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- Tasks: Inspire and support apprentices as they kickstart their careers in rail.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities and creating opportunities.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, exclusive discounts, and tailored training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by coaching the next generation of railway talent.
- Qualifications: Strong coaching skills and a recognised qualification in Learning and Development required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team where everyone feels welcome and valued.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester (with occasional travel across the Northern network)
Salary: £34,060 – £40,508
Hours: 37 per week
Contract type: Hybrid
Introduction
As part of our Learning, Talent and Development team, you’d play a vital role in shaping the next generation of railway talent. Our Apprenticeship Development Coaches inspire, support and motivate our Trainee Apprentices – helping them grow in confidence, knowledge and skill as they begin their careers in rail. This role sits right at the heart of what Northern stands for – connecting people, building capability, and helping our apprentices make it happen every single day. If you’ve got a passion for coaching others to reach their full potential, this could be the perfect next step in your journey.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Coach, support and motivate apprentices through every stage of their programme
- Plan, monitor and review placements to make sure learning outcomes are met
- Record and track learner progress using digital tools such as Smart Assessor or OneFile
- Produce progress reports, identify trends and share insights with the wider Apprenticeship Team
- Communicate clearly with managers and colleagues to make sure every apprentice gets the right support at the right time
- Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of apprentices, maintaining a safe and supportive environment
- Keep your own skills sharp through continuous professional development and sharing best practice with peers
You’ll report to the Apprenticeship Development Coach Team Leader, working closely with other coaches across our network.
About You
You’ll be someone who brings energy, empathy and structure to every conversation. A natural communicator with a genuine love for developing others. You’ll thrive on seeing people progress and succeed.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong coaching and mentoring experience
- A recognised qualification in Learning and Development (minimum Level 3) or equivalent, plus an assessor qualification
- Good knowledge of apprenticeship standards and frameworks
- Confident using learner management and e‑portfolio systems such as Smart Assessor or OneFile
- Skilled in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Excellent communication and organisational skills, with a focus on accuracy and detail
Coaching skills, a people‑first mindset and a knack for building trust – that’s what will make you stand out.
What’s in it for you?
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview. We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment. No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
Apprenticeship Development Coach in Manchester employer: Northern
Contact Detail:
Northern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprenticeship Development Coach in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current Apprenticeship Development Coaches or others in the rail industry on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. Building connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common coaching scenarios. Think about how you’d motivate an apprentice facing challenges or how you’d track their progress. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for coaching! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve helped others succeed. Whether it’s through mentoring or training, let them see your genuine love for developing talent.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining a team that’s all about connecting people and building capability in the railway industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprenticeship Development Coach in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coaching: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for coaching and developing others shine through. Share specific examples of how you've inspired or supported someone in their learning journey.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with apprenticeship standards and any relevant digital tools you've used.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points where appropriate to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows that you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the apprenticeship standards and frameworks relevant to the role. Brush up on your coaching and mentoring experience, and be ready to share specific examples of how you've helped others grow.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for developing talent shine through. Talk about why you love coaching and how it feels to see someone succeed. This role is all about inspiring apprentices, so make sure they can feel your energy!
✨Be Tech-Savvy
Since you'll be using digital tools like Smart Assessor or OneFile, it’s a good idea to demonstrate your comfort with technology. If you have experience with these systems, mention it! If not, show your willingness to learn.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you would explain complex ideas to apprentices and be prepared to discuss how you ensure everyone gets the right support.
