Learning Support Assistant (Boost Workskills Programme)

Salary: From £24,246 FTE Salary is negotiable and based on experience

Type: Full Time, Permanent, Term-time only

Looking for a role where you can help young people take their first real steps into the world of work—and build the confidence they need to succeed?

At New Meaning Training Berkshire, we’re recruiting two dedicated Learning Support Assistants to support our BoostWorkskills programme in Reading. Boost is designed for young people who are almost ready for employment but need guidance, structure, and encouragement to make the leap. Many of our learners haven’t had the easiest experience in education, and your support will help them understand what employers expect, practise workplace behaviours, and build the motivation and belief needed to move forward.

You’ll work closely with tutors to help learners develop confidence, independence, communication skills, and employability habits. You’ll also play an important part in helping learners prepare for work placements or part‑time employment, giving them the reassurance and structure they need to thrive.

Our learners are aged 16–25 and often have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) or SEMH needs. Your role is key in helping them feel safe, understood, and capable of building a positive future.

We have two vacancies for this role – one full time and one part time.

Key responsibilities

• Support learners 1:1 or in small groups as they work through the BoostWorkskills curriculum.
• Adapt your approach depending on individual confidence levels, abilities, and social/emotional needs.
• Help tutors with behaviour support, emotional regulation, and learner engagement.
• Encourage learners to develop employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, punctuality, and problem-solving.
• Support learners in preparing for work experience, including practice interviews, CV tasks, and workplace behaviour coaching.
• Assist with activities, resources, and preparation of teaching spaces.
• Promote learner independence, confidence, and a positive work ethic.
• Maintain accurate records of learner support, progress, and development.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to create a consistent, encouraging environment.

About Us

New Meaning Training (NMT) offers education with a difference. We are an alternative education provider dedicated to helping young people aged 16–25 discover their strengths and develop the confidence and skills to earn their own living.

This academic year we have 300 young people from Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, and Berkshire. Many of these learners are referred by secondary schools, pupil referral units, and Special Education Needs settings.

Our journey began in 2015 with the opening of our first centre in High Wycombe, originally known as “Toolshed.” Ten years on, NMT continues to grow. In Berkshire we have a range of learning programmes: Construction Multiskills, Creative Art & Design, Sports, BoostWorkskills, and AchieveLifeskills. All incorporate functional skills qualifications in Maths and English, along with tutorials and enrichment sessions to support our well‑rounded approach. We also provide a ‘Transition Support’ programme for young people with EHCPs who are not yet ready for a learning setting.

NMT tailors its programmes to meet the needs of its learners, considering Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We comprehensively apply the principles of a Loving Care Approach (Trauma Informed Practice) to ensure all young people receive the support they need to thrive.

You will have

• Experience supporting young people, ideally with SEN or SEMH needs.
• An understanding of the confidence barriers young people face when preparing for employment.
• A calm, positive, and empathetic approach.
• The confidence to support learners with a mix of classroom‑based and practical employability tasks.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic IT skills and a willingness to keep accurate records.
• A genuine passion for helping young people who haven’t thrived in mainstream education.
• A full UK driving licence is desirable.