Programme Lead - Apprenticeships & Managed Programmes

You will lead on the academic aspects of learning plans for apprentices and students on managed programmes, including conducting apprentice inductions, monitoring student progress, advising employers on learning plan changes, and overseeing the delivery of coaching support to apprentices. You will manage End Point Assessment readiness and transition for apprentices, and lead on the management and development of at least one PAQ module, including delivering some teaching. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will help ensure the overall quality of programmes, supporting high achievement, retention, and satisfaction rates, and take shared responsibility for ensuring compliance with Ofsted best practice.

About You

Qualified accountant with strong experience in apprenticeship delivery, accountancy training, and learner support. Good understanding of Ofsted requirements, Department for Education funding rules, and best practice in learning delivery. Confident working with stakeholders at all levels, managing complex conversations sensitively, and supporting high-performing teams to deliver excellent outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of apprenticeship programmes in line with Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework and Department for Education funding requirements.
• Represent CETC at external apprenticeship forums and support implementation of changes within the apprenticeship landscape.
• Build and manage effective relationships with apprentices, managed programme students, employers, line managers, training managers, and finance leads from onboarding through to programme completion.
• Provide academic guidance and support to ensure learners receive timely advice, appropriate interventions, and ongoing support to maintain progress.
• Work closely with Exams and CIPFA as the End Point Assessment Organisation to support assessment processes, exemptions, and apprentice readiness for full CIPFA membership.
• Lead on management and development of at least one PAQ module, including delivery of some teaching.
• Manage the Work-Based Learning Coach service, including:
• Develop and maintain assessment strategies to monitor learner progress, skills, and behaviours.
• Monitor service quality and ensure compliance with Ofsted and Department for Education requirements.
• Manage coach capacity, onboarding, induction, and allocation of learner caseloads.
• Maintain strong communication and share best practice across the WBLC network.
• Act as an escalation point for complex apprentice or employer issues.
• Use learner and employer feedback to drive continuous improvement in programme quality, learner experience, and progression outcomes.
• Act as a Designated Safeguarding Officer, promoting safeguarding best practice, supporting compliance, and carrying out risk assessments where required.
• Support the Counter Fraud Training & Apprenticeship Manager with delivery and management of the Counter Fraud Investigator apprenticeship programme.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Accountant
• Strong understanding of apprenticeship programmes and funding requirements
• Experience delivering accountancy qualifications within a training or learning environment
• Practical public sector accounting, audit, or financial management experience
• Knowledge of Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work proactively under pressure

Our Employee Offer

• Reward – fair pay and generous benefits, including competitive salary, generous pension scheme, holiday scheme, family‑friendly benefits, and more.
• Wellbeing – flexible work arrangements, a permanent 4‑day working week (work 4 days, get paid for 5), hybrid working, health benefits, Employee Assistance Helpline, Health Cash Plan.
• Purpose – connecting the work you do with its social value through paid volunteering days.
• Growth – opportunities to develop skills and knowledge through training, professional membership subscriptions, career break options.
• Culture – culture of respect, belonging, autonomy, openness, and collaboration.

We know that not all people come from the same background, or think the same – we want you to bring your best self to work. Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.