Apprenticeships and Widening Participation Coordinator

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Education, Learning and Development Team as our Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Coordinator.

We are looking for a highly motivated, professional and well organised individual who has the required skills and knowledge to promote, implement and coordinate apprenticeship and widening participation activity across the Trust.

The post holder will work collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure the provision of high quality apprenticeships and innovative widening participation initiatives.

The successful applicant will need to have knowledge of apprenticeships and the apprenticeship levy as well as an understanding of the widening participation agenda, aims and values.

The post holder will also require strong, effective communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to attend engagement events at local schools and colleges, representing the trust and promoting NHS careers and apprenticeship opportunities.

This is a part time position (20 hours / week), to be worked primarily onsite at Dorset County Hospital over 3-5 days per week (working pattern to be agreed with the successful candidate). We do require a flexible approach to work and on occasion the post holder will be required to attend off site events which may fall outside of their usual working pattern.

If you would like to work in a busy, friendly and supportive environment then this is the post for you!

Main duties of the job

To coordinate the implementation and delivery of Apprenticeships and Widening Participation initiatives across Dorset County Hospital.

To oversee the recording and coordination of Trust Apprenticeships and Widening Participation activity, ensuring accurate data capture and the production of timely reports for key stakeholders.

To act as a point of contact for a variety of Dorset County Hospital employees and external organisations including education providers, employment establishments and charities, ensuring seamless enrolments and high-quality delivery of apprenticeships and routes into NHS careers programmes.

Under supervision, maintain the Digital Apprenticeship Service account (Levy) ensuring correct payments take place and accurate learner records are maintained, escalating concerns as appropriate.

Oversee the creation of promotional materials and social media activity to raise awareness of NHS careers and apprenticeship opportunities.

Work with the Dorset ICS, schools, FE, HE and government institutions, and other partners to promote routes into NHS careers and apprenticeship opportunities, attending events as required.

The postholder may be required to provide general administrative support to the department on occasion.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communicate effectively with staff at all levels of the organisation and external stakeholders, providing and receiving complex and sensitive information relating to apprenticeships and widening participation programmes.

Coordinate and support the delivery of a diverse range of initiatives and routes into NHS careers programmes, including but not limited to; Work Experience, Supported Internships, Scholarship Programmes, T Levels, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) initiatives and Functional Skills, ensuring a positive learner experience.

Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal departments, education providers, training organisations, community groups and system partners to support workforce development objectives.

Meet with education providers and external agencies to monitor progress of participants on programmes, dealing with issues effectively, escalating to Apprenticeships and Widening Participation Leads where required.

Monitor learner progress through provider reports, coordinating timely support to address emerging issues and promote positive learner outcomes.

Plan and deliver engaging presentations, course information sessions and employability workshops to promote inclusive access to NHS careers, apprenticeships and development pathways.

Communicate sensitive information regarding learner progression, programme completion, withdrawals and appeals in a professional, supportive and confidential manner.

Develop and maintain systems, processes and databases to effectively coordinate apprenticeships and widening participation activity, ensuring accurate record keeping, data analysis and effective reporting.

Maintain accurate apprenticeship records within the DAS account and associated systems, and under supervision, ensure funding and procurement compliance, data integrity and the effective use of apprenticeship levy funding.

Maintain accurate application and onboarding records for widening participation programmes.

Analyse and interpret complex workforce, apprenticeship and widening participation data, producing regular reports, performance overviews and recommendations for strategic and operational meetings.

Monitor and report progression from widening participation programmes into employment, apprenticeships and further education.

Act as a point of contact for apprenticeship and widening participation enquiries, resolving routine issues independently using influencing and negotiation skills to achieve positive outcomes, escalating issues where appropriate.

Support inclusive recruitment practices, coordinating reasonable adjustments and alternative assessment approaches for learners as required

Support delivery of the Dorset ICS Widening Participation Plan and local workforce development priorities.

Coordinate marketing and promotional activity to raise awareness of routes into NHS careers and development opportunities for the existing workforce across the trust and in local communities.

Support programmes that widen access to NHS careers for underrepresented groups, including SEND learners, unemployed adults and other priority cohorts.

The post holder will have autonomy to operate within their own area of responsibility, effectively managing competing priorities and deadlines, and escalating risks or challenges to Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Leads as appropriate.