Skills Development Officer (Work Experience)

Sunderland College; Ashington, Ponteland; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holidays 35–48 days

Family leave & flexible working

LGPS/Teacher Pension

Discounts via lifestyle platform

Dental, eye care & health plans

Wellbeing resources

Free parking & gym access

Job summary

Education Partnership North East (EPNE) is seeking a Work Placement Officer to build strong employer links and create high-quality work placement opportunities for learners. You will support learners in preparing for placements, match them to suitable roles, monitor progress and maintain records to ensure compliance and quality.

With a focus on collaboration and problem solving, you will engage partners across campuses, coordinate placements and provide ongoing learner support, enabling

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Level 3 qualification is essential.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) required.
• Experience of working with learners, young people, employers or in education/employability.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers to secure placements.
• Support learners to prepare for, access and succeed in their placements.
• Match learners to suitable placements based on skills and career goals.
• Monitor placements and provide ongoing support to resolve issues.
• Maintain accurate records and collaborate with colleagues to ensure placement quality.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Digital skills

Education

Level 3 qualification

GCSE English & Maths

Careers/Employability qualification (desirable)

Job description

About the College

Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located.

Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.

The College has two main campuses in Ashington, and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region

Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you're making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government's targeted retention incentive (formerly "levelling-up premium") payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

• Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
• Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive

About the Candidate

We're looking for someone who is positive, proactive and passionate about making a difference to our learners and employers. As a Work Placement Officer, you'll build strong relationships, listen to the needs of others and find creative solutions that help learners gain valuable workplace experience.

As a Changemaker, you'll be someone who takes initiative, embraces new ideas and isn't afraid to go the extra mile. You'll inspire confidence, champion opportunities and help remove barriers so every learner can reach their potential. Above all, you'll be approachable, resilient, collaborative and committed to making a real difference to our students, employers and wider community.

About the Role

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to learners' futures while building valuable relationships with employers. You'll develop your skills through varied experiences, teamwork and professional learning, while gaining exposure to digital tools, college systems and new approaches to work placements. There are also opportunities for progression.

Role Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers to secure high-quality work placement opportunities.
• Support learners to prepare for, access and succeed in their work placements.
• Match learners to suitable placements based on their skills, interests and career goals.
• Monitor placements, provide ongoing support and resolve any issues that arise.
• Maintain accurate records and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure placements meet college requirements and quality standards.

Qualifications

Essential and or desirable

• Minimum of a Level 3 qualification, Desirable but not essential in Education, Business, Careers, Employability, HR or a related subject, or equivalent experience.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above), or equivalent.
• Experience of working with learners, young people, employers or within an education/employability setting.
• A relevant careers, employability, coaching or work-based learning qualification would be desirable, but not essential.
• Willingness to undertake college-specific training and professional development relevant to the role.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - able to build positive relationships with learners, employers and colleagues.
• Organisation and time management - able to manage multiple placements, deadlines and priorities effectively.
• Problem-solving and initiative - confident finding practical solutions and responding positively to challenges.
• Teamwork and collaboration - able to work effectively with colleagues and external partners.
• Digital and administrative skills - confident using IT systems, maintaining accurate records and handling information professionally.

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)

• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role.
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

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