Apprenticeship Engagement & Development Manager – Commercial Trades

Trafford College Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 days annual leave

Pension 15%

Costa Coffee onsite

Employee Assistance Programme

Professional Development plan

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Trafford & Stockport College Group is seeking an Apprenticeship Engagement & Development Manager to drive the growth of its Commercial Trades apprenticeship provision in Greater Manchester.

You’ll own a portfolio of employers, build strong relationships and create a healthy pipeline of vacancies and starts, guiding from initial enquiry to enrolment. Strong commercial sense and knowledge of apprenticeship funding are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in apprenticeships or employer engagement with a track record of developing employer relationships.
• Ability to work with employers to identify workforce needs and fund apprenticeship solutions.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills with the ability to manage multiple employers.

Responsibilities

• Own a portfolio of employers, developing long-term relationships and a healthy apprenticeship pipeline.
• Guide employers from enquiry through recruitment and enrolment, including funding navigation.
• Work with internal teams to deliver opportunities and use labour market information to shape future provision.
• Meet employer engagement and recruitment targets and present apprenticeship proposals.

Skills

Employer engagement

Business development

Recruitment

Training

CRM

Communication

Negotiation

Influencing

Education

Level 2 English & Maths

Tools

CRM systems

Digital Apprenticeship Service

Job description

Apprenticeship Engagement & Development Manager – Commercial Trades

£45,321- £50,004

Old Trafford, Stretford, M32 0XH

Contract: Full-time, Permanent ¦ 36.25 hours per week

Closing date: 22nd November 2026

Unlocking potential, for successful futures

At Trafford & Stockport College Group, we believe everyone across our city region should have access to the education, skills and opportunities they need to succeed in life and work.

Trafford & Stockport College Group is looking for an Apprenticeship Engagement & Development Manager to drive the growth of its Commercial Trades apprenticeship provision.

This is a great opportunity for someone who combines strong commercial instincts with a genuine understanding of apprenticeships. You’ll work directly with employers, understand their workforce and skills challenges and develop apprenticeship solutions that work for their business, while creating valuable opportunities for apprentices across Greater Manchester.

About the role

You’ll take ownership of a portfolio of new and existing employers, developing strong, long-term relationships and creating a healthy pipeline of apprenticeship vacancies and starts across Commercial Trades and other priority areas.

From that first employer conversation through to recruitment, onboarding and enrolment, you’ll be there throughout the journey. You’ll identify opportunities, understand workforce requirements and help employers navigate apprenticeship funding, including levy and non-levy arrangements, levy transfers and Digital Apprenticeship Service accounts.

There’s a strong commercial element to the position too. You’ll work towards employer engagement, recruitment and income targets, prepare and present apprenticeship proposals and turn employer enquiries into sustainable business opportunities.

Internally, you’ll work closely with Employer Partnerships, curriculum, delivery, MIS, Finance and Marketing teams to make sure opportunities can be delivered effectively. You’ll also use labour market intelligence and employer feedback to identify opportunities and help shape future apprenticeship provision.

About you

You’ll be a natural relationship builder who is comfortable talking to employers, understanding their challenges and turning conversations into opportunities.

You’ll ideally have experience within apprenticeships, employer engagement, business development, recruitment or training, with a track record of developing employer relationships and working towards commercial, recruitment or performance targets.

A good understanding of the apprenticeship landscape is important, including apprenticeship standards, funding and the Digital Apprenticeship Service. You’ll also be confident managing the employer journey from initial enquiry through to recruitment and enrolment.

Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills will be key, along with the organisation to manage multiple employers, vacancies and priorities at the same time. You’ll also be comfortable using CRM information, data and employer insight to manage your pipeline and identify new opportunities.

You’ll need Level 2/GCSE English and Maths or equivalent, together with either a relevant professional qualification or significant relevant experience.

Exceptional Benefits Package

• 40 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Generous company pension contribution 15%
• Onsite Costa Coffee & Subsidies staff canteen
• Employee Assistance Programme that extends the supports to your family members
• Tailored Professional Development plan
• Free onsite Parking

All employees, including senior managers, will normally be appointed to the minimum point of the pay grade for the job. In certain cases, it may be appropriate to appoint to a higher point in the pay grade at the discretion of the Director of HR & Performance due to the candidate’s current salary, experience or qualifications.

Staff at Trafford & Stockport College Group go above and beyond to ensure that our students get the best possible teaching and support to enable them to reach their ambitions. We expect the very highest standards for all students, and this is evidenced year after year by our achievement and progression outcomes. If you are passionate about championing inclusion, fostering positive employee experiences, and making a difference, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

TSCG is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to being a Disability Confident Employer, all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job, as set out in the job description and person specification, will be guaranteed an interview.

Trafford & Stockport College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners and expects all staff to share this commitment. Employment at Trafford & Stockport College Group is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Check via the Disclosure and Barring Service and any post in regulated activity will also be subject to an additional barred list check. The Group will meet the costs associated with this.

Please note that Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 requires us to carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on successful candidates.

The role is open to direct applicants only.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we are unfortunately not able to respond to each applicant. If you have not been called for interview within 3 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

About TSCG

Making a difference together... At Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG), we’re more than just a workplace – we’re a community where everyone belongs. Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive. It doesn’t matter if you’re teaching in the classroom, working behind the scenes, or leading from the front, your role makes a real difference.

Why join us?

Becoming part of TSCG means joining an ambitious, forward-thinking college group dedicated to shaping brilliant futures. Whether you’re supporting learners on their journey, driving innovation, or helping to build strong employer partnerships, you’ll be part of a team that believes in collaboration, growth, and making a positive impact