Your induction
We want staff to feel part of the college from day one, so all new staff receive a college induction. This includes:
- A one-to-one Human Resources induction. You will be advised about your salary, pension and the terms and conditions of your employment.
- A line manager induction. You will discuss your role, responsibilities and any training you may require.
- A corporate induction. Along with other new staff, you will meet the Principal and other members of the Executive Team to learn about the West Thames College ethos.
Your professional development
We take your personal and professional development seriously. We offer a comprehensive staff development programme for all staff which includes safeguarding, data protection, diversity in the workplace, line management and health and safety training.
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 after joining the college. We will support you to achieve this, 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.
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 four 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 some courses offered by the college for free, subject to availability. 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 to give help and advice to new teaching staff.
