Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026.  The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located.

Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.

The College has two main campuses in Ashington, and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region

Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

About the role

The Animal Management Centre requires two relief Animal Keepers to support the Animal Centre Resource Manager in the maintenance and development of the Centre in line with strategic aims. The Animal Keepers will have a hands-on approach and will ensure the day to day operations of the Centre are carried out to a high standard including the health and welfare of all animals, students and visitors and that the Centre is also presented to a high standard.  

Role Responsibilities 

• Provide daily care Northumberland College Zoos animals on the section each day
• Complete records and maintain welfare standards  
• Support teaching staff to prepare resources for teaching
• Support students to develop animal specific knowledge, skills, and behaviours.
• Maintain equipment and resources.
• Maintain enclosures and the grounds of the Zoo 

Qualifications

• Qualification to level 3 in animal related course (or working towards).

Essential Skills & Experience

• Relevant industrial experience of at least two years   
• Experience of working in an animal environment     

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience of working in an educational environment    
• Experience of working within a commercial environment       

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%) 
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.  
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.  
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.  

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Closing Date: 02 Jun 2026

Team: Casual

Salary: £25,949 per annum pro rata

Please Note: Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) is not an application for a specific role. The college will securely store all EOIs and may contact you if a suitable position arises that matches your skills and experience.

Catering Assistant - Casual Work

(For current students only)

Are you a current student at Education Partnership North East, studying at Northumberland College, Sunderland College or Hartlepool Sixth Form?
Do you have free days or availability during the week (Monday–Friday, between the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm) and are looking for flexible, paid work alongside your studies?

We are building a casual bank of student Catering Assistants to provide cover during periods of staff sickness, holiday or increased demand across our college campuses. This role is ideal for students who want flexible, as-needed work that fits around their timetable.

About the Role

Casual Catering Assistants are engaged on an ad-hoc basis, often at short notice, to support catering operations at their local campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and serving a range of hot and cold food and beverages to staff and students
• Assisting with food preparation, deliveries and safe storage
• Supporting internal hospitality and buffet services
• Operating an EPOS till and handling cash and electronic payments
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, including clearing tables, washing dishes and general cleaning
• Following all health, safety and food hygiene regulations

About you

• Previous experience in a café, bar, restaurant or similar customer-facing role is desirable
• Experience using an EPOS till is advantageous
• Good customer service skills
• Level 1 Food Safety qualification, or willingness to undertake training
• Basic allergen and food hygiene awareness, or willingness to undertake training

Additional information

Due to the nature of this role, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are also committed to PREVENT and to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Closing Date: 15 Jan 2026

Team: Casual