courses.

Learning development

Our Learning and Development Team offers help and support to teaching staff in order to raise the standard of teaching and learning across the college. They offer specialist training programmes and promote good practice. There is also a mentoring scheme available – giving help and advice to new teaching staff.