Skills Coach (Apprenticeships)

An exciting new role of Skills Coach (18-month fixed term contract) is now available within our growing team of industry-focussed professionals in the Apprenticeship Unit at Manchester Metropolitan University. For this position, work experience directly related to apprenticeships would be advantageous and alternatively experience in a different field with leadership or management experience would be beneficial. This role will work across a range of programmes to provide advice, guidance and support to apprentices.

As a Skills Coach you will be part of a fast growing, highly motivated, proactive team engaging with a wide range of employers, apprentices and academic colleagues from across different faculties. You will act as the point of contact for apprentices and employers, providing information, advice and guidance, as well as coaching and support. You will monitor progress against the apprenticeship standard and prepare apprentices for End Point Assessment. You will maintain strong employer relationships, ensuring apprentices make excellent progress in their skills development in the workplace and that employers facilitate opportunities for apprentices to develop and demonstrate competence against the apprenticeship standard. In this role you will be coaching and supporting apprentices across a range of programmes in our multiple award-winning teams including:

• Digital & Technology Solutions L6 & L7
• Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeships in a range of specialisms

Typically, you will:

• Conduct reviews with apprentices and their line managers both in person in the workplace and on-line or by telephone, building productive relationships with both apprentice and employer and identifying any emerging issues at an early stage, providing interventions where required.
• Provide the first point of contact for both apprentices and for line managers and mentors in the workplace keeping them informed of learner progress.
• Coach the learners in developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard and help them to evidence their competence in an e-portfolio.
• Conduct Skills Workshops, to prepare the apprentice for the End Point Assessment.
• Provide ongoing pastoral support to apprentices as their Personal Tutor, referring to Student Services where necessary.
• Liaise with academic teams and support students with their assignments, particularly the workplace projects.
• Represent the University in the workplace and provide information, advice and guidance.

The ideal candidate should have:

• Experience of teaching/assessing students, apprentices or trainees
• Experience of providing ongoing pastoral support
• Experience of developing positive and successful relationships with employers
• A clean driving licence, be able to drive or travel by public transport when required

To apply:

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV and Covering Letter to describe how you meet the criteria via our application portal.

For informal enquiries, please contact Sara Balfour (Head of Apprenticeship Programmes) via email s.balfour@mmu.ac.uk.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. 

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.  

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.