At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of an innovative early careers strategy and create pathways for apprenticeships and internships.
- Company: Join the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, shaping the future of talent in a dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's careers while driving regional growth and diversity.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of early careers pathways and experience with education partners is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 51356 £ per year.
Are you passionate about shaping the future of early talent and creating opportunities that genuinely change lives? The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is looking for an inspiring Early Careers Lead to design and deliver a bold, forward‑thinking early careers strategy that supports the region’s growth and builds a diverse pipeline of future skills.
You’ll join us at a pivotal moment of investment and transformation. Working within our People & Culture team, you’ll ensure early careers activity aligns with workforce planning priorities and long‑term organisational capability needs.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead the development and delivery of a coherent early careers strategy, creating clear pathways across apprenticeships, graduate schemes, internships and work experience.
- Work closely with schools, colleges, universities and training providers, ensuring the organisation plays a visible and influential role in the regional skills landscape.
- Oversee a portfolio of programmes, design structured development pathways, ensure inclusive attraction and support mechanisms, and use data and insight to evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with senior leaders and hiring managers to understand future capability needs and build sustainable talent pipelines.
What you’ll bring:
- Confident, credible professional with strong knowledge of early careers pathways and long‑term workforce development.
- Able to build trusted relationships, communicate with impact, manage multiple programmes effectively, and design inclusive, structured development experiences.
- Experience working with education partners or within the regional skills landscape is highly valued.
Salary and Working Hours:
- Salary: £47,181 – £51,356 (pro‑rata for part‑time). Full‑time equivalent salary provided. Part‑time applications are accepted.
Benefits:
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of continuous service, with the option to increase annual leave through a purchase scheme.
- 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible, family‑friendly and hybrid working options (typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week).
- Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England.
EEO Statement:
Good Employment Charter. As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.
Early Careers Lead in Bristol employer: West of England Combined Authorities
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to shaping the future of early talent through a dynamic and inclusive work culture. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative early careers strategies while enjoying generous benefits such as flexible working options, extensive annual leave, and a supportive environment that values diversity and community engagement.
Contact Details:
West of England Combined Authorities Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Careers Lead in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through! Share your ideas about early careers strategies and how you can contribute to their vision. Passion is contagious and can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Prepare for Informal Chats
Sometimes, the best opportunities come from casual conversations. Be ready to discuss your experiences and insights on early talent development. Practise your pitch so you can confidently share your thoughts when the moment arises.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through our site not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Careers Lead in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for shaping early talent shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about creating opportunities that change lives!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with early careers pathways and workforce development. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that communicate your ideas effectively. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role.
How to prepare for a job interview at West of England Combined Authorities
✨Know Your Early Careers Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in early careers pathways. Research the regional skills landscape and understand how the organisation fits into it. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with educational institutions or other partners. Highlight your ability to build trusted relationships and communicate effectively, as these are key for the role.
✨Be Data-Driven
Think about how you can use data and insights to evaluate the impact of early careers programmes. Be ready to discuss any experience you have with data analysis and how it has informed your decision-making in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Since the role focuses on creating inclusive development experiences, come prepared with ideas on how to attract diverse talent. Share any past initiatives you've led or been part of that aimed at improving inclusivity in recruitment or development.
