Calling all course reps and apprentice reps!

• Do you have experience as a course rep or apprentice rep?
• Will you be a student or apprentice during 2021-22?

If so, and you would like to earn some income, apply to be a sparqs' Associate Trainer to train student representatives during academic year 2021-22!

No previous training experience is required, we will provide comprehensive training at our annual 3-day training event on 24th-26th August 2021, taking place online via Zoom. The role offers a competitive hourly rate of pay and flexible working hours to fit in with your studies.

During 2020-21, all CRT was delivered online as a result of COVID-19 and, at the time of recruiting, it is envisaged that training will continue online during 2021-22. However, it is possible that some sessions may be delivered in-person later in the academic year, if permitted under COVID regulations.

Here’s what previous trainers have said about the role:

• “What started as a part-time job when I was studying for my course has led on to so much more".
• "Working as an AT for sparqs for over 3 years enabled me to really develop my skills as a trainer; performing this role led directly on to me becoming a college lecturer".
• "The AT role is a great job for students as you can fit it round your studies, there are lots of amazing personal development from sparqs and you get paid to meet lots of lovely students".

Vacancy Summary

ATs are students and apprentices who are employed to train student representatives who are involved in commenting on their learning and teaching experience within their institutions of study, to enhance representative systems and ensure that the student voice is heard. sparqs has been training students to be Associate Trainers for 16 years.

As an AT you will be expected to deliver a minimum of 8 training sessions in each semester where demand exists; with up to 2 sessions being delivered in any one day. You will be offered available training sessions and if your timetable allows then you sign up to those which suit you, making it a completely flexible and unique opportunity.

ATs also have responsibility for completing administrative duties for all training sessions that they deliver and forwarding relevant information to sparqs, including the tallying of student evaluation sheets and the completion of attendance sheets, time sheet and expense forms. This is a key element of the role as this data directly feeds into our Outcome Agreement.

To be eligible, an applicant needs to be a student or apprentice in the coming academic year 2021-22, and have had experience as an Apprentice/Course Representative. The role may appeal to students with existing training experience. However, training experience is not essential, as extensive training is provided at a 3-day mandatory training course which runs from Tuesday 24th to Thursday 26th August 2021. This training, along with other induction and development days, will equip ATs to develop their skills and knowledge as trainers.

During 2020-21, all CRT was delivered online as a result of COVID-19 and, at the time of recruiting, it is envisaged that training will continue online during 2021-22. However, it is possible that some sessions may be delivered in-person later in the academic year, if permitted under COVID regulations.

This is a truly unique and exciting opportunity which will develop you personally and your skills. Previous Associate Trainers have commented on the positive influence that the role has had on them, here are just some of their comments:

“What started as a part-time job when I was studying for my course has led on to so much more".

"Working as an AT for sparqs for over 3 years enabled me to really develop my skills as a trainer; performing this role led directly on to me becoming a college lecturer".

"The AT role is a great job for students as you can fit it round your studies, there are lots of amazing personal development from sparqs and you get paid to meet lots of lovely students".

In order to fulfil the role you must be able to attend the mandatory online training event, starting on Tuesday 24th August and finishing Thursday 26th August 2021.

• Job Description and Person Specification
• Background Information
• Application Form
• Application Form Guidance Notes

Successful candidates will be subject to a Disclosure Scotland check under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

Further information

If you require further information about sparqs, Course Rep Training or the role of an Associate Trainer please contact Justin Walker, Development Consultant – justin.walker@sparqs.ac.uk or on 07880 192722.