At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance apprenticeship development and quality in a dynamic education environment.
- Company: Established adult education organisation focused on innovative learning experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape future apprenticeships.
- Other info: Join a community-driven organisation committed to learner success and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' lives and drive quality in vocational education.
- Qualifications: Experience in apprenticeship leadership, quality assurance, and curriculum development.
Head of Apprenticeship Development and Quality
The Opportunity
Are you an experienced apprenticeship leader with a strong background in quality assurance, curriculum development, compliance and strategic growth?
This is an exciting opportunity to take strategic ownership of apprenticeship development and quality within an established adult education organisation.
You will play a key role in shaping apprenticeship strategy, strengthening quality and compliance, developing employer partnerships and ensuring apprentices receive a high-quality learning experience that supports achievement, progression and career development.
The role is ideally suited to a senior apprenticeship professional who understands the wider Further Education, work-based learning and Employability & Skills landscape and can combine strategic thinking with hands-on expertise across quality, curriculum, funding, digital learning and employer engagement.
About the Organisation
Our client is an established adult education organisation delivering distinctive learning and development opportunities through experiential, practical and vocational education.
The organisation has a strong focus on developing learners both personally and professionally, combining practical skills, vocational competence and work-based learning to support positive progression outcomes.
You’ll be joining an organisation where learner development, quality, innovation and community are central to the learning experience, with the opportunity to play a key role in shaping and expanding its apprenticeship provision.
The organisation is committed to developing a high-quality apprenticeship offer that reflects employer needs, occupational standards and evolving expectations across the Further Education and skills landscape.
Why Join?
- Lead the strategic growth and development of apprenticeship provision within an established education environment.
- Influence apprenticeship quality, curriculum development, compliance and learner outcomes.
- Develop innovative delivery models incorporating experiential, vocational and work-based learning.
- Build relationships with employers, EPA organisations, awarding bodies and external partners.
- Contribute to continuous improvement, digital learning and e-portfolio development.
- Help shape an apprenticeship provision focused on learner achievement, progression and employer satisfaction.
The Role
As Head of Apprenticeship Development and Quality, you will provide strategic leadership for the establishment, development and continuous improvement of the organisation’s apprenticeship provision.
You will lead across quality assurance, curriculum development, compliance, funding, employer engagement, performance management and apprenticeship growth, ensuring programmes remain aligned with occupational standards, apprenticeship requirements, Ofsted expectations, funding rules and employer needs.
Working collaboratively with curriculum, finance, quality and external stakeholders, you will ensure apprenticeship provision is educationally effective, commercially sustainable and capable of delivering strong learner and employer outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic growth of apprenticeship provision by identifying new markets, opportunities, employer partnerships and sustainable development opportunities.
- Develop and monitor apprenticeship budgets and performance, working with finance teams to support effective use of funding and long-term sustainability.
- Monitor key performance indicators including recruitment, retention, achievement, completion, learner satisfaction and employer satisfaction, implementing improvement actions where required.
- Lead the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) processes, ensuring actions are monitored, evaluated and effectively embedded.
- Ensure apprenticeship programmes align with occupational standards, Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs), funding rules, EPA requirements and Ofsted expectations.
- Lead quality assurance activities including internal verification, audits, sampling, learner reviews, assessment materials and Teaching, Learning and Assessment.
- Support curriculum design and programme development, ensuring apprenticeship delivery models remain innovative, relevant, responsive and aligned with employer and learner needs.
- Lead the improvement and consistent use of e-portfolio, MIS and digital learning systems, ensuring accurate evidence capture, reporting, learner tracking and quality monitoring.
- Build and manage effective relationships with employers, End-Point Assessment organisations, awarding bodies, curriculum teams and external partners to strengthen delivery and identify new opportunities.
- Monitor government policy, apprenticeship reforms and sector developments, providing clear guidance and briefing information to administrative, quality and curriculum teams.
- Analyse learner and employer feedback, performance data and quality intelligence to identify trends, risks and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Ensure apprentices receive appropriate support with English and maths, safeguarding, Prevent, equality, diversity, inclusion and additional learning needs.
- Represent the organisation at employer forums, conferences, seminars and webinars, promoting the apprenticeship offer and developing strategic partnerships.
