Director of Apprenticeships & Employability

Sandwell College; West Bromwich; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in West Bromwich seeks an exceptional Director of Apprenticeships & Employability to lead transformative programmes that engage employers and empower learners. The role involves strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with regulatory bodies, ensuring high-quality vocational education. Competitive salary with significant benefits, including generous leave and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Top-Tier Salaries

Unbeatable Time Off

Fast-Track Your Career

Cycle to Work Scheme

Exclusive Discounts on Onsite Services

Fitness Perks

Generous Pension Contributions

Retail & Travel Discounts

Free Will Writing

Free Flu Vaccine

Wellbeing Support

Recognition events and celebration days

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading large-scale apprenticeship or employability programmes.
• Experience working with employers and training providers.
• Familiarity with FE sector regulations and funding models.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of programmes.
• Drive employer engagement and partnership development.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and performance targets.

Skills

Strategic leadership and vision-setting

Stakeholder engagement and relationship-building

Data-driven decision-making

Excellent communication

Financial and contract management

Job description

Application Deadline: 8 October 2025

Department: Central BDU Professional Services

Location: Sandwell College

Compensation: £70,714 - £75,023 / year

Overview

Are you ready to shape the future of work and learning? Sandwell College is seeking an exceptional leader to drive our ambitious Apprenticeships and Employability strategy. This is a unique opportunity to lead transformative programmes that empower learners, engage employers, and deliver real-world impact across our region. As Director of Apprenticeships & Employability, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation—designing and delivering high-quality, employer-responsive provision that meets the evolving needs of industry and the community. You’ll work closely with internal teams, external partners, and national stakeholders to ensure Sandwell College remains a leader in vocational education and workforce development. Join us in creating pathways to success for thousands of learners and helping businesses thrive through skills excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of Apprenticeships and Employability programmes.
• Ensure compliance with DfE, Ofsted, and other regulatory bodies.
• Drive employer engagement and partnership development across sectors.
• Oversee curriculum design, quality assurance, and learner outcomes.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and performance targets.
• Champion innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the College in regional and national forums.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Strategic leadership and vision-setting.
• Deep understanding of apprenticeship standards and employability initiatives.
• Experience of curriculum design to meet needs of employers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building.
• Financial and contract management.
• Data-driven decision-making and performance analysis.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Headline Experience

• Proven track record in leading large-scale apprenticeship or employability programmes.
• Experience leading a business development team to deliver a range of engagement and recruitment targets.
• Experience working with employers, training providers, and funding agencies.
• Familiarity with FE sector regulations, funding models, and quality standards.
• Successful delivery of growth, innovation, and impact in a similar role.

Benefits

• Top-Tier Salaries – sector-leading pay with some of the most competitive salaries around
• Unbeatable Time Off – 35-50 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and extra time off at Christmas
• Fast-Track Your Career – dedicated development days, career pathways, and talent schemes
• Cycle to Work Scheme – a healthier, greener, and more cost-effective way to commute
• Exclusive Discounts on Onsite Services – Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon, dog grooming, car health checks, and more
• Fitness Perks – college gym facilities or discounted rates at local gyms
• Generous Pension Contributions – 23.68% employer contribution for teaching roles and 21.5% for non-teaching roles
• Retail & Travel Discounts – exclusive savings on high street brands, local transport, cross-country travel, UNIDAYS, Student Beans and Blue Light Discount
• Free Will Writing – professional support for future planning
• Free Flu Vaccine – available at no cost
• Wellbeing Support – confidential counselling and wellness platforms
• We Celebrate You! – awards, recognition events, and celebration days throughout the year

Contact

Interested parties are warmly encouraged to discuss the opportunity in confidence with Asa Gordon, Deputy Principal, through Sophie Sinclair on 0121 667 5499 or by contacting [e-mail]