At a Glance
- Tasks: Create exciting work placements for young people in health, education, and sport.
- Company: Join Northumberland College, an Ofsted Outstanding institution with a new state-of-the-art campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to empowering the next generation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and maths, plus experience working with young people.
The predicted salary is between 25949 - 25949 € per year.
Location: Northumberland
Salary: £25,949 per annum
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 28 May 2026
Reference: 0304-26
About The College
Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi‑million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose‑built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located. Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.
About The Candidate
We’re looking for a proactive, people‑focused individual who brings energy, initiative, and a passion for creating opportunities for young people. The ideal candidate will be a confident communicator and relationship‑builder, comfortable engaging with businesses, schools, and community organisations to open doors for 16–18‑year‑olds. You’ll be someone who thrives on connecting the dots; curious, creative, and always looking for ways to make things happen. With resilience and a can‑do attitude, you’ll navigate challenges and inspire others with your commitment to giving every young person the chance to explore the world of work. Most importantly, you’ll believe in the power of early experiences to shape futures. You’ll be inclusive, approachable, and driven by the belief that every young person, no matter their background, deserves a meaningful opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
About The Role
This is a unique opportunity to lead the way in building real‑world opportunities for young people at a crucial stage in their development. You’ll be at the forefront of a growing initiative that helps 16–18‑year‑olds gain valuable insight into the workplace, boosting their confidence, skills, and future prospects. The specific area of focus will be health, education and sport, so a background in, or understanding of, one of these sectors would be of benefit but is not essential. In this role, you’ll develop partnerships with employers across a range of industries, helping them understand the value of supporting work experience. You’ll coordinate placements, build employer engagement strategies, and ensure every opportunity is safe, supportive, and impactful. You’ll also collaborate with schools, colleges, and local networks to match students with opportunities that align with their interests and ambitions. From managing logistics to shaping new models of engagement, your work will directly influence the career journeys of hundreds of young people.
Role Responsibilities
- Plan and create opportunities for students to practice and develop their technical and employability skills (including English, maths and digital skills) as set out with the curriculum plan, allowing for positive progression.
- Plan an innovative approach in the creation of individual and group‑led activities across the curriculum to ensure progress in all elements of their programme (English & maths, main aim, work placement).
- Ensure all students are work ready and have the workplace skills to match their career aspirations.
- Plan, track and monitor work placements for all eligible students within the team.
- Ensure that all students undertake significant and meaningful employer activity including skills competitions, employer events, guest speakers and industry‑defined projects, work experience and placements.
Qualifications
- GCSE grades 4/C in English Language and mathematics.
- A Level Three in a relevant technical, vocational or academic subject.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience of working with young people and adults in group situations.
- Experience of working as part of a team.
- Working with individuals from a wide range of educational backgrounds.
- Experience of working within a relevant technical area.
What’s in it for you?
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35‑48 days per year, plus public holidays).
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role).
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%).
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Skills Development Coach - Work Placement Early Years and Health in North East employer: Northumberland College
Northumberland College is an outstanding employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, where staff are valued as the greatest asset. With a commitment to professional development and wellbeing, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, flexible working options, and access to extensive wellbeing support. The new state-of-the-art campus in Ashington not only enhances the learning experience for students but also provides a vibrant workplace for staff to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skills Development Coach - Work Placement Early Years and Health in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health, education, and sport sectors. Attend local events, join online forums, or even hit up social media groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience working with young people and your understanding of the industry. This will help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations you admire and express your interest in working with them. You never know when an opportunity might arise, and showing initiative can really impress employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you ace your application process. Plus, applying directly through us means you’ll be in the loop about all the latest opportunities tailored for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Skills Development Coach - Work Placement Early Years and Health in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Skills Development Coach. We want to see your passion for helping young people and how you can contribute to their growth.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a confident communicator, it's essential to demonstrate this in your written application. Use clear and engaging language to convey your ideas and experiences, showing us that you can connect with both students and employers.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have working with young people or in relevant sectors like health, education, or sport. We’re looking for someone who understands the challenges and opportunities in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Skills Development Coach and the specific needs of young people in early years and health. Brush up on relevant skills, such as communication and relationship-building, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the job.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about creating opportunities for young people, so let your enthusiasm shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping others succeed, especially in the context of education and work placements.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like engaging with businesses or coordinating placements. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully navigated challenges or built partnerships, and be ready to share those during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions prepared that show your interest in the college's mission and future plans. Inquire about their approach to supporting students or how they measure the success of their work placement initiatives. This shows you're genuinely invested in the role and the organisation.
