Skills Coach in Birmingham

About Birmingham City University

At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world‑class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.

Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential. By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Skills Coach to join our Student and Teaching Administration – Apprenticeships, supporting the successful delivery of our apprenticeship provision. As a Skills Coach, you will work closely with apprentices and employers to coach, assess and monitor progress throughout the apprenticeship journey. Using your knowledge of apprenticeship standards, funding requirements and compliance processes, you will support apprentices to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to successfully reach Gateway and complete their Apprenticeship Assessment. Working collaboratively with employers, academic colleagues and support services, you will provide advice, guidance and coaching while ensuring accurate records, timely reviews and full compliance with University and funding requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Coach, assess and support apprentices throughout their apprenticeship journey, preparing them for Gateway and successful completion of Apprenticeship Assessment.
• Conduct regular progress reviews, workplace visits and observations, working closely with apprentices, employers and line managers.
• Monitor apprentice progress, maintain accurate learner records using APTEM, and ensure compliance with apprenticeship funding rules and University procedures.
• Provide information, advice and guidance to apprentices, identifying additional learning needs and signposting to appropriate support services where required.
• Build strong relationships with employers and internal stakeholders, supporting apprentice recruitment, induction and the continued growth of apprenticeship provision.
• Produce reports relating to compliance, retention and apprentice success, ensuring all documentation is accurate and completed within required timescales.
• Promote safeguarding, Prevent, health and safety, and contribute to a positive apprentice experience throughout the programme.

Essential Requirements

• Experience of teaching, coaching and/or assessing apprenticeships.
• Assessor qualification (A1, TAQA or equivalent) and a coaching qualification.
• Knowledge of higher and degree apprenticeship standards, funding rules, quality assurance and compliance requirements.
• Experience of working with employers and supporting apprentices within the workplace.
• Excellent communication, organisational and record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate learner records.
• Ability to build effective relationships with apprentices, employers and colleagues while working independently and using digital systems effectively.
• Good understanding of safeguarding, Prevent and supporting learners with additional learning needs.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience of delivering or assessing apprenticeship programmes within Higher Education.
• Understanding of current apprenticeship regulations and End Point Assessment requirements.
• Experience of supervising or leading teams.

Further Information

If you are passionate about supporting apprentices to achieve their potential while ensuring a high-quality, compliant apprenticeship experience, we would love to hear from you. Interviews for this role are scheduled to take place on 4 September 2026.

Why work for us

• Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
• Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
• Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
• Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.

Visa Sponsorship

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.

Further Details

Use of AI in applications

At BCU, we welcome applications that clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. AI tools may be used to support you in preparing your application, but the information you provide must be accurate, authentic and based on your own experience. Applications that rely too heavily on AI, appear generic or do not provide specific evidence against the role criteria are less likely to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

For more information, please refer to our candidate guidance; How to Apply - Jobs at Birmingham City University

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.

Disability Confident Employer

Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.