Apprenticesp & WBL Manager in Newton Aycliffe, North East

NC Group is seeking a principled, proactive leader to head our Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning provision. As the Operations Manager, you will be the driving force behind the effective planning, delivery, and review of our apprenticeship programmes. This is a people-centric leadership role. You won’t just manage functions; you will lead a multi-disciplinary team of tutors, assessors, and support staff, ensuring they are motivated, qualified, and empowered to deliver world-class training that meets the evolving needs of our learners and employers.

Key Leadership & People Responsibilities

• Team Development & Line Management: Direct responsibility for the recruitment, induction, and performance management of the WBL team. You will lead annual Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and Performance & Development Reviews (PDRs) to ensure continuous staff growth.
• Resource & Workload Management: Effectively deploy staff, managing schedules, timetables, and caseload reviews to ensure optimal delivery and staff well-being.
• Principled Leadership: Act as a collaborative leader, using fairness and integrity to resolve conflicts and engage staff of all ages and backgrounds.
• Safeguarding & Culture: Drive a culture of safety and inclusion, ensuring full compliance with Safeguarding, Prevent, and Equality & Diversity (E&D) policies across all learning environments.

Specific Operational & Quality Oversight

• Curriculum & Programme Design: Lead the design and planning of new apprenticeship standards, ensuring schemes of learning and session plans cover the essential Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs).
• Quality Assurance (IQA/Ofsted): Oversee the departmental Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). You will coordinate robust internal verification/moderation and lead the quality assurance of teaching in line with the Education Inspection Framework (EIF).
• Employer & Learner Engagement: Build high-quality, bespoke solutions for employers. Monitor apprentice progress through to End-Point Assessment (EPA), using learner focus groups and feedback to drive excellence.
• Compliance & Data: Ensure the accuracy of the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) and provide weekly performance reports against KPIs to the management team and Corporate Board.

Candidate Requirements

• Essential Qualifications

• Core: Level 2 in English and Mathematics.
• Management: Level 3 Management qualification (Level 5 preferred).
• Vocational/Assessing: Level 3 TAQA (or achieved within 6 months) and Level 4 IQA (or achieved within 12 months).
• Education: Certificate of Education and HNC/Level 4 (or above) in a relevant field.
• Legal: Full UK Driving License and trained in Safeguarding, Prevent, and Health & Safety.

• Proven experience managing and motivating a team within a vocational or education-based environment.
• Leading and coordinating Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and audit processes.
• Awareness of Apprenticeship Standards, ESFA funding streams, and Ofsted best practices.
• Experience in bespoke customer-focused solutions and stakeholder relationship management.
• Strong competency in IT systems and data management for education.

• A proactive self-starter who takes full ownership of workflows.
• A principled leader committed to the growth of individuals within their team.
• Flexible and responsive, with a "Client Focus" that prioritises the apprentice experience.

Primary Responsibilities (NC Group Standard)

• Strategize: Contribute to the Group Development Plan.
• Ensure Quality: Own the quality system within your remit to exceed client expectations.
• Risk & Safety: Identify and control risks, ensuring a safe working and learning environment.
• Represent: Market the NC Group professionally at every opportunity.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role please contact Julie Knight, HR Business Partner via with an up-to-date CV.