Strategic Director of Apprenticeships & WBL

Educators; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff and Vale College is seeking an outstanding Director of Apprenticeships to provide strategic and inclusive leadership across our Work-Based Learning provision. This senior role will shape the future of our apprenticeship offer, drive excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, and ensure strong contract performance for learners from diverse backgrounds.

You will lead a team, manage the apprenticeship portfolio including direct delivery and subcontracted provision, and collaborate

Qualifications

• Significant experience within the Post-16/WBL sector with a strong understanding of Welsh Government skills and funding priorities.
• Proven senior leadership experience delivering multi-million-pound contracts or projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience driving growth, innovation and profitability.
• Experience of managing or delivering apprenticeship programmes.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and project management skills.
• A collaborative, values-driven leadership style that inspires teams and builds effective partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic and operational leadership for the College's apprenticeship provision.
• Leading and inspiring teams to achieve outstanding outcomes and contribute to College KPIs.
• Managing the College's apprenticeship contract, including direct delivery and subcontracted provision.
• Driving curriculum innovation aligned to employer, learner and Welsh Government priorities.
• Overseeing contract performance, financial sustainability and effective resource management.
• Building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with employers, sector partners and community stakeholders.
• Leading quality assurance, compliance, improvement planning and monitoring.
• Promoting a collaborative, supportive and high‑performing team culture where colleagues feel valued and included.

Skills

Senior leadership

Contract management

Commercial acumen

Apprenticeship programmes

Analytical/organisational/project

Collaborative leadership

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

Cardiff and Vale College is seeking an outstanding Director of Apprenticeships to provide strategic and inclusive leadership across our Work-Based Learning provision. This senior role will shape the future of our apprenticeship offer, drive excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, and ensure strong contract performance for learners from diverse backgrounds.

You will lead a team, manage the apprenticeship portfolio including direct delivery and subcontracted provision, and collaborate