At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Skills Coaches to deliver high-quality apprenticeship programmes.
- Company: Total Training Provision transforms lives through outstanding training experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days of leave, health insurance, and early finish Fridays!
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a culture of excellence and innovation focused on learner success.
- Qualifications: Experience in apprenticeship management and knowledge of compliance standards required.
About The Role
The Apprenticeship Operations Manager is responsible for the operational leadership, quality assurance, and performance management of apprenticeship delivery across the organisation. The post-holder will lead and manage a team of Skills Coaches, ensuring that apprenticeship programmes are delivered in full compliance with the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules, the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF), and internal quality assurance requirements. The role has direct accountability for learner outcomes, Skills Coach KPIs, audit readiness, funding compliance, and employer satisfaction, ensuring that provision is ambitious, well‑sequenced, and delivers sustained impact for learners and employers.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and performance‑manage a team of approximately 10–12 Skills Coaches.
- Set clear expectations and objectives aligned to learner progress, achievement, quality, and compliance.
- Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and CPD planning, holding staff accountable for outcomes.
- Ensure Skills Coaches maintain up‑to‑date CPD and occupational competence.
- Embed Total Training Provision’s values into everyday practice and decision‑making.
Quality Assurance & Ofsted EIF Compliance
- Provide strategic oversight of curriculum intent, implementation, and impact across all apprenticeship programmes.
- Ensure delivery teams implement ambitious, sequenced, and knowledge‑rich curricula informed by accurate initial assessment and learner starting points.
- Monitor the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment to ensure learners know more, do more, and remember more over time.
- Ensure off‑the‑job training is planned, meaningful, and fully evidenced.
- Support Skills Coaches to confidently articulate curriculum design, sequencing, and learner progress during Ofsted deep dives.
- Maintain high standards in behaviour and attitudes, personal development, safeguarding, Prevent, British Values, and SEND.
- Lead internal quality reviews and contribute to Ofsted inspection preparation.
Funding Compliance & DfE Apprenticeship Rules
- Ensure full compliance with DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules (2025–2026), including:
- Learner eligibility and initial assessment
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and reduction of duration and cost
- Training plans, commitment statements, and progress reviews
- Off‑the‑job training evidence
- English and maths delivery and support
- Changes of circumstances, breaks in learning, withdrawals, and completions
- Validate that ILR data, learner records, and funding claims are accurate, complete, and compliant.
- Maintain robust audit trails to minimise funding risk and prevent clawback.
Audit Readiness & Data Integrity
- Ensure all delivery and compliance processes meet internal and external audit standards.
- Monitor ILR accuracy, funding band compliance, and appropriate use of public funds.
- Investigate and resolve data anomalies within 48 hours.
- Ensure learner documentation and evidence are uploaded and shared within the required timescales.
- Lead internal compliance checks and contribute to the continuous improvement of systems and processes.
Performance Expectations
- ≥95% learner achievement rate
- 100% compliance with 8–12 weekly progress reviews, including employer engagement
- 100% of learners are making evidence‑based monthly progress
- ≤5% audit or funding errors
- ≤5% learners behind progress or unfunded
- 100% onboarding and ePortfolio setup within 4 weeks of enrolment
- Delivery within contract profile (≤10% variance)
- Effective management of withdrawals with 1‑month funding payback
- Performance data must be actively analysed and used to drive improvement and intervention.
Learner & Employer Experience
- Ensure learners and employers receive a high‑quality, responsive, and professional service.
- Oversee employer engagement, progress reporting, and review activity.
- Ensure timely response to complaints, concerns, and risks.
- Monitor learner and employer satisfaction, ensuring satisfaction rates of 90–95%+.
- Ensure personal development, careers education, and British Values are embedded across the learner journey.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with Quality, Curriculum, Compliance, MIS, and Business Development teams.
- Support curriculum planning and continuous improvement aligned to employer and sector needs.
- Represent Total Training Provision during audits, Ofsted inspections, and stakeholder reviews.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience in apprenticeship or FE operations management.
- Strong working knowledge of the Education Inspection Framework.
- In‑depth understanding of DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules.
- Demonstrated experience managing teams to deliver compliant, high‑quality provision.
- Track record of achieving performance, funding, and audit outcomes.
- Experience using ILR systems and managing audit evidence.
Desirables
- Teaching, assessing, or training qualification (AET, PGCE, TAQA).
- IQA or Lead IQA qualification.
- Experience across multiple apprenticeship standards or sectors.
Total Training Provision are committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Apprenticeship Operations Manager in Barnsley employer: Total Training Provision
At Total Training Provision, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive professional development opportunities, generous leave policies, and a supportive work environment that prioritises learner outcomes and regulatory excellence. Located in a vibrant community, we offer unique benefits such as early finish Fridays and a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates achievements, making us an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprenticeship Operations Manager in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and quality assurance.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where you drove performance and upheld quality standards, as this aligns perfectly with the role's responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the apprenticeship sector. Engaging with others who have experience in apprenticeship operations can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to continuous professional development (CPD). The role requires monitoring CPD completion, so be ready to share how you’ve supported team members in their professional growth and how you plan to do the same in this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprenticeship Operations Manager in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Apprenticeship Operations Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their key responsibilities.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience in apprenticeship or FE operations management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of the Education Inspection Framework and DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules.
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since the role involves leading a team, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams, set objectives, and driven performance in previous roles.
Align with Company Values:Total Training Provision values Trust, Excellence, Accountability, Collaboration, Gratitude, and Innovation. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you've embodied them in your professional life.
How to prepare for a job interview at Total Training Provision
✨Understand the Company Values
Before your interview, make sure you know Total Training Provision's core values: Trust, Excellence, Accountability, Collaboration, Service, Gratitude, and Innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples from your past experiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Apprenticeship Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team of Skills Coaches. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on performance management, coaching, and achieving high-quality delivery.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance Standards
Since compliance with the Education Inspection Framework and DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules is crucial, brush up on these regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach this responsibility in the new position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in apprenticeship or FE operations management and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to quality assurance and audit readiness.
