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Skills Development Coach
Commercial Industries
Location: Northumberland
Salary: £25,949 to £40,912 per annum pro rata
Post Type: Full Time Term Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Monday 11 May 2026
Reference: 0024-26
About The College
Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located.
Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.
The College has two main campuses in Ashington, and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region
Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas – Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About The Candidate
We’re looking for a proactive, people-focused individual who brings energy, initiative, and a passion for creating opportunities for young people. The ideal candidate will be a confident communicator and relationship-builder, comfortable engaging with businesses, schools, and community organisations to open doors for 16–18-year-olds.
You’ll be someone who thrives on connecting the dots; curious, creative, and always looking for ways to make things happen. With resilience and a can-do attitude, you’ll navigate challenges and inspire others with your commitment to giving every young person the chance to explore the world of work.
Most importantly, you’ll believe in the power of early experiences to shape futures. You’ll be inclusive, approachable, and driven by the belief that every young person, no matter their background, deserves a meaningful opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
About The Role
This is a unique opportunity to lead the way in building real-world opportunities for young people at a crucial stage in their development. You’ll be at the forefront of a growing initiative that helps 16–18-year-olds gain valuable insight into the workplace, boosting their confidence, skills, and future prospects. The specific area of focus will be in commercial industries such as beauty therapy, hairdressing, culinary skills, travel and tourism and business. A background in, or understanding of these sectors would be of benefit but is not essential.
In this role, you’ll develop partnerships with employers across a range of industries, helping them understand the value of supporting work experience. You’ll coordinate placements, build employer engagement strategies, and ensure every opportunity is safe, supportive, and impactful.
You’ll also collaborate with schools, colleges, and local networks to match students with opportunities that align with their interests and ambitions. From managing logistics to shaping new models of engagement, your work will directly influence the career journeys of hundreds of young people.
This role is perfect for someone who wants to make a real difference, grow a strong professional network, and contribute to a programme that opens doors, and minds, for the next generation. If you’re ready to be a changemaker for young futures, we’d love to hear from you.
Role Responsibilities
- To plan and create opportunities for students to practice and develop their technical and employability skills (including English, maths and digital skills) as set out with the curriculum plan, allowing for positive progression.
- To plan innovative approaches in the creation of individual and group led activities across the curriculum to ensure progress in all elements of their programme (English & maths, main aim, work placement).
- To ensure all students are work ready and have the work place skills to match their career aspirations
- To plan, track and monitor work placements for all eligible students within the team.
- To ensure that all students undertake significant and meaningful employer activity including skills competitions, employer events, guest speakers and industry defined projects, work experience and placements.
Qualifications
- GCSE grades 4/C in English Language and mathematic.
- Level 3 in a relevant technical, vocational or academic subject.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience of working with young people and adults in group situations
- Experience on working as part of a team
- Working with individuals from a wide range of educational backgrounds
- Experience of working within a relevant technical area
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays – (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme – depending on role
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.
We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.
As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact (Insert name at contact email) should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
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