Apprenticeship Development Coach

Northern; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail operator is seeking an Apprenticeship Development Coach to inspire and support trainee apprentices. The role involves coaching, monitoring progress, and ensuring apprentices meet their learning outcomes. Ideal candidates will have coaching experience, a recognized qualification in Learning and Development, and be skilled in digital tools. The role offers a hybrid work model, making it a great opportunity for those passionate about developing others and contributing to the future of rail.

Benefits

Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and dependents

Generous Pension Scheme

Enhanced Family Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and Career Development

Recognition through awards

Qualifications

• Strong coaching and mentoring experience.
• Good knowledge of apprenticeship standards and frameworks.
• Confident using learner management and e-portfolio systems.

Responsibilities

• Coach, support, and motivate apprentices through every stage of their programme.
• Plan, monitor, and review placements to ensure learning outcomes are met.
• Record and track learner progress using digital tools.

Skills

Coaching and mentoring experience

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Word and Excel

Education

Recognised qualification in Learning and Development (minimum Level 3)

Assessor qualification

Tools

Smart Assessor

OneFile

Job description

Location: Manchester (with occasional travel across the Northern network)

Salary: Hours: 37 per week

Contract type: Hybrid

Introduction

As part of our Learning Talent and Development team you’d play a vital role in shaping the next generation of railway talent. Our Apprenticeship Development Coaches inspire support and motivate our Trainee Apprentices helping them grow in confidence knowledge and skill as they begin their careers in rail.

This role sits right at the heart of what Northern stands for connecting people building capability and helping our apprentices make it happen every single day. If you’ve got a passion for coaching others to reach their full potential this could be the perfect next step in your journey.

What you’ll be doing

• Coach support and motivate apprentices through every stage of their programme
• Plan monitor and review placements to make sure learning outcomes are met
• Record and track learner progress using digital tools such as Smart Assessor or OneFile
• Produce progress reports identify trends and share insights with the wider Apprenticeship Team
• Communicate clearly with managers and colleagues to make sure every apprentice gets the right support at the right time
• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of apprentices maintaining a safe and supportive environment
• Keep your own skills sharp through continuous professional development and sharing best practice with peers
• Report to the Apprenticeship Development Coach Team Leader working closely with other coaches across our network

About you

You’ll be someone who brings energy empathy and structure to every conversation. A natural communicator with a genuine love for developing others. You’ll thrive on seeing people progress and succeed.

What you’ll bring

• Strong coaching and mentoring experience
• A recognised qualification in Learning and Development (minimum Level 3) or equivalent plus an assessor qualification
• Good knowledge of apprenticeship standards and frameworks
• Confident using learner management and e-portfolio systems such as Smart Assessor or OneFile
• Skilled in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Excellent communication and organisational skills with a focus on accuracy and detail
• Coaching skills a people-first mindset and a knack for building trust thats what will make you stand out

What's in it for you

At Northern we dont just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing Northern Perks has you covered.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family lifestyle and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North connecting communities creating opportunities and driving sustainable growth. With 2500 trains running daily we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825 the first passenger train set off in the North of England after which rail quickly spread across the globe and this year we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern we don’t just move people from A to B we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background experience or whether you call it a bap barm or cob there’s a place for you here in the railway.