At a Glance
- Tasks: Build employer relationships and create apprenticeship opportunities to support workforce development.
- Company: Cognition Evolve, a growing company focused on innovative apprenticeship solutions.
- Benefits: £35,000 salary, 25 days annual leave, birthday leave, and additional perks.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid role with opportunities for career advancement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal growth stage and make a real impact in apprenticeship development.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development or recruitment with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 € per year.
Salary: £35,000
Location: Hybrid - applicants should be within commuting distance of Manchester
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: 25 days annual leave + Birthday Leave + additional company benefits
Help shape the next stage of apprenticeship growth.
Cognition Evolve is growing its apprenticeship offer and we are looking for ambitious Employer Engagement Partners to help build employer relationships, create apprenticeship opportunities and support the development of new apprenticeship pathways.
These are exciting opportunities to join at an early stage as we expand our apprenticeship provision nationally. We are recruiting initially into specialist growth areas including:
- Early Years Apprenticeships
- Professional Skills Apprenticeships
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, opening new opportunities while helping employers use apprenticeships to solve workforce challenges.
This is primarily a new business and growth role focused on generating apprenticeship starts and building a national employer pipeline.
The Role
You will take ownership of developing new employer relationships, identifying opportunities and converting interest into apprenticeship starts. Working alongside recruitment, delivery and apprenticeship colleagues, you will help employers understand workforce needs and match apprenticeship solutions that support both organisational growth and learner success. You will retain ownership of employer relationships beyond initial onboarding to support future growth opportunities, while maintaining a light-touch account management approach. This is a national role. Most engagement activity is expected to take place remotely.
Key Responsibilities
Employer Growth & Business Development
- Identify, engage and develop new employer relationships nationally
- Generate apprenticeship opportunities and convert employer interest into apprenticeship starts
- Build and maintain an active pipeline of employers across agreed sectors and pathways
- Carry out consultative workforce discussions and training needs analysis
- Develop repeat opportunities within employer accounts
Relationship Management
- Become a trusted advisor to employers exploring apprenticeship solutions
- Provide a positive experience from first enquiry through to onboarding
- Retain ownership of employer relationships to support continued growth activity
- Build referral routes and partnership opportunities to support expansion
Performance & Delivery
- Work towards agreed targets focused on apprenticeship starts, employer engagement activity and pipeline growth
- Maintain accurate CRM records and forecasting information
- Track opportunities, progression and conversion activity
- Share employer insight to support service development and future pathways
Collaboration
- Work closely with Candidate Engagement colleagues to align vacancies and candidate supply
- Support cohort planning and growth discussions
- Work collaboratively with apprenticeship delivery teams to ensure smooth onboarding and successful starts
What Success Looks Like in Year One
In your first year you will:
- Build a strong employer network within your specialist pathway area
- Create sustainable apprenticeship opportunities
- Develop repeat employer relationships
- Achieve personal apprenticeship growth targets and contribute toward team objectives
- Help shape employer engagement processes as the service expands
- Support the launch and growth of future apprenticeship pathways
Requirements
About You
We are interested in people who enjoy creating opportunities and building partnerships. You may currently work within:
- Apprenticeship employer engagement
- Apprenticeship business development
- Recruitment
- Workforce development
- Training sales
- Employer partnerships
- Education or employability services
Skills you will require:
Essential
- Experience generating new business opportunities, employer relationships or recruitment activity
- Proven ability to work towards targets and convert opportunities
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Good commercial awareness and organisational skills
- Confidence managing pipelines and CRM systems
- Ability to work independently in a developing environment
Desirable
- Apprenticeship experience
- Funded learning knowledge
- Experience within Early Years, Professional Skills or workforce development sectors
- Understanding of employer training needs and workforce planning
Why Join Cognition Evolve?
This is an opportunity to join at an important stage of growth. You will help build something new rather than inherit an established market. You’ll work alongside teams across apprenticeship delivery, recruitment and learning while contributing directly to the future direction of the apprenticeship service.
Our guiding principles are simple:
- Be agile
- Be better
- Be ambitious
- Be impactful
How to Apply
Please submit:
- CV
- Cover letter (maximum two pages)
Your application should demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification.
Closing date: Friday 5 June 2026 at 5pm
Interview week commencing: 15 June 2026
Please note vacancies may close earlier depending on application volumes.
Employer Engagement Partner -Apprenticeships in Manchester employer: Cognition Learning Group
Cognition Evolve is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of apprenticeships. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with employers while enjoying a supportive culture that values agility, ambition, and impact. Located in a hybrid setting near Manchester, you will benefit from 25 days of annual leave, birthday leave, and additional perks, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a difference in workforce development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employer Engagement Partner -Apprenticeships in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn. Building relationships is key to landing that Employer Engagement Partner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with employers, highlight your experience in generating new business opportunities and building partnerships. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've successfully engaged employers in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to appear. Reach out to companies you admire and express your interest in their apprenticeship programmes. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make an impact. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Employer Engagement Partner -Apprenticeships in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in employer engagement and apprenticeship development. Tailor it to showcase how your skills align with the role we're offering.
Write a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about building employer relationships and creating apprenticeship opportunities. Keep it concise, but make sure to include specific examples of your past successes in similar roles.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your communication and relationship-building skills shine through in your application. Use clear examples to demonstrate how you've successfully engaged employers or generated new business opportunities in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognition Learning Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Cognition Evolve's apprenticeship programmes. Understand their goals and how they align with your experience in employer engagement. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Since this role is all about building relationships, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with employers in the past. Highlight specific instances where you turned interest into opportunities, as this will demonstrate your ability to generate apprenticeship starts.
✨Be Ready for Consultative Discussions
Expect to engage in consultative discussions during the interview. Brush up on your skills in conducting training needs analysis and workforce discussions. Being able to articulate how you can identify and meet employer needs will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Your Ambition
Cognition Evolve is looking for ambitious individuals. Share your vision for how you can help shape the future of their apprenticeship pathways. Discuss your personal targets and how you plan to achieve them, showing that you're ready to contribute to their growth from day one.