- The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an experienced apprenticeship and quality professional with a proven track record of developing and improving apprenticeship provision within Further Education, work-based learning, independent training providers or the wider Employability & Skills sector.
You will ideally have
- Proven experience leading or significantly developing apprenticeship provision within Further Education or work-based learning.
- Strong knowledge of apprenticeship standards, funding rules, EPA processes, compliance requirements and the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework.
- Demonstrable experience leading SAR, QIP, quality assurance, auditing, monitoring and continuous improvement activity.
- Experience of curriculum design, programme development and high-quality Teaching, Learning and Assessment.
- Strong understanding of apprenticeship funding, off-the-job training, learner progression, achievement and employer engagement.
- Experience using e-portfolios, MIS, learner management systems and digital learning technologies to support apprenticeship delivery, compliance and quality.
- Strong analytical, report-writing, communication, stakeholder management and strategic decision-making skills.
- A teaching, training, assessor or IQA qualification such as PGCE, DET or equivalent would be advantageous.
- An understanding of experiential, therapeutic, craft-based, land-based or alternative educational approaches would be desirable.
- Apply Now
If you are an experienced apprenticeship leader with expertise across quality, curriculum, compliance, employer engagement and strategic development, this is an excellent opportunity to influence the future direction of apprenticeship provision.
Apply today to bring your expertise to an organisation where apprenticeship development, learner outcomes, quality improvement, vocational education, digital learning and innovative delivery are central to its mission
Head of Apprenticeship Development and Quality in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: S Knights Recruitment
As a Sale Administrator, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Our company offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all within a vibrant office environment that encourages teamwork and personal development. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Apprenticeship Development and Quality in Royal Tunbridge Wells
✨Get Involved in Local Learning Communities
Join local adult education groups or community centres that host classes. It’s a great way to meet people in the same field, plus they often know about apprenticeship opportunities before they're posted online.
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to anyone you’ve met during your studies or any courses you’ve taken. Ask them if they know of any apprenticeship roles, especially in local education organisations, as they might just have the inside scoop on openings at places like S Knights Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In interviews and conversations, express your enthusiasm for adult education. Share experiences where you’ve helped others learn or even ongoing projects you're involved in. It’ll set you apart and show you’re committed to the field.
✨Apply Early and Often!
Many apprenticeships have specific application windows, so don’t hesitate to apply as soon as you see a role that interests you—especially at S Knights Recruitment. Keep checking their website and transfer any tips you gather from networking into your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Apprenticeship Development and Quality in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Learning:When applying for an apprenticeship in adult continuing education, it's vital to highlight your enthusiasm for teaching adults and facilitating their learning journeys. Use your cover letter to share specific experiences that showcase your motivation to empower others and expand your own skills in this rewarding field.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if your experience isn't directly in education, include any relevant roles you've had, like mentoring, tutoring, or leading workshops. Showcase how these experiences shaped your understanding of adult learners and educational methods—this can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV to the Educational Sector:Make sure your CV reflects your understanding of adult learning principles, and include any certifications or courses you've done in education or training. Using keywords that resonate with adult education can also help your application stand out to S Knights Recruitment.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Learning Style:Since this apprenticeship is about fostering learning, be prepared to discuss how you learn best and how you can adapt to meet the needs of diverse adult learners. Think about including a short section in your cover letter that showcases your adaptability and commitment to personal growth in educational methods!
How to prepare for a job interview at S Knights Recruitment
✨Show Your Passion for Education
In adult continuing education, demonstrating a genuine passion for teaching and learning is key. Be ready to share any experiences that showcase your enthusiasm for helping others learn, whether it's tutoring, mentoring, or even sharing your own learning journey.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in adult education. Prepare to discuss how you've adapted your communication style to suit different audiences. Maybe think of a time when you tailored your message for a group of learners with varying levels of experience.
✨Get Familiar with Learning Tools
As this is an apprenticeship, you'll likely be using various educational tools and platforms. Do a bit of homework on popular tools in the field like Learning Management Systems (LMS) or any specific software that S Knights Recruitment uses, and be prepared for questions about your comfort level with technology.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your learning potential is as important as your current skills. Be ready to discuss how you approach learning new concepts and how you’ve adapted in previous roles. Showing that you’re keen to grow in this field can really set you apart!
