Background

The development of apprenticeships is identified as a strategic growth area for Canterbury Christ Church University. They will play a critical role in meeting regional and employer needs and are planned to bring a significant increase in student numbers to the University across many subject areas in all faculties. In March 2017, the University gained a place on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers, which allows apprenticeship delivery to begin.

The UK Partnerships and Apprenticeships Unit (UKPAU) are responsible for supporting in the development and running of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships throughout the University. We currently work with over 90 employers and over 600 apprentices. The Apprenticeships team takes a dynamic approach to working across the University and with apprenticeship employers to deliver high quality and industry relevant undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

In May 2022, the apprenticeship provision at the university was graded ‘Good’ overall by Ofsted and we are now seeking to recruit an Apprenticeships Manager to oversee and improve our work in maintaining and growing apprenticeships both in terms of the range of programmes offered and the number of apprentices enrolled.

The Apprenticeships team within UKPAU leads for the University on:

Location of a consistent, central point of contact for employers to be triaged into the University’s offer
Delivering a single point of contact to co-ordinate between employers and legal, financial, student admission and academic and programme administration functions
Co-ordinate the set-up of new programmes including Smart Assessor and administration of the student record system requirements to manage apprenticeships
Managing apprentices’ journey from onboarding to completion. Ensuring ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) rules are compliant at all stages
Working closely with new employers supporting them in understanding the roles and responsibilities including setting up their Digital Accounts
Managing and monitoring subcontractors and external stakeholder (Smart Assessor and Clarion)
Managing contract review meetings making sure reports and KPIs are prepared/drafted as required
Providing coherent marketing of the apprenticeships offer in face-to-face engagements
Developing systems and processes to manage the apprenticeship data flow within the University and between the University and employers
Manage the End Point Assessment process
Ensure ILR (Individualised Learning Report) data is submitted on time and monitor as part of the monthly business cycle
Co-ordinating apprenticeship tender information
Identify areas of improvement and best practice and implement change accordingly
Ensuring that the University is compliant with all funding rules


Many of these activities take place in conjunction with other central service departments and with faculties and schools who will deliver the apprenticeship programmes.



The Role

The postholder will be responsible for providing effective and efficient high-quality management of the apprenticeships team and more widely to the academic colleagues in delivering an outstanding learner experience throughout the apprenticeship journey.

A key part of the role will be contributing significantly to the completion of statutory returns in a timely and accurate manner, while ensuring the University is audit ready and tracking all contractual KPI.

The role holder will play a leading role in supporting and creating an environment for learner’s success. This will be through the timely management of the administrative processes by engaging internally and externally with stakeholders. The focus is on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and continuously identifying areas that impact apprenticeships administration and make appropriate recommendations for improvements.

The person

The role requires someone with excellent communication skills and the ability to use their own initiative to resolve problems and prioritise workload. It also requires management and planning skills; an attention to detail; strong organisational and time management skills.

The role holder is required to use their knowledge of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) apprenticeship funding rules to represent UKPAU as required.

The role holder will manage all aspect of the apprenticeships team’s day to day work and will be in regular contact with apprenticeship programme directors to ensure a coordinated approach across all stakeholders and learners.

How to apply

Start date for applications: 2nd December 2022
Closing date for applications: 30th December 2022
Interviews are to be held shortly after the closing date.