Head of Apprenticeships

Fuel Learning | Head of Apprenticeships | Hybrid - Measham, Swadlincote

At the core of our apprenticeship delivery is a commitment to innovation and creativity. We encourage a dynamic, forward-thinking approach, where apprentices are not just taught the theory but are actively engaged in practical, real-world problem-solving.

This hands-on methodology, centred on the principles of Accelerated Learning, ensures that apprentices apply their learning in practical settings, reinforcing the skills and knowledge they acquire throughout their journey. This practical approach enables apprentices to directly contribute to their employers' success; this return on investment is tangible and clearly documented for employers.

By working closely with employers, we tailor the training to meet industry needs, ensuring that every apprentice develops the technical expertise and problem-solving skills required to excel in their field.

Job Purpose:

The Head of Apprenticeships will lead, manage, and continuously improve our apprenticeship provision, ensuring excellence in learner outcomes, regulatory compliance, and safeguarding. As the senior leader responsible for apprenticeships, you will act as the nominee for Ofsted inspection and ESFA audit, ensuring all aspects of the apprenticeship programmes align with regulatory standards.

You will also be accountable for the creation, implementation, and regular updating of the Self-Assessment Report (SAR), Position Papers (where appropriate) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), and for conducting self-assessments of ESFA regulations.

You will bring an innovative approach to apprenticeship standards, in our specialism of leadership and management, and manage relationships with external partners, such as universities, to ensure excellence in programme development and delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Development:

2. Develop and implement the overall strategy for our apprenticeship provision, ensuring alignment with our goals and objectives.

3. Provide the overall leadership of the apprenticeship teams, including the administration of the ILR, ensuring high levels of engagement, performance, and continuous professional development.
4. Oversee both levy and non-levy funded apprenticeship programmes, ensuring that they exceed the needs of employers and learners, providing an aspirational bar for the wider sector.

5. Explore and implement new approaches to apprenticeship standards, specifically tailored to our leadership and management specialism, and remain up-to-date with sector trends and government policy.

6. Ofsted and ESFA Accountability:

7. Act as the nominee for Ofsted inspections, preparing the organisation and leading the response to inspections, ensuring that all standards are met or exceeded.

8. Ensure full compliance with ESFA regulations, conducting regular self-assessments and audits to identify areas for improvement.
9. Lead the creation, implementation, and regular updating of the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), ensuring that actions are followed through to drive continuous improvement in quality and outcomes.

10. Ensure that all apprenticeship programmes meet the highest standards of quality assurance, in line with Ofsted's Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and ESFA requirements.

11. Safeguarding and Learner Welfare:

12. Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for apprenticeships, or appoint and oversee this responsibility, ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners.

13. Implement and maintain robust safeguarding policies, including compliance with the Prevent Duty, and ensure all staff are appropriately trained.

14. Foster a culture of inclusivity, where learner welfare and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are prioritised.

15. Operational Management and Compliance:

16. Ensure that all apprenticeship delivery meets regulatory requirements and is compliant with funding rules, safeguarding procedures, and quality standards.

17. Oversee the effective management of apprenticeship enrolment, retention, and completion, ensuring that all key performance indicators (KPIs) are met or exceeded.

18. Ensure that all necessary data and reporting systems are in place to track progress and performance, providing regular reports to the board of directors and other stakeholders.

19. External Relationships and Partnerships:

20. Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including universities, awarding bodies, and regulatory authorities, to ensure the highest standards of delivery.

21. Collaborate with employers and industry bodies to ensure apprenticeship programmes remain relevant, innovative, and aligned with industry needs.

22. Negotiate and manage contracts and service agreements with external delivery partners, ensuring the highest quality and compliance.

23. Financial and Resource Management:

24. Work with the CFO to support the oversight of the financial management of the apprenticeship provision, ensuring that all programmes are delivered cost-effectively and within budget.

25. Work closely with the finance team to manage apprenticeship funding streams, ensuring transparent and compliant use of apprenticeship levy funds.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• A coaching qualification (e.g., ICF, EMCC) is desired, with a willingness to pursue certification.
• Safeguarding qualification and/or willingness to qualify to level 4, and experience (essential).

Experience:

• Proven track record of successfully managing and leading apprenticeship programmes, including both levy and non-levy funded apprenticeships.
• Proven track record in the provision of degree-level apprenticeships.
• Experience as an Ofsted nominee, with a clear understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF).
• Strong understanding and experience of ESFA regulations and funding requirements.
• Demonstrable experience in creating and implementing Self-Assessment Reports (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plans (QIP), with evidence of driving improvements in quality.
• Experience in establishing and managing relationships with external partners, such as universities and regulatory bodies.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of apprenticeship frameworks, standards, and funding regulations.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and lead a team to achieve high performance.
• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on driving continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Compliance with Ofsted and ESFA standards, evidenced by positive inspection outcomes and audit results.
• Improvement in learner outcomes, including retention and completion rates.
• Successful growth of apprenticeship starts and maintenance of high employer satisfaction.
• Timely creation and regular updating of the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
• Development and implementation of new apprenticeship standards in line with the organisation's leadership and management specialisms.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary of £55,000 – 60,000 per annum
• Location: Hybrid working model, with 2-3 days a week at our head office in Measham (DE12 7HA)
• Comprehensive extended benefits package
• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• State of the art technology
• Free on-site parking
• Sick pay
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values innovation, creativity, and continuous learning

Equal Opportunities Statement:

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity within our organisation and encourage applications from all sections of the community.