PeoplePlus UK
Cover Instructor/Trainer

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Variety. Purpose. Impact. Make every day count.
Are you adaptable, hands-on and confident working with people?
We're looking for a Prison Industries Cover Instructor to provide essential support across a range of prison workshops, stepping in to keep purposeful activity running when permanent instructors are unavailable.
This is a varied role where no two days are necessarily the same. You'll work across different environments including manufacturing, cleaning, waste management, horticulture, sewing, upcycling and other prison industries, using your skills and adaptability to keep learners engaged, productive and developing.
What you'll be doing
- Provide cover across a variety of prison workshops during periods of sickness, annual leave or other planned and unplanned absence.
- Deliver practical, hands-on instruction and support prisoners to complete planned workshop activities.
- Adapt quickly to different industries, equipment, processes and working environments.
- Assess individual needs and provide appropriate guidance and support to help prisoners develop their skills.
- Supervise and motivate prisoners, maintaining a safe, positive and productive workshop environment.
- Ensure production targets, quality standards and workshop schedules are maintained.
- Work closely with Workshop Instructors and Managers to ensure smooth handovers and continuity of activity.
- Collaborate with prison staff, Work & Skills Coaches and case managers to support prisoner development and rehabilitation.
- Maintain accurate attendance records, shift reports, quality checks and other workshop documentation.
- Provide relevant feedback on prisoner progress to support sentence planning, parole and wider case management.
- Maintain strict control and accountability of tools, equipment and materials in line with prison security requirements.
- Complete and contribute to risk assessments and ensure all health & safety procedures are followed.
- Communicate effectively with operational and security teams, including via radio, and report incidents appropriately.
- Carry out Level A and Level B searches at the end of sessions in line with prison procedures.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Why this role matters
This isn't a traditional "cover" role.
You'll be a key part of keeping purposeful activity running, ensuring prisoners continue to develop practical skills and make positive use of their time, even when their usual instructor isn't available.
You'll have the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries, gain experience in different workshop environments and build strong relationships with colleagues and learners across the prison.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
It's a role that requires flexibility, confidence and initiative and offers plenty of variety in return.
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who is hands-on, adaptable and comfortable working across different environments.
You'll ideally have:
- Experience working in a practical, vocational, manufacturing or workshop environment.
- The ability to quickly learn new processes, equipment and working practices.
- Experience supervising, coaching or supporting others.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- A good understanding of health & safety and risk assessment.
- The ability to remain calm, professional and confident in challenging situations.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- A genuine interest in helping people develop practical skills and make positive progress.
Experience working within a prison, custodial, education or other secure environment would be advantageous, but isn't essential.
Join us and make a difference
If you're looking for a varied role where you can use your practical skills to support rehabilitation, learning and employment, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help keep skills, opportunities and brighter futures moving forward.
LNKD1_UKTJ
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location