Progression Mentor

Tyne Coast College; South Shields; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyne Coast College based at South Tyneside College in South Shields is seeking a Progression Mentor to join the Student Services team. You will help learners thrive personally and academically through mentoring, early intervention and holistic support.

You will work with students facing mental health needs, SEMH challenges, and caring responsibilities to boost engagement, attendance and progression, while maintaining accurate records and coordinating with safeguarding colleagues.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or a related subject.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships to identify and remove barriers to learning and progression.
• Provide tailored mentoring, coaching and support plans.
• Support learners with mental health challenges and SEMH needs.
• Monitor attendance and progress with early interventions.
• Plan and deliver group sessions on wellbeing and personal development.
• Promote equality, diversity and belonging through activities.
• Coordinate learner support with curriculum teams and safeguarding colleagues.
• Lead Fitness to Study processes and assist reintegration as needed.
• Maintain records and contribute to service improvement.

Skills

Mentoring

Mental health

Safeguarding

Communication

Attendance

Group sessions

Record keeping

Organisation

Learner-centered

Intervention planning

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Level 3 Health and Social Care

Job description

The Vacancy

CROSS COLLEGE ROLE

Based at South Tyneside College

Student Services

Progression Mentor RTF2627- 3

Permanent

35 hours per week

52 weeks a year

Professional Services

Salary Scale 6

Spine points 20 - 22

£26,761 - £28,524 per annum

Closing Date: Sunday 6th September 2026

Make a Difference Every Day

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Progression Mentor to join our Student Services team and play a key role in supporting learners to thrive both personally and academically.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is committed to improving the lives of young people and understands the impact that effective mentoring, early intervention and holistic support can have on learner success.

As a Progression Mentor, you will work closely with students facing a range of challenges, including mental health needs, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties, and caring responsibilities. You will help learners overcome barriers, improve engagement and attendance, develop resilience, and achieve their goals.

What You'll Be Doing

You will:

• Build positive and trusting relationships with learners to identify and remove barriers to learning and progression.
• Provide tailored mentoring, coaching and support plans.
• Support learners experiencing mental health challenges, complex SEMH needs and other vulnerabilities.
• Monitor attendance, punctuality and progress, implementing early interventions where required.
• Plan and deliver engaging group sessions and workshops focused on wellbeing, resilience, personal development and emotional literacy.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging through learner activities and events.
• Work collaboratively with curriculum teams, safeguarding colleagues and external agencies to coordinate learner support.
• Lead and support Fitness to Study processes.
• Attend disciplinary hearings, advocate for learners and support reintegration where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor outcomes and contribute to service improvement.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking someone with:

Essential Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or a related subject.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Experience of working with young people in an education, support or wellbeing setting.
• Experience of mentoring learners and helping overcome barriers to engagement and achievement.
• A strong understanding of mental health and complex SEMH needs.
• Experience of improving attendance, academic outcomes and personal development through intervention and support.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and multi‑agency working.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust.
• Experience delivering workshops or sessions to both small and large groups.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and analyse learner data.
• A flexible, proactive and learner‑centred approach.

Desirable

• Experience supporting young carers or other vulnerable groups.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice.
• Experience of Fitness to Study or disciplinary processes.
• Experience of advocacy or learner voice initiatives.
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• A higher‑level qualification in a relevant subject area.

Why Join Us?

At South Tyneside College, our learners are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and empowering environment where every student can achieve their full potential.

This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact on learners' lives while working alongside experienced and committed colleagues within a highly supportive team.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be required to undergo appropriate pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

If you're passionate about supporting young people, championing wellbeing and helping learners succeed, we'd love to hear from you.

Who We Are

Tyne Coast College comprises South Tyneside College, Tyne Metropolitan College and South Shields Marine School.

We offer a vast range of educational opportunities for those aged 14 to adults - including a wide range of employer‑led vocational programmes, Apprenticeships, Higher Education and specialist maritime training.

Our portfolio is multi‑award winning, with national accolades and a global outstanding reputation for maritime provision. The College has a high performing SEND provision which has been recognised nationally and is a regional specialist in teaching and learning for learners with SEN. The college was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in February 2024.

Tyne Coast College is the North East's world leading maritime training provider and was awarded the Queens Anniversary Prize for its expertise in creating high‑tech under and above water digital scenarios.

As a strong proactive voice in the north east we are passionate about providing a dynamic and diverse curriculum brimming with the essential academic and vocational skills' training that enables students to progress on to their chosen careers.

Our motto for a bigger, better, stronger future for the region encapsulates our commitment to the region, the business sector and those living and working in the north east.

Recruiting high‑calibre, professional staff with vocational credibility is at the core of our success. We are looking for dynamic and innovative individuals with a passion for achieving excellence through delivering a first class quality service at all times.

Our Values

We believe in being a strong community presence

We believe the needs of employers should shape our curriculum

We believe every student should achieve their potential

We will make a significant positive impact on the local, regional and national economy

We value professionalism, commitment, and excellence in our staff

We welcome and include everyone in our community and value individuality and diversity