Work Placement Coordinator

Middlesbrough College Group; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Tees Valley is seeking a Work Placement Coordinator to develop and secure student placements. The role involves building relationships with employers, supporting student progress, and ensuring health and safety standards for placements. Candidates should possess strong organizational abilities, excellent communication skills, and have a good educational background. This role offers a dynamic environment where the individual can make a significant impact on student experiences and outcomes, with numerous benefits and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Substantial annual leave entitlement

Free gym membership

Flexible hours

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Good general education to at least Level 3 or equivalent.
• Grade C or above in Maths and English (or equivalent).
• IOSH (Managing Safely) qualification or willingness to work towards it.
• TAQA qualification or willingness to work towards it.
• Full UK driving licence (Essential).

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop work placement opportunities across various courses.
• Support and monitor student progress in their placement.
• Facilitate recruitment and selection processes with employers.
• Ensure workplace Health & Safety vetting of placement employers.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong organizational abilities

IT literate

Ability to form good working relationships

Education

Good general education to at least Level 3 or equivalent

Grade C or above in Maths and English

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and organised Work Placement Coordinator to join Middlesbrough College Group and play a vital role in supporting students to achieve their learning goals through high‑quality work placement experiences. In this dynamic role, you will work closely with students, curriculum teams and employers to develop, secure and monitor a wide range of placement opportunities across curriculum areas, including T Levels. You’ll build strong employer relationships, promote the college’s values, and ensure all placements meet expected standards through health and safety vetting, progress reviews and SMART target‑setting. You will also help raise the profile of Middlesbrough College Group by generating new business, collaborating with employers at an operational level, and promoting additional college services where appropriate. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive individual with excellent communication skills, strong organisational abilities and a passion for helping learners succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, review, develop and secure work placement opportunities across a range of courses in the curriculum delivery areas including T Levels.
• Support, monitor and record the progress of students in their workplace, using appropriate college systems. Setting and reviewing SMART targets with students, employers, and curriculum delivery staff.
• Meet with students prior to their placements and discuss their needs and the college’s expectations of students whilst on work placement.
• Facilitate recruitment and selection processes with employers where required to secure work placement opportunities for students.
• Meet regularly with employers and students to complete and update all necessary documentation (paper or electronic) and periodic progress reviews.
• Carry out workplace Health & Safety Vetting of placement employers in line with the college policy and procedure.
• Promote and develop working relationships with employers for the benefit of students and Middlesbrough College Group
• Show an active commitment to Middlesbrough College Groups Equality and Diversity Policy, Quality Frameworks and Health & Safety Procedures.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Good general education to at least Level 3 or equivalent.
• Grade C or above in Maths and English (or equivalent).
• IOSH (Managing Safely) qualification or willing to work towards.
• TAQA (Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment) qualification or equivalent or be willing to work towards.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of the further education curriculum, including T Levels (Desirable).
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures (Essential).
• Experience of delivering IAG in an educational environment (Desirable).
• Experience of mentoring and/or coaching (Desirable).
• Experience of business development (Desirable).

Skills & Experience

• IT literate with familiarity of Microsoft Office packages.
• Proven ability in administration or project work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to form good working relationships with employers, students, and colleagues.
• Full UK driving licence (Essential)

Please see the person specification for full details.

Why Join Us?

• Substantial annual leave entitlement plus holiday purchase scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing; free gym membership, 24/7 counselling for you and your family
• Family-friendly policies: flexible hours and a supportive work environment
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential support including counselling, legal and financial advice.
• Professional development: extensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities
• Funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training, and paid volunteering days
• Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments at our onsite salon.

College benefit scheme – College Extras:

• Up to 15% cashback at top retailers & restaurants
• Discounted gift cards for big brands
• Home & tech upgrades via salary sacrifice
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Coming soon: EV leasing
• Discounted onsite car parking

To learn more about life at Middlesbrough College, please visit our Work For Us page.

For further details and to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Emma Richardson, Work Experience & Industry Place Team Leader on [e-mail].

Are you ready to make your mark?

If you’re looking to join a team that cares about their staff wellbeing, values their personal development and works with them to have a positive impact on student experience, come to Middlesbrough College!

About Middlesbrough College

Middlesbrough College is a leading provider of education and training in the North East, offering A-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and degree-level qualifications. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to staff development, we’re proud to create opportunities for learners and colleagues alike, fostering an environment where everyone can grow, thrive, and make a real difference.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Across our campus and community, Middlesbrough College is driven by a clear vision, mission, and values that not only shape what we do for students—but also make us a great place to work, grow, and thrive. Find out more here.

Safeguarding Our Students

Middlesbrough College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All staff are expected to share this commitment. If you’re successful, you’ll be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. All posts at Middlesbrough College involve regulated activity and are therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (amended 2013 and 2020)) mean that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. The MOJ’s guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications, related exceptions and further information.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

Right to work
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Targeted Retention Scheme

Eligible FE teachers in their first five years could receive a £2,000–£6,000 Targeted Retention Incentive for teaching key subjects (construction, chemistry, computing/ICT, early years, engineering, maths, physics). Check full criteria and application window on GOV.UK.

Recruitment Process

Applications are shortlisted for interview as they are received, and so early application is encouraged. We reserve the right to commence the interview process and close the vacancy prior to this date.

Equality & Diversity

Middlesbrough College is an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make recruitment decisions based on skills and experience. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively support applicants with disabilities.

Please see Job Description here - Job Description