A college lecturer from Ceredigion has been permanently removed from the professional register following multiple instances of inappropriate conduct, including falling asleep during lessons, neglecting his supervisory responsibilities, and making offensive remarks about his students. The Education Workforce Council Wales (EWC) concluded after a four-day hearing that Benjamin Dick’s actions demonstrated a “reckless disregard” for professional standards and the safety of learners.
Mr Dick, who had been employed as an automotive engineering lecturer at Coleg Ceredigion since September 2019, resigned from his post in March 2024 after concerns were formally raised by a colleague, Antony Goellnitz. The subsequent investigation uncovered a range of concerning behaviours, many of which were substantiated during the disciplinary hearing held remotely between 7 and 10 July 2025.
Serious allegations presented to the panel included Mr Dick routinely using foul and derogatory language to describe students, both in their presence and to other colleagues. Examples included referring to learners as “d***heads,” “little s**ts,” and even “a right c***.” Some students, the majority of whom were teenagers, said the constant use of profanities made the environment feel more like a peer gathering than a formal learning setting. One recalled, “It was like being taught by another teenager rather than a responsible adult.”
In addition to his offensive language, Dick was found to have regularly fallen asleep while at work – sometimes loudly snoring – and spent time playing games on his mobile phone during both theoretical and workshop sessions. According to evidence from Mr Goellnitz, it was commonplace to find Dick with his feet up on his desk, engrossed in his phone while students worked unsupervised in the workshop. This lack of oversight was deemed particularly egregious considering students were at risk of serious injury, such as being crushed while working beneath vehicles.
Incidents of inappropriate behaviour extended beyond neglect. The panel heard that Dick had, on occasion, thrown objects including his mobile phone and a crocodile clip, kicked a door in anger, and used vile terms to refer to his own partner. His outbursts were witnessed by both staff and students, contributing to a deteriorating atmosphere within the department.
The impact of Dick’s misconduct was felt in student outcomes and the college’s reputation. Chairman of the panel, Stephen Powell, noted that some Level One learners withdrew from their courses, while others failed to graduate on time—directly attributing these setbacks to the toxic environment created by Dick’s behaviour.
While Mr Dick was not present during the hearing and did not submit a formal response to the allegations, he had previously admitted in correspondence that he “dozed off” at work and, during the college inquiry, expressed regret for some aspects of his conduct. He also provided three character references and the panel was informed of personal issues affecting him, though there was doubt as to whether the referees were fully aware of the allegations.
Ultimately, the EWC found most of the nine serious allegations against Dick proven, including gross unprofessionalism, verbal abuse, and insufficient supervision of potentially dangerous automotive work. Two specific allegations regarding allowing students’ vehicles to leave the college in an unsafe condition were not sustained.
The disciplinary panel’s final decision was to impose a Prohibition Sanction, striking Dick off the teaching register and barring any application for readmission for at least two years. Should he seek to return to the profession, he will have to convince a regulatory committee of his suitability. Dick does retain the right to appeal the decision in the High Court within 28 days.
This case highlights the paramount importance of safeguarding standards within further education settings, especially where student welfare and practical safety are concerned. The EWC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding these standards, emphasising that any deviation will be addressed with seriousness and rigour.