Early Careers & Apprenticeship Programme Lead

Arriva Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Arriva Group in the UK bus operations seeks an experienced Early Careers & Apprenticeship Manager to lead development, delivery and performance of early careers programmes, with apprenticeships at the core. You will build talent pipelines, work with leaders and HR, and ensure programmes align to workforce planning, governance and funding requirements while maximising levy utilisation.

The role covers graduate programmes, internships, work experience, and other emerging pathways, with national

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing apprenticeship and/or early careers programmes within complex environments such as transport, engineering or logistics.
• Strong understanding of apprenticeship funding, compliance, levy management and standards.
• Experience designing talent pipelines or emerging talent programmes for operational populations.
• Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence senior leaders and external partners.
• Data-driven with ability to measure programme performance and business impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operations Early Careers strategy and ensure programmes meet workforce needs.
• Design and implement apprenticeship pathways across functions (operational, engineering, business support).
• Coordinate broader early careers initiatives including graduates, internships, placements and work experience.
• Create a demand plan aligned to workforce planning and business priorities.
• Partner with leaders to identify skills gaps and develop talent solutions.
• Promote Arriva as an employer of choice for emerging talent through targeted initiatives.
• Manage end-to-end apprenticeship lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding and progression.
• Ensure compliance with funding regulations, standards and governance processes.
• Maximise apprenticeship levy investment and monitor ROI.
• Monitor engagement, completion and progression; coach managers and stakeholders.
• Travel regularly across Arriva's national operation to support programmes.

Skills

Apprenticeship management

Stakeholder management

Programme leadership

Data-driven decision making

Relationship building

Project management

Willingness to travel

Job description

Arriva Group in the UK bus operations seeks an experienced Early Careers & Apprenticeship Manager to lead development, delivery and performance of early careers programmes, with apprenticeships at the core. You will build talent pipelines, work with leaders and HR, and ensure programmes align to workforce planning, governance and funding requirements while maximising levy utilisation.

The role covers graduate programmes, internships, work experience, and other emerging pathways, with national