At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in educational settings while gaining valuable office skills and experience.
- Company: Join North Ayrshire Council's Skills for Life programme, dedicated to empowering parents through education.
- Benefits: Earn £12.60 per hour, enjoy mentored support, and gain a recognised qualification.
- Other info: Interviews on 9th & 10th July 2025; must be registered with We Work for Families.
- Why this job: Make a difference in schools while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal for unemployed parents with basic Microsoft Office knowledge and a desire to learn.
Interviews will be held 9th & 10th July 2025.
We may conduct our interviews in person or using Microsoft Teams for video calling. All you need is a device with a camera and access to the internet. We will provide guidance and instructions on how to use this method if your interview is being held virtually.
North Ayrshire Council’s Skills for Life programme is creating temporary placements as Education Business Assistants within North Ayrshire schools. The programme is funded by Scottish Government and aims to support parents into vocational mentored placement, gaining skills and experience within an education environment. • These placements will be for 26 weeks • Up to 20 hours per week term-time • Paid at the Real Living Wage, £12.60 ph • Mentored support throughout your placement • Preferred knowledge/experience of Microsoft Office Packages and/or Experience working in an office environment During the programme, you will be offered the chance to gain a SVQ Level 2 in Business & Admin. You will also attend a mandatory 4 week course prior to your start date, to complete a pre-employment training course based around office skills. Eligibility To be considered for the post you must be an unemployed parent with a dependent child(ren) living in the same household, and a resident of North Ayrshire. Interviews An interview time will be allocated when the advert closes to eligible applicants. Registration To be eligible for this programme you must be registered with We Work for Families. They can be contacted on 01294 608952 or at wwff@thelennoxpartnership.org for more details. In Work Support You will be given support from our Team throughout your placement with will include a timetable of activities to help you find work during or after your placement. Disclosures As the post requires working with children, successful applicants will be expected to complete a PVG application before commencing the placement. We would require passport or a full birth certificate along with proof of your NI number for Asylum ID. We also require 2 official documents/letters as proof of address.
For more details see the attached Role Profile below.
North Ayrshire Council uses behavioural based approach throughout the recruitment process. Our staff values of Focus, Passion & Inspiration will be explored for this vacancy.
For your information if this post requires references you will be notified of further details if you are successful in gaining an interview. Not providing relevant references when requested may delay the outcome of the interview process.
PVG (Children)
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children.
Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to confirmation of employment being made by North Ayrshire Council. Please note, successful candidates will be expected to meet the cost of the relevant PVG check (£59 or £18), which will be deducted in instalments from your wages following commencement of employment. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit https://www.mygov.scot/organisations/disclosure-scotland/ .For further details on North Ayrshire Council’s policy please visit Pre-employment checks (north-ayrshire.gov.uk) .
Please note if you are the successful candidate your name and email address will be entered into the Disclosure Scotland PVG system to generate your PVG form which will be issued to your email with an enclosed link to complete.
Our Workstyles
As an employer of choice, North Ayrshire Council has identified four different Workstyles. Each post in the council has been allocated one of these styles:
In Building – More than 90% of time spent primarily at a single base or location.
This post has been allocated the workstyle: In Building
More information on our workstyles can be found in our HR Guide - Workstyles (north-ayrshire.gov.uk) . If you have any questions on the allocated Workstyle for this post, please ask at interview.
#J-18808-LjbffrSkills for Life - Education Business Assistant employer: North Ayrshire Council
North Ayrshire Council is an excellent employer, offering meaningful opportunities through the Skills for Life programme, which supports unemployed parents in gaining valuable skills and experience within an educational setting. With a commitment to employee growth, you will receive mentored support throughout your 26-week placement, along with the chance to earn a SVQ Level 2 in Business & Admin, all while being paid at the Real Living Wage. Our inclusive work culture prioritises focus, passion, and inspiration, making it a rewarding environment for those looking to make a positive impact in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skills for Life - Education Business Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Skills for Life programme and its objectives. Understanding the programme's goals will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Microsoft Office skills, as this is a preferred requirement. Consider taking a quick online course or tutorial to refresh your knowledge, which can give you an edge in the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural interview questions by reflecting on past experiences where you've demonstrated focus, passion, and inspiration. Think of specific examples that showcase these values, as they are key to North Ayrshire Council's recruitment process.
✨Tip Number 4
Ensure you have all necessary documentation ready for the PVG application process. Being organised and having your passport, birth certificate, and proof of address at hand will show your preparedness and commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Skills for Life - Education Business Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Education Business Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you have experience with Microsoft Office Packages or working in an office environment, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions:Since North Ayrshire Council uses a behavioural-based approach in their recruitment process, prepare for questions that explore your values of Focus, Passion, and Inspiration. Think of examples from your past that demonstrate these qualities.
Check Your Documents:Before submitting your application, ensure all required documents are ready, including proof of address and identification. Double-check that your CV and cover letter are free from errors and clearly present your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Ayrshire Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of an Education Business Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the Skills for Life programme and how it supports parents in gaining skills within an educational environment.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since North Ayrshire Council uses a behavioural-based approach, prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate the values of Focus, Passion, and Inspiration. Think about situations where you showcased these qualities, especially in an educational or office setting.
✨Technical Readiness for Virtual Interviews
If your interview is conducted via Microsoft Teams, ensure your device is set up correctly. Test your camera and microphone beforehand, and find a quiet space with a good internet connection to avoid any disruptions during the interview.
✨Gather Required Documents
Be prepared to provide necessary documents such as proof of identity and address, as well as any references if requested. Having these ready will show your organisation skills and readiness for the role.
