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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in education and skills, shaping the future workforce.
- Company: Reputable organisation with a strong commitment to excellence in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on apprenticeship delivery and workforce development across the UK.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in Further Education and strong knowledge of apprenticeship standards.
- Other info: Hybrid role with options for a 4-day work week and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 62000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of Skills in a Critical UK Industry! We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Head of Education and Skills to lead and future-proof a nationally recognised Further Education and apprenticeship provision within a specialist industrial sector. This is a senior leadership role with genuine influence. You will take full strategic and operational ownership of apprenticeship delivery and commercial training programmes, ensuring outstanding quality, regulatory compliance, and exceptional learner and employer experiences.
Working at the heart of a well-established organisation with a long-standing reputation for excellence, you will play a pivotal role in developing the workforce of the future and responding to the evolving needs of industry. You will be a credible, experienced senior leader from a Further Education or vocational training background, with a strong record of delivering high-quality apprenticeship and commercial provision. This role is hybrid, office based in Darlington for 3-4 days a week, working from home for the remainder of the week. There is also an option for a 4-day condensed working week with Fridays off.
SALARY/BENEFITS:
- £50-£55K starting salary
- Excellent Company Benefits Package
- Flexible and friendly working environment
- Options for a 4-day condensed working week with Fridays off
- Access to private Health Care
- 25 days holiday plus Statutory Holidays plus your birthday off
OVERVIEW:
- To oversee all aspects of apprenticeship provision and drive continuous improvement across commercial training programmes
- Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing education and training team
- Drive quality assurance, standardisation, and performance management across all provision
- Take a lead role in Ofsted inspection planning, readiness, and compliance
- Explore and develop new FE funding opportunities and support high-quality bids
- Lead innovation in training, and make a tangible impact on workforce development nationwide.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:
- Extensive senior leadership experience within Further Education or vocational training
- In-depth knowledge of Ofsted frameworks, quality assurance, and compliance
- Strong understanding of apprenticeship standards, FE funding models, and accreditation
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage resources, and deliver strategic change
- Experience developing curricula aligned to employer and industry needs
- Proven understanding of FE funding streams such as Adult Skills Fund, Skills Bootcamps, Free Courses for Jobs, Local/Devolved Funding, and Lifelong Learning Entitlement
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, and learner welfare
Head Of Education & Skills in Darlington employer: Oakmoor Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Oakmoor Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Education & Skills in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and having your own questions ready. Show them you’re genuinely interested in shaping the future of skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. We believe it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which are key in a senior leadership role.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Education & Skills in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Education & Skills role. Highlight your senior leadership experience in Further Education and vocational training, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of Ofsted frameworks and apprenticeship standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your passion for education and skills development, and how your experience aligns with our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, be sure to include specific examples of your past successes. Whether it’s leading a team to achieve outstanding Ofsted results or developing innovative training programmes, we want to see how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakmoor Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and regulations in Further Education and vocational training. Brush up on Ofsted frameworks and apprenticeship standards, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving strategic change. Think about specific instances where you’ve improved quality assurance or managed resources effectively, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. This could include employers, learners, and regulatory bodies. Showing that you can communicate effectively and build relationships is key for this position.
✨Think Innovation
Come prepared with ideas on how to innovate training programmes and improve workforce development. Employers love candidates who can think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives to the table.
