Apprenticeship Adviser

Staffordshire County Council; Stafford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate individual to lead an apprenticeship program aimed at nurturing new talent within the community. This role involves collaborating with hiring managers and training providers to create a supportive environment that fosters career development for underrepresented groups. As part of the People Services team, you will design innovative programs, monitor apprentice progress, and advocate for the value of apprenticeships. If you have a background in HR and a commitment to supporting diverse talent, this is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements

Access to Rewards and Benefits Program

Supportive Work Environment

Qualifications

• Experience in managing apprenticeship programs or learning development roles.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage apprenticeship programs aligned with council goals.
• Assist in recruiting apprentices through various processes.
• Monitor apprentices’ progress and provide necessary support.

Skills

Communication Skills

Coaching and Mentoring

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

IT and Digital Skills

Education

Degree-level education in HR or related field

Tools

Digital Apprentice Service System

Job description

This role focuses on creating and managing an apprenticeship program at Staffordshire County Council, aimed at building career pathways for new talent and supporting those who need it most, such as care leavers and early career entrants.

As the representative of apprenticeships, you'll establish strong relationships with hiring managers, training providers, and candidates to foster growth and success. You'll have the opportunity to develop a program that nurtures fresh talent and provides additional support to underrepresented groups.

You will be part of the People Services team, which leads initiatives to make Staffordshire a great place to work by supporting staff development, creating a positive workplace, and fostering a supportive culture aligned with the four pillars of the People Strategy:

1. Attracting and retaining talented people
2. Promoting a positive working environment
3. Developing skills for the present and future
4. Developing future leaders

Main Responsibilities

• Design and manage apprenticeship programs aligned with council goals and industry standards.
• Assist in recruiting apprentices through advertising, screening, interviewing, and onboarding processes.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and resources to support apprentices' development.
• Monitor apprentices’ progress and offer timely support.
• Collaborate with training providers, colleges, and industry partners to enhance apprenticeship offerings.
• Ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements for apprenticeship programs.
• Maintain accurate records and generate performance reports using the Digital Apprentice Service System.
• Identify opportunities for program improvements and implement innovative training enhancements.
• Represent the council at events and forums, promoting the value of apprenticeships.
• Act as an ambassador for apprenticeships, advocating for their success within the council.

The Ideal Candidate

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience in HR/People-related roles.
• Proven experience managing apprenticeship programs or in learning development roles.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Coaching and mentoring skills to motivate and support apprentices.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address challenges effectively.
• Knowledge of fair, consistent recruitment processes aligned with business needs.
• Organized with good IT and digital skills.

We support flexible working arrangements. For more information, review the attached job description and person specification or contact Laura Chetta, Talent and Resourcing Manager, at [e-mail].

Recruitment stages include application with supporting statement, automated video interview (if applicable), and a final interview with a presentation in the week beginning 2 June 2025. Applications are anonymized during shortlisting to ensure fairness. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are committed to community, ambition, and support for our employees. Our core values—shaped by staff feedback and best practices—drive our culture of pride, belonging, and forward-thinking. We offer a supportive environment and benefits to help staff reach their potential, including access to our rewards and benefits program at Careers at Staffordshire.

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities employer, a Disability Confident organization, and a Gold Award Armed Forces employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and as part of our commitments, we offer guaranteed interviews for candidates meeting minimum criteria.