Head of Apprenticeships in London

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.

• 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.

• 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.

Capel Manor College offers generous annual leave, access to a defined pension scheme, retail and leisure discounts and access to an online GP.

We 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.