Group Apprenticeships Programme Specialist

About the role

At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. National Grid supplies us with the environment to make it happen. As we generate momentum in the energy transition for all, we don't plan on leaving any of our customers in the dark. Join us as a Group Apprenticeships Programme Specialist and find your superpower.

In this role you will oversee the successful implementation of apprenticeship programs within the organisation. Ensure apprentices progress effectively, maintain compliance with standards, and provide necessary support to apprentices throughout their program journey. Manage training providers to ensure learning quality, learner progression, and on‑time completion. This role is based at our site in Tipton and is a hybrid role so there is an expectation to be working two days on site and the rest working from home. Please note you must have a full UK Driving licence and be able to drive for this role.

What you'll do

• Manage relationships with training providers, including conducting regular monthly review meetings to monitor learner progress and ensure timely programme completion.
• Ensure the selection of high‑quality training providers that meet organisational needs, delivering excellent learning experiences and outcomes for apprentices.
• Lead the tender process with training providers to meet emerging apprenticeship needs, ensuring quality, compliance, and value for money.
• Oversee the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account and systems, ensuring all business‑managed apprenticeships remain compliant with funding rules and regulations.
• Organise and deliver onboarding, including welcome days and induction programmes for new apprentices.
• Lead learner voice sessions, ensuring all feedback is captured, documented, and actioned to improve the apprentice experience.
• Act as the main point of contact for apprentices and stakeholders, providing day‑to‑day support and guidance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to support successful programme delivery.
• Monitor and facilitate apprentice progression to ensure programme milestones and requirements are achieved.
• Ensure appropriate support mechanisms are in place for off‑track learners, enabling timely intervention and successful completion.
• Act as the main point of contact for apprentice learning requirements, offering guidance and support as needed.
• Ensure apprentices are adequately prepared for EPA by providing guidance, processes, and support materials.
• Plan and facilitate mentor and line manager meetings to provide guidance and support to apprentices.
• Develop and maintain manuals for each apprenticeship programme, ensuring clarity and consistency in programme delivery.
• Manage the Aptem system, ensuring accurate tracking of learner progress and timely updates.
• Take responsibility for overall team data management, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and effective reporting.
• Generate and maintain learner progress reports, tracking performance, risks, and achievements.
• Manage and update the team SharePoint site, ensuring content is accurate, organised, and accessible.
• Ensure strict adherence to apprenticeship standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive the identification and acquisition of funding streams to support business growth and apprenticeship programme delivery.

What you'll need

• Proven experience in managing apprenticeship programmes, preferably in the utility or related industry.
• In‑depth knowledge of apprenticeship standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Team management experience.
• Level 5 learning and development qualification, or related field.
• Previous experience in apprenticeship programme management or a similar role.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to promoting the success and well‑being of apprentices.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £48,374.00 - £57,012.50 - dependent on capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points‑based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.