Senior Skills Coach (Digital Degree Apprenticeships) - (8233)

**Please be aware that this role is exclusively for internal candidates, and we will not be reviewing applications from external candidates.**

We are recruiting a second Senior Skills Coach for our Digital degree apprenticeship team, to further strengthen the work already being carried out by the current Senior Skills coach in this area.  You must already be a Skills Coach to be eligible to apply, and as such will already be part of a highly motivated, proactive, team engaging with a wide range of employers, apprentices, and academic colleagues from across different faculties. 

You will work across teams to improve practice in key areas such as the planning, preparation, and completion of reviews. You will showcase your own exemplary practice and that of others during skills coach workshops and training sessions. You will work hard to improve practice in such areas as target setting, review write ups, and to ensure that the ESFA funding regulations are adhered to. You will support the onboarding of new staff, ensuring they are inducted thoroughly and have access to all relevant information and resources which underpin their role. 

 Typically, you will continue to: 

• 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, referring to Student Services where necessary. 
• Liaise with academic teams and support students with their assignments, in particular the workplace projects. 
• Represent the University in the workplace and provide information, advice and guidance. 

In addition, as a Senior Skills Coach you will: 

• Deputise for the Programme Manager as and when required. 
• Support the Programme Manager in developing a team of Skills Coaches, including supporting recruitment and induction, training, development and coaching support and coordinating the peer review observation process, providing feedback to Skills Coaches on how to improve the quality and impact of progress reviews.  
• Support the Programme Manager with planning the general work and caseload of skills coaches, including contingency for staff shortage (maternity leave or long-term sickness).  
• Provide leadership for innovation and development amongst staff, to create an entrepreneurial, customer-focused, and positive outward facing culture.  
• Contribute to the leadership and implementation of the University Apprenticeship Strategy, and work with the apprenticeships management team, sharing opportunities, information, and best practice, and enhancing the University's reputation and financial position. 
• Work with the Head of Apprenticeships Quality to drive innovation, best practice and improvements in quality across teams.

The ideal candidate should have: 

• Experience of teaching/assessing students, apprentices, or trainees 
• Experience of providing ongoing pastoral support 
• Experience of working with different cohorts 
• Experience of working across teams to share good practice 
• Knowledge and understanding of Digital degree apprenticeship standards

To apply:

If you see yourself as suitable for the role we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief expression of interest (2 sides of A4 maximum) describing:

1. How you meet the criteria from the job description.
2. How you have worked to support your Programme Manager.

For informal enquiries, please contact Sara Balfour (Head of Apprenticeship Programmes) on 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 local and international communities, particularly those from 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.