Why work for TIE?
How do you want to spend your summer? Well, you could flip burgers, serve beer to drunk people, restock shelves in your local supermarket or…
…see the delighted faces of kids when they have an unforgettable experience with TIE. With TIE? Of course, with! YOU help to make the experience unforgettable and make a difference to their lives. They will remember their two weeks for a long time, and you can be a part of this.
We are looking for EFL teachers, activity leaders, managers and house parents to make the schools and camps run smoothly during the summer. Recruitment usually starts in January each year and the process is pretty straightforward:
- Apply
- Interview
- Offer
- Accept
- Sign
- Train
- Arrive
- Enjoy
TIE will have its own easy-to-use recruitment portal from January onwards. Any questions or if you want to register your interest before then, write to us at [email protected].
The serious stuff
Our students are children and, remember, parents are sending their precious children to be looked after by people they don’t know, to a place they have never been to.
We have a duty of care and a legal obligation to make sure we are hiring the right people. This means that successful candidates will need to supply two referees, and we will need to do a background check. Make sure you have no gaps in CVs/employment history, or you can explain that you were inter-railing around Scandinavia for a month or volunteering in Botswana.
You must be eligible to work in the country where the school or camp is located. TIE cannot sponsor visa applications.
Remember, though, if you are an EU-based applicant who wants to work in the UK, and you have worked in the UK before, you may be entitled to apply for a Frontier Work Permit.
It’s free to apply for – and you can’t say that very often about immigration services. So if this is you, get cracking, and don’t wait till a month before the summer…it takes a bit of time
All staff will get:
- access to MS 365/Teams
- a TIE goodie bag
- pre-arrival and onsite training
- full support from Head Office
- Contract Completion bonus
Some staff will get:
- Refer a Friend bonus
- Refer a Student bonus
- Loyalty bonus
- UK staff holiday pay (higher than statutory minimum)
- Star Employee bonus
Our staff are valuable to us – without you, we have no school or camp.
Please read our FAQ’s below before applying.
If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected]
Application & Recruitment Process
Why work for TIE?
Our strap line says it all: “Creating Experiences, Changing Lives”. We hope this is the case, not just for students, but for staff as well. We need staff to buy into our values:
• Commitment to Students & Staff – We are a “people organisation” committed to treating everyone with care and respect, while maintaining the safety and well-being of everyone
• Transparency – Commitment comes from all stake holders knowing and understanding how we work and what is expected
• Communication – Transparency comes from being able to keep everyone informed at all levels, using all methods available clearly, concisely, unambiguously
• Empathy – Communication is only effective when we understand and value each others’ points of view
• Equality – Everyone must be treated equally, regardless of their age, gender, racial heritage, religious beliefs or sexual orientation or identity
• Quality – Following these values will enable us to deliver the highest quality.
Our courses in the UK are accredited by the British Council and our most recent inspection took place in 2022.
What qualifications and experience do I need to work at TIE summer schools?
We welcome applicants with a ‘Can do’ approach and excellent communication skills who are enthusiastic, adaptable, and able to work under pressure and as part of a team…but with a smile on their face.
Previous experience in a similar role or in a summer school environment is an advantage but not a deal-breaker.
We are fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all students studying at our summer schools All applicants must have a responsible approach to working with juniors.
For further information on the requirements for each role, please see the Job Descriptions.
What is TIE’s recruitment process?
New applicants
(if you are new to TIE, if you have worked for us 3 years or longer ago or if you are applying for a different position)
Submit your application on TIE recruitment portal
If shortlisted, you will be invited to a 30-minute video interview. If you have applied for a management position you might undergo a second interview.
If successful at your interview you will be sent a conditional job offer, subject to:
• a satisfactory DBS certificate including a check of the Barred list – or local equivalent
• a minimum of two satisfactory references
• proof of your right to work
After all background checks have been completed and your employment dates and place of work confirmed, you will receive your e-contract.
After you sign your contract and submit other required documentation, we will send your TIE MS365 log-in details which will give you access to our Employee Handbook and various policies that you need to read before you start work
Returning Staff
(Staff that worked for TIE summer schools in the past 2 years and are applying for the same position)
Submit your application on TIE recruitment portal
If shortlisted, you will have a brief online conversation instead of an interview.
The rest of the procedure is the same as above.
Does TIE sponsor visas?
TIE cannot sponsor visa applications.
You must be eligible to work in the country where the TIE summer school is based.
I am an EU Citizen, am I still legally entitled to work in the UK after Brexit?
An EU/EEA passport or national identity card alone is no longer valid proof of someone’s right to work in the UK, you need to have either pre-settled or settled status or a Frontier Work Permit. The UK government offers a youth mobility scheme. It is up to the applicant to apply for this.
What is a DBS check?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check – previously known as a CRB Check –is a way for TIE to check applicants’ criminal records and help decide whether they are a suitable person to work for us.
The welfare of our students is paramount, and all staff working at our summer schools in the UK are required to have a satisfactory Enhanced DBS with Barred List Check and, where applicable, an overseas check.
What is the cost of a DBS check? Will TIE cover it?
The cost of an Enhanced DBS with Barred List Check is £43
TIE will cover the full cost for returning staff if they join the DBS Update Service at their own expense. If they do not join the DBS Update Service, TIE will cover 50% of its cost and in the coming years, staff will have to pay the full cost of the DBS.
