At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in gaining confidence and skills for meaningful employment through personalised coaching.
- Company: UHI Argyll, a leading educational institution in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower individuals to build brighter futures and create pathways to success.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting jobseekers and excellent interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Roles involve local travel; driving licence essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31250 £ per year.
UHI Argyll offer further and higher education in one of the most geographically fragmented areas of Scotland. We are an academic partner of UHI. The university operates through a partnership of twelve colleges and research institutions, located throughout Argyll, the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire. To support our work we are recruiting to the following role: Work Coaches (2 part time roles, Oban and Dunoon).
Salary: £31,250 pro rata.
Duration: Fixed Term 1 year (0.8FTE Oban, 0.6FTE Dunoon).
Working hours: Part-Time.
Closing Date: Sunday 19th April.
We’re seeking two motivated, people‑focused Work Coaches to support adults preparing to re‑enter the world of work. You’ll help build confidence, develop employability skills, and create pathways into meaningful, sustained employment through high‑quality work placements.
What You’ll Do:
- Provide personalised, motivational 1‑to‑1 coaching to develop confidence, skills, and job‑readiness.
- Support learners in their learning and on placement, ensuring positive, structured experiences.
- Match learners to suitable placements, liaising with employers to arrange, monitor, and review progress.
- Build and maintain referral routes with local agencies and community partners.
- Track outcomes: set goals, review progress, and provide clear, constructive feedback.
About You:
You should bring experience supporting jobseekers, learners, or people facing barriers to work, and have excellent interpersonal skills to motivate, inspire, and build trust. Organised and solution‑focused, you’re comfortable juggling priorities and solving problems to keep learners progressing. You’re confident engaging with employers and partner agencies to create opportunities and sustain positive relationships. Above all, you’re compassionate, patient, and resilient, with a clear focus on achieving high‑quality outcomes for the people you support. Experience in employability, FE/college settings, or community‑based support is desirable.
Additional Information:
- Roles involve local travel; driving licence is essential.
- Appointment subject to PVG membership and satisfactory references.
- We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Help us support individuals to build brighter futures through work‑ready skills and meaningful placements. Closing Date for applications is 19/04/2026.
Work Coaches - 2 part time roles, Oban and Dunoon (UHI Argyll) employer: University of the Highlands and Islands
Contact Detail:
University of the Highlands and Islands Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Work Coaches - 2 part time roles, Oban and Dunoon (UHI Argyll)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts and let them know you're on the hunt for a Work Coach role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to coaching and employability. Think about how you can showcase your interpersonal skills and experience in supporting jobseekers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research UHI Argyll and their community impact. Showing that you understand their mission and values can really set you apart during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Work Coaches - 2 part time roles, Oban and Dunoon (UHI Argyll)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Work Coach role. Highlight your experience in supporting jobseekers and any relevant skills that match what we’re looking for. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have put thought into your application!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: Since this role is all about building trust and motivating others, don’t forget to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with learners or jobseekers in the past. We want to see your compassionate side shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the heart of why you’d be a great fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the Highlands and Islands
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Work Coach role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as providing personalised coaching and liaising with employers. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role is all about supporting and motivating individuals, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built trust and rapport in previous roles. Think of specific situations where your interpersonal skills made a difference in someone's journey.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like matching learners to placements or tracking their progress. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, highlighting your problem-solving and organisational skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Empowerment
The role requires compassion and resilience, so be sure to convey your genuine passion for helping others succeed. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to empowering jobseekers and how you’ve helped individuals overcome barriers to employment.