Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Lead

Job Summary The post holder leads and facilitates the Apprenticeship and Widening Participation team to provide a range of vocational (apprenticeship) qualifications, career and development interventions in support of a range of workforce and the Trust's Apprenticeship and Widening Participation agendas, including overseeing the Trust's work experience and T-Level placement offer. Reporting to the Strategic Lead – Learning and Development the post holder will provide expertise to facilitate the development, delivery and monitoring of Gloucestershire Health and Care apprenticeship programme, including the management of the Apprenticeship Levy, procurement, quality processes and collaborative activity with healthcare partners across One Gloucestershire Integrated Care System. Main Duties of the Job Plan and organise the provision of apprenticeship programmes for the GHC workforce. Work autonomously to undertakes analysis and interpretation of highly complex facts and situations, comparing options to enable decisions to be made from a range of options to move the work streams forwards. Advising on the suitability of apprenticeship roles including identification of suitable standards and levels of qualification. Coordinate programmes funded under the Apprenticeship Levy. Work with procurement colleagues to oversee relevant procurement processes. Develop and review relevant strategy documents, plans, policies and procedures as required. Prepare, contribute to and where required deliver written reports, papers and presentations to the Executive, Senior Leadership and Operational Management. Provide line management support and advice to the staff working within the Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Team. Lead in all aspects of quality assurance for commissioned apprenticeship training programmes. Oversee the monitoring of learners' progress, and maintain close collaborative relationships with training providers, managers and learners to ensure timely completion and the coordination of the end‑point assessment. Engage with local T‑Level providers and operational colleagues to inform academic content and secure placement opportunities. Proactively enable T‑Level students to navigate systems and processes to engage them with the temporary staffing office and secure employment. Provide support to managers where learners fail to achieve their learning outcomes. Provide appropriate pastoral care for apprentices new to the organisation during the period of their apprenticeship and/or work experience, including mediation if necessary and, for apprentices, support to find suitable employment at the end of their programme. Participate in the delivery, design and evaluation of staff development activities to support apprenticeships where required. Ensure effective recording, monitoring and reporting of information that evidences achievement of national and local standards & targets. Establish effective communication and engagement channels to keep senior corporate and operational colleagues aware of Apprenticeship and Widening Participation activities, priorities and progress. Lead, plan and design appropriate communications to promote the apprenticeship programme. Undertake robust and effective evaluation of learning interventions to secure quality outcomes and to advance action plans agreed to meet any identified gaps. Explore and promote innovative methods of learning which support improvement in practice. Design and lead a robust work‑experience programme to ensure a future pipeline of school leavers choosing careers and apprenticeships in healthcare. About Us We have a skilled and dedicated workforce of over 5000 colleagues working in a diverse range of services across 55 sites and within people’s homes. We strive to enable a welcoming workplace culture that builds and celebrates civility, inclusivity and diversity, while providing a sense of belonging and trust. 72% of colleagues would recommend the Trust as a place to work, ranking us 1st for Provider Trusts in the South West region. 76% would recommend the standard of care provided in our services if a friend or relative needed treatment, also ranking us 1st in the South West region. 81% said that care of patients and service users is the Trust's priority, compared with an average in comparable NHS Trusts in England of 64%. Details Date posted: 24 November 2025 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 7 Salary: Depending on experience; salary above minimum will be considered Contract: Fixed term Duration: 12 months Working pattern: Full‑time Reference number: 327‑25‑970 Job Locations Invista, NHS Training Hub, Invista, Ermin St, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4HP Person Specification Essential Qualifications Undergraduate Degree Post Graduate qualifications e.g. Masters, working towards or equivalent level experience Desirable Qualifications Leadership Qualification or equivalent level experience Facilitating Learning and Development qualification or equivalent experience Essential Experience Significant experience and record of achievement in delivering apprenticeship programmes to required cost, quality, working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. An excellent understanding of apprenticeship standards and the Apprenticeship Levy, including implications for the healthcare sector, funding arrangements, challenges related to implementation and the role of different organisations/providers. A good working knowledge of the initiatives relating to the widening participation agenda and the associated national & regional strategies for development & training including T‑Levels and work experience. Previous experience of providing pastoral support to staff / apprentices and/or learners, including the development of plans to support managers of apprentices/learners who are not achieving their learning outcomes. Effective planning, organisational and project management skills, with a strong record of achieving objectives and delivering to tight timescales. Desirable Experience Evidence of implementing and managing continuous quality assurance and improvement procedures. Essential Professional / Managerial / Specialist Knowledge Excellent oral and written communication skills, including highly developed interpersonal and relationship management skills, effective influencing, negotiating and presentation skills. Evidence of developing, leading and managing a team effectively. In‑depth working knowledge of apprenticeships, T‑Levels, work experience and widening participation agenda. Desirable Professional / Managerial / Specialist Knowledge Experience of contributing and driving quality assurance and service improvement, including clinical governance and quality standards. Essential Personal Skills, Abilities and Attributes Excellent understanding of change management and performance management processes with a proven track record of successful delivery. Solution orientated, demonstrate ability to problem‑solve effectively and to produce creative and practical solutions. Credibility, demonstrate ability to quickly gain and maintain credibility and establish rapport with senior managers and clinicians. Ability to engage with and support potentially highly emotional staff at all levels in group or individual situations, e.g. anxious, angry, upset staff, management of conflict. Able to recognise and address inequality and discrimination with an understanding of supporting individuals with reasonable adjustments. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered along with all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found on criminal records checks for overseas applicants. Employer Details Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust Invista, NHS Training Hub, Invista, Ermin St, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4HP Website: https://www.ghc.nhs.uk/who-we-are/jobs/ #J-18808-Ljbffr