TIE will cover 50% of the DBS cost for new staff – the remaining 50% will be deducted from the final salary.
However, if staff do not complete their contract, the full amount will be deducted from the salary.
TIE will not cover the cost of Overseas Police Checks for staff working in the UK.
What is the DBS Update service?
It is an online subscription service that lets you keep your DBS certificate up-to-date and allows employers to check a certificate online.
By joining the DBS Update Service:
• you will save time and money
• you can take your DBS certificate from role to role (if within the same workforce, where the same type and level of check is required)
• Employers can carry out instant online status checks.
The service costs £13 per year. For further information please visit Gov.uk
If I am offered a role in the UK and I have never been to the UK, do I still need to undergo a DBS check?
Yes, in line with the current legislation, you must undergo a DBS check even if you have never been to the UK. You will also have to provide an Overseas Police Check.
Can you accept a DBS check certificate from previous employment?
We can, only if it is an Enhanced DBS with Barred List Check and you joined the DBS update service. If not, you will have to undergo a new check.
Will I be required to undertake a DBS check if I work in Italy or the USA?
If you are offered a role in Italy and the USA you will be required to have a local equivalent: “Certificato del Casellario Giudiziale” for Italy (obtained by the applicant) and “Background check” for the USA (obtained by TIE).
TIE will cover its full cost for returning staff and 50% of its cost for new staff.
However, if staff do not complete their contract, the full amount will be deducted from the salary.
Where are TIE summer schools?
Our summer schools are based in the USA, UK and Italy. Please refer to the Locations page on this website for further information.
Will I be able to choose which school I work at?
You will be asked if you have any school preferences at the interview and your preferences will be taken into account.
However, we cannot guarantee you will work at your preferred school, as offers of employment are made based on applicants’ availability, centre dates, skills and experience.
Training
What training do TIE provide?
We provide comprehensive, blended training to all staff.
All staff will have to complete Safeguarding training before student arrival and staff working in the UK will be required to complete online Prevent training.
Training is free of charge.
What is blended training?
Some training will be online and some will be in person, on-site before the students arrive.
Working Hours & Rate of Pay
What is the working pattern?
All staff will work 6 days per week with a full day off. Staff will generally work two sessions per day, while managers will manage their time according to the needs of the role.
All staff will be requested to opt-out of the 48-hour working time directive.
Can I choose my days off?
Days off will be decided by the Centre Manager. If you require a specific day off – for graduation or any other important event – please let us know during the interview.
What are the rates of pay?
Rates of pay depend on the role and experience and will be discussed at the interview stage.
All staff will receive a Contract Completion Bonus – subject to successful completion of their contract – and returning staff will receive a Returner Bonus.
If you work in the UK, in your final pay, you will receive holiday pay on the basic and contract completion pay at the rate of 13%.
Do TIE provide accommodation and meals?
Residential positions will include accommodation on-site for the length of your contract and three meals per day. Sometimes, this will be a packed meal, depending on the catering provision at the centre.
Non-residential positions will be able to have one meal included, where the member of staff has to work two consecutive shifts e.g. morning and afternoon or afternoon and evening. If you only work one shift per day, no meals are included.
Will I be paid for training/set-up days?
All staff will be paid a daily rate, which will be advised according to the country you work in.
How and when will I get paid?
You will be paid monthly in arrears. Your salary will be transferred directly into your bank account. We will advise the exact day nearer the time, but it tends to be at the end of the first week of August.
If you start in June, this will be added to your July salary.
If you work into August, you will receive an additional payment at the end of August for this period. You will still receive your July pay as stated above.
Working at TIE summer schools
Will I live on campus?
All our roles are offered as residential. On occasion, we employ non-residential Activity Leaders and Teachers.
What type of accommodation do TIE provide?
Accommodation depends on the school and details can be discussed at the interview stage. Most accommodation will have a lock but there are some exceptions.
Some roles require employees to stay in the same flat or house or accommodation block with students for supervision reasons and in case of emergencies. You may be asked to move rooms during your contract.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
You will be provided with a uniform (top only), which you must wear when on duty. This needs to be returned at the end of your employment. Any uniform not returned will be charged for and deducted from your final pay. Any uniform which is unusable due to fair wear and tear will not be charged.
Are there laundry facilities at the school?
Washing machines and dryers are available at most schools. Depending on the locations they are either free or have a small extra cost.
Can I bring visitors to the school I’m working at?
Due to safeguarding reasons, visitors are not permitted on site.
What do I need to bring to the school with me?
Bed linen is provided, but towels are provided only at our schools in Italy. It is not advised to bring valuables; TIE will not accept liability for any damage or loss to personal belongings.
Can I arrive a day before or stay an extra night?
Arrival and departure outside of the contracted dates are not included. In some circumstances, TIE can arrange for this but there may be a charge to cover the cost.
Can you cater for allergies and dietary requirements?
Special dietary requirements can be catered for at most schools, but advance notice must be given.
Please inform us or speak to the Centre Manager on arrival.
Is parking available at TIE schools?
Limited parking is available at some schools. If you intend to travel to the school by car, we recommend you inform us in advance and we will do our best to assist. Parking at our New York summer school is chargeable.
Is there Wi-Fi at TIE schools?
Wi-Fi is available at all our schools.