At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in achieving positive futures through tailored careers advice and guidance.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, flexible working, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to improving lives in Reading.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by empowering young people to overcome barriers and succeed.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a passionate and driven Careers Coach to join our Education Services team, supporting young people to achieve positive futures. In this rewarding role, you’ll provide high‑quality, impartial careers advice and guidance to young people aged 16–18, helping them move into education, employment or training. You’ll take a trauma‑informed, person‑centred approach, working closely with young people and their families to build confidence, aspirations and career management skills.
You’ll play a key role in supporting young people to overcome barriers and progress into positive destinations. Working with a diverse caseload, you’ll deliver tailored, outcomes‑focused support and build strong relationships that empower young people to succeed. In this role you will:
- Manage a caseload of young people who are NEET or at risk, ensuring progress is tracked and supported
- Deliver impartial careers information, advice and guidance to support informed decision‑making
- Build trusted relationships, particularly with young people facing complex or multiple barriers
- Develop and review SMART action plans to support progression and long‑term outcomes
- Deliver engaging 1:1 and group sessions using a variety of approaches
- Work collaboratively with families, schools, colleges and partner agencies
- Monitor outcomes and maintain accurate, high‑quality case records
- Use labour market knowledge to guide young people into realistic and sustainable pathways
- Act as an advocate, supporting young people to access opportunities and services
- Deliver services across various locations in Reading, including schools and community‑based settings such as FamilyHubs.
We are seeking a highly experienced practitioner with a strong track record of supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes. You’ll be confident working both independently and as part of a wider multi‑agency team, with the ability to adapt your approach to meet individual needs. You will bring:
- Experience of working with young people, particularly those who may be vulnerable or at risk of disengagement
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and motivate others
- Experience delivering careers information, advice and guidance in a relevant setting
- The ability to manage a caseload effectively and prioritise competing demands
- A proactive, organised approach with strong attention to detail
You’ll also demonstrate:
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
- An understanding of barriers faced by groups such as NEET young people, those with SEND or care experience
- The ability to work collaboratively with partners to achieve positive outcomes
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team
- Drive Efficiency
- Be Ambitious
- Make a Difference to Reading
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
Careers Coach in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. As a Careers Coach, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while benefiting from generous holiday entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a modern workplace in the heart of Reading. The council prioritises employee growth and innovation, encouraging you to share your ideas and develop your career within a collaborative team that values diversity and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Coach in Reading
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like Reading Borough Council looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Careers Coach at Reading Borough Council, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Coach in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Reading Borough Council, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Reading Borough Council and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Reading Borough Council might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Reading Borough Council.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
