Job Description

This role is for a senior specialist with a minimum of 8 years' experience in leading apprenticeship provision. Applicants without direct ESFA funding, ILR, Ofsted, and APAR experience will not be considered.

Location:

Office based with some homeworking - West Midlands (Main office in Walsall)

Reports To:

Managing and Operations Director

Salary:

Starting at 50K + Performance-linked pay rise of 10% per annum (Years 1-2, subject to meeting apprenticeship growth targets)

About LEAD Training

Local Education and Development (LEAD) is a leading UK training provider delivering high-impact digital skills programmes including Software Development, Data Analytics, AI, and Digital Marketing. We are now expanding into Apprenticeship delivery, building on our proven success with Skills Bootcamps and Adult Education programmes across the UK.

We are seeking an experien

ced Apprenticeship Manager t

o design, develop, and implement our

end-to-end apprenticeship delivery model

, from registration on the

Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR)

to Ofsted-compliant, high-quality provision in the digital sector.

Role Purpose

The Apprenticeship Manager will lead on the full lifecycle of apprenticeship implementation, strategic planning, business development, curriculum design, quality assurance, compliance, and operational delivery. You will play a critical role in establishing LEAD as a nationally recognised apprenticeship provider.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead the full

end-to-end design, development, and implementation

of apprenticeship provision. Drive LEAD's successful application and compliance with the

Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR)

. Develop and deliver the

apprenticeship growth plan

(Minimum: Year 1: 30 starts, Year 2: 100 starts etc).

Engage with LEAD's senior directors and Governance team

to contribute to strategic planning, compliance oversight, and board-level reporting, ensuring that apprenticeship provision supports the organisation's wider mission, meets regulatory requirements, and drives continuous improvement across all areas of delivery.

Curriculum & Quality Management

Design and oversee

curriculum frameworks

, schemes of work, and teaching, learning and assessment strategies that meet

Ofsted's New Education Inspection Framework (EIF)

and

ESFA funding rules

. Establish robust

quality management systems

, including self-assessment, internal audits, and learner/employer feedback loops. Ensure alignment with

digital apprenticeship standards

(e.g. Software Development, Data Analytics and Analysis, Cyber Security, Digital Marketing management, AI).

Business Development

Identify and engage with

employers, levy-payers, and SMEs

to secure apprenticeship opportunities. Develop strong employer partnerships and manage the

Apprenticeship Service (DAS)

accounts. Lead marketing and promotion strategies to attract both learners and employers.

Operational Delivery

Recruit and manage

trainers, assessors, and internal verifiers

to deliver outstanding learning experiences. Source and maintain relationships with

End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs)

. Monitor learner progress, retention, and timely achievement against KPIs. Ensure compliance with

Safeguarding, Prevent, British Values, Data Protection, Equality & Diversity requirements

.

Person Specification

Essential

Minimum 8 years' experience in managing apprenticeship provision within a government-funded training environment. Proven track record of successful programme design, Ofsted inspection readiness, and achieving funding compliance. Strong understanding of ESFA funding rules, ILR data management, and DAS processes. Demonstrable experience of business development and building employer partnerships.

Must have a database of key stakeholders and employers available from day 1

. Deep knowledge of digital apprenticeship standards and industry trends. Ability to lead, inspire, and build a high-performing delivery team. Experience in leading new provider APAR registration or re-approval. Recognised teaching or assessor qualification (e.g. DTTLS, CAVA, IQA).

Desirable

Knowledge of AEB/ASF and Bootcamp to Apprenticeship transition models.

Performance & Progression

Year 1 Target:

30

digital apprenticeships successfully started and managed. Year 2 Target: Minimum of

100 new

apprenticeships started and manged. Achieve a minimum of a

98%

completion and achievement targets. Maintain high level of retention (

97%

) with a minimum of

95%

attendance rates. On achievement of annual targets, a 10% pay rise will be awarded for the first two years. After Year 2, a revised high-performance pay structure will be introduced to reflect expansion and national growth.

Why Join LEAD Training

Opportunity to

build a new apprenticeship division from the ground up (the aim of becoming Head of Apprenticeships for LEAD from year 3)

. Join a forward-thinking organisation rated "Good" by Ofsted and trusted by multiple funding authorities. Work with a passionate leadership team dedicated to

innovation, quality, and learner success

.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 49,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Application question(s):

Have you previously led or contributed to an APAR (RoATP) application as a new provider? Have you previously led the full end-to-end design, development and implementation of Apprenticeships? Do you have a strong Employer Engagement & Business Development Record, and can you demonstrate a portfolio of employer contacts?
Experience:

Managing government-funded apprenticeship provision: 8 years (required) ESFA funding rule interpretation: 5 years (required) ILR compliance and audit: 5 years (required) Apprenticeship Service (DAS) accounts: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person