Apprenticeship Manager (Contract) in Forest Row

We are excited to offer a rare opportunity to design, shape and lead Emerson College’s apprenticeship provision. As we embark on the development of new apprenticeship pathways rooted in experiential, craft‑based and land‑based learning, this role places you at the heart of a transformational phase for the College. You will bring together strategic vision and hands‑on involvement to establish a high‑quality, meaningful apprenticeship offer that aligns with Emerson’s ethos and supports learners, employers and our wider community.

Emerson College offers a rich programme of courses inspired by Steiner education, therapeutic approaches, and the arts. With over sixty onsite beds, teaching spaces, meeting rooms, and beautiful grounds, the College hosts a wide variety of students, guests, and venue hire clients throughout the year.

We are looking for an exceptional Apprenticeships Manager who will be responsible for the leadership, quality, compliance and strategic development of Emerson College’s apprenticeship provision. Drawing on the insights of Rudolf Steiner rooted in the ethos of Emerson College and the principles of Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE), the role ensures apprenticeship programmes are delivered through experiential, craft-based and land-based educational pathways that foster learner development, therapeutic engagement and vocational competency.

Occasional evening and weekend working will be required to support events, workshops, festivals or training.

In this role, you will:

• Lead all quality assurance and compliance processes to ensure apprenticeship provision meets required standards and continuously improves.
• Shape, develop and grow apprenticeship programmes so they align with Emerson’s ethos and meet the needs of learners and employers.
• Oversee the effective use of digital systems and the e‑portfolio platform to support accurate reporting, teaching, tracking and quality monitoring.
• Build strong, positive relationships with employers and external partners while representing the College professionally in all networks and events.
• Actively take part in community, craft and land‑based activities that reflect the College’s values and support wider college events when needed.
• Uphold high professional standards through clear communication, safeguarding, compliance with policies and ongoing professional development.

We are looking for someone:

• That ideally holds a teaching qualification or assessor/IQA qualification.
• Has experience of delivering and/or managing apprenticeship programmes or vocational training.
• Has a strong knowledge of apprenticeship standards, funding compliance, and designing employer responsive programmes.
• Has strong digital skills, including use of e‑portfolio and MIS systems.
• Is confident in working with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Brings a reflective, calm and supportive professional approach.
• Has knowledge of biodynamic agriculture and therapeutic pedagogies or has a willingness to learn.

Emerson College has recently joined Ruskin Mill Land Trust which is a sister charity to Ruskin Mill Trust Ltd drawing their inspiration from common insights – Ruskin, Morris and Steiner. RMT (and its subsidiaries) operates a number of schools, colleges and provisions around the country, utilising practical land and craft activities to support the development of work and life skills in young people with autistic spectrum conditions and other learning differences.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Level Disclosure as well as a medical check, references, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK.