At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape apprenticeship delivery at a specialist environmental college.
- Company: Capel Manor College, London's leading environmental education institution.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, retail discounts, and online GP access.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for professional development in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing college and make a real impact on green skills education.
- Qualifications: Experience in apprenticeship delivery and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 60000 £ per year.
Capel Manor College is seeking an ambitious and experienced Head of Apprenticeships to lead and shape the future of apprenticeship delivery across the College. As London’s specialist environmental college, Capel Manor delivers industry-focused education across horticulture, arboriculture, animal management, environmental conservation, floristry and other land-based sectors. Apprenticeships are central to the College’s strategic growth ambitions, employer engagement activity and commitment to developing the future workforce for green and environmental industries.
This is a pivotal leadership role within the Employer Skills, Innovation and Growth Directorate, reporting directly to the Assistant Principal. The successful candidate will lead the operational and strategic management of the College’s apprenticeship provision, ensuring delivery is high quality, fully compliant and aligned to both employer demand and national priorities. You will lead the continued growth and diversification of the apprenticeship portfolio, driving innovation, quality improvement and employer engagement, while ensuring an exceptional experience for both apprentices and employers.
The role requires a confident and highly organised leader with significant experience of apprenticeship delivery, ESFA compliance and quality assurance within Further Education or Independent Training Providers.
Key Areas of Responsibility- Leading the strategic development and operational delivery of apprenticeship provision
- Driving apprentice recruitment, retention, achievement and employer satisfaction
- Ensuring full ESFA funding compliance and readiness for audit and inspection
- Leading quality improvement activity including SARs, QIPs and performance monitoring
- Managing apprenticeship teams and supporting a culture of high performance and accountability
- Building strong partnerships with employers, sector bodies and external stakeholders
- Supporting the expansion of higher level and industry-responsive apprenticeship programmes
- Monitoring KPIs, budgets and operational performance across the apprenticeship provision
We are looking for a candidate who can combine strong operational management with strategic thinking and commercial awareness. You will have a detailed understanding of the apprenticeship landscape, current policy reform and Ofsted expectations, alongside the ability to motivate teams and build strong external partnerships.
Qualifications and Experience- A proven track record of leading apprenticeship provision within Further Education or work‑based learning
- Strong knowledge of ESFA funding rules, compliance and audit requirements
- Experience of quality assurance and improvement processes within apprenticeships
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience of budget management and performance reporting
- A passion for vocational and technical education and developing workforce skills
This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and growing College at a time of significant investment and development across employer engagement, apprenticeships and green skills. In return, Capel Manor College offers a collaborative and forward‑thinking working environment, opportunities for professional development and the chance to play a leading role in shaping specialist land‑based apprenticeship education.
BenefitsCapel Manor College offers generous annual leave, access to a defined pension scheme, retail and leisure discounts and access to an online GP.
Equal OpportunitiesWe are dedicated to creating and promoting an equal, diverse, and inclusive workforce that empowers all employees to reach their full potential. We strive for a truly representative workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note that the College does not have a sponsorship licence. We are therefore unable to consider applicants who do not have the right to work in the UK. We reserve the right to close a position once sufficient suitable applications have been received to form a short list. Early application is therefore encouraged.
Head of Apprenticeships employer: CapelManorCollege
Capel Manor College is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment that prioritises professional development and innovation in apprenticeship education. Located in London, the College is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, providing generous benefits such as annual leave, a defined pension scheme, and access to retail discounts, making it an attractive place for those passionate about shaping the future of green and environmental industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Apprenticeships
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like CapelManorCollege.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like CapelManorCollege.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at CapelManorCollege; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Apprenticeships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at CapelManorCollege.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Head of Apprenticeships.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what CapelManorCollege is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at CapelManorCollege a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at CapelManorCollege
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at CapelManorCollege might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
