Early Careers, Outreach and Apprenticeship Manager

Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England. This role serves as the architect of the organisation’s talent pipeline across all major sites, bridging the gap between classroom learning and aerospace leadership. You provide end-to-end oversight of the apprenticeship lifecycle for Engineering and Business Support, ensuring compliance with industry standards while maximising the Apprenticeship Levy. As primary liaison between external training providers and internal stakeholders, you ensure every learner receives mentorship and professional development to sustain the future of aviation.

Beyond operational management, the position drives long-term workforce growth through proactive outreach and elite leadership training. You design and lead school engagement initiatives to inspire the next generation of STEM talent, and support the organisation’s leadership academy to cultivate high-potential employees. Role requires a coach mindset, high emotional intelligence, and strong project management to navigate complex tasks and present a clear 12‑month talent pipeline to senior leadership.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end apprenticeship lifecycle for Engineering and Support functions.
• Support the Head of Training and HR with delivery of the Leadership Development Programme; identify high‑potential talent and design management modules.
• Act as primary contact for external training providers, colleges, the ESFA and local colleges.
• Monitor apprentice progress, conduct regular reviews, and ensure meeting academic and operational milestones.
• Ensure all apprenticeship and leadership programmes meet UK government standards and internal benchmarks.
• Manage delivery of Engineering and Business Support apprenticeships.
• Act as subject matter expert for the UK Apprenticeship Levy, ensuring maximum ROI and compliance with ESFA funding rules.
• Select and manage external training providers for aviation‑standard curriculum.
• Design and lead school outreach programmes to inspire interest in aerospace and STEM careers.
• Standardise and manage intake process for work‑experience students.
• Represent organisation at national and local career events, building employer brand.
• Oversee tiered Leadership and Management Programme, ensuring alignment with global and local standards.
• Map progression of early‑career talent into Leadership Academy pathways.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to inspire both apprentices and senior managers.
• Strategic vision to anticipate workforce skills gaps.
• High emotional intelligence for coaching and leadership development.
• Project management skills to manage multiple programmes simultaneously.

Desirable

• Qualification in aviation‑based training or leadership programmes.
• Teaching qualification or equivalent.

Education and Experience

• Experience updating and maintaining training materials.
• Proven track record in early‑career, outreach and apprenticeship management at multiple locations.
• Management experience within apprenticeship or corporate L&D framework.

Additional Requirements

• DBS check and eligibility for Security clearance.
• Compliance with Export Compliance Regulations.
• Legal right to work in the United Kingdom; no visa sponsorship offered.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Private medical insurance through Bupa.
• Pension scheme with employer and employee contributions.
• Share incentive plan and ESOP.
• Success share and discretionary group bonus scheme.
• Bikes to Work.
• Technology and car purchase schemes.
• Mydrive car purchase scheme.
• Den‑Plan scheme.
• Health‑care cash scheme.
• Personal accident insurance.
• Health assessments.
• Travel insurance.
• Shopping vouchers/discounts.
• Financial/legal advice.