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Apprentice and Development Specialist

We have a position become available in our Warrington HQ for an Apprentice and Development Specialist 

The Apprenticeship and Development Specialist will lead in setting up a robust and fit for purpose Talent programme offering that will drive the utilisation of the Apprenticeship Levy and draw down on appropriate funding schemes to support our Skills and Capability agenda. Managing and creating the Company's apprenticeship program ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Implement robust governance, assurance and quality frameworks and effectively manage the levy fund. Oversee all aspects of the apprenticeship program, including training planning, and apprenticeship/talent scheme recognition

We’re looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Relevant professional certifications  or qualifications preferred.
• Proven experience in apprenticeship management, including apprenticeship levy utilization, program development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven specialist knowledge and experience of working under OFSTED/ESFA requirements and managing end to end Apprenticeship related activity (preferably in an Organisation that is on the RoATP and covers England, Scotland and Wales)
• Specialist knowledge of funding streams available and how best to utilise for New Talent and Skill/Capability needs.
• Strong understanding of apprenticeship standards, funding rules, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to plan, organize, and execute complex initiatives within budget and timeline constraints.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to understand internal policies and/or business requirements, external requirements (e.g. OFSTED) and translate them into one seamless fit for purpose solution.
• Evidence of creating and implementing ‘customer focussed’ processes that are simple and provide a great user experience.
• Experience of working within Operational Businesses would be an advantage.
• Strategic thinker with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Experience in training planning, curriculum development, and learning and development methodologies.

The Role: 

• Develop and implement strategies to maximize the utilization of the apprenticeship levy funds, including identifying apprenticeship opportunities, selecting appropriate apprenticeship standards, and partnering with training providers.
• Lead efforts to establish the Company's own apprenticeship scheme, working closely with relevant stakeholders to gain recognition and approval from relevant accrediting bodies and government agencies.
• Build and implement robust and simple governance, assurance and quality processes related to apprenticeship and funding management, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while minimizing administrative burden.
• Manage the Company's apprenticeship levy fund effectively, overseeing budget allocation, tracking expenditure, and optimizing the use of funds to support apprenticeship programs.
• Identify and utilise funding opportunities for future Talent and Upskilling/Cross-Skilling programme needs across the company to support the skills and capabilities agenda.
• Oversee all aspects of the apprenticeship program, including apprentice recruitment, onboarding, training planning, performance monitoring, and completion.
• Collaborate with hiring managers and department heads to identify training needs, develop individualized training plans for apprentices, and coordinate training delivery with internal and external training providers.
• Organize and facilitate collaboration days or workshops to enhance the learning experience for apprentices, promote knowledge sharing, and foster a sense of community and belonging.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including the People team, department heads, apprenticeship mentors, and external training providers, to ensure alignment and support for apprenticeship initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with apprenticeship regulations, standards, and funding rules, and prepare regular reports on apprenticeship program performance, including progress against targets and key performance indicators.
• Deliver talks and workshops for young individuals, securing bookings with schools and colleges.
• Identify organisations offering Higher Level Degree Apprenticeships, sharing this information with relevant colleagues.
• Stay updated on Apprenticeship standards, local market trends and funding opportunities across Talent and Skills and Capabilities landscape.
• Foster relationships with employers, encouraging work experience opportunities for both parties' benefit.
• Source compelling case studies and testimonials about Apprentice/Future Talent journey.
• Maintain data trackers to monitor service provision, ensuring compliance with GDPR and Safeguarding policies.

As an Apprentice and Development Specialist and part of our FTSE100 company, you'll enjoy a range of corporate benefits including:

• Competitive Salary 
• Annual bonus scheme 
• Career progression, training and development opportunities 
• Colleague discount scheme 
• Employee assistance programme 
• 25 days annual leave (plus BH) entitlement plus ‘buy and sell’ options 
• Life assurance scheme 
• Agile working – home/office-base (Warrington) 
• Company pension

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