At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and lead engaging employability programmes for young people aged 11 to 25.
- Company: Vibrant youth charity dedicated to empowering young people in West London.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, free gym access, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with evening and weekend hours, plus excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives by helping them achieve their goals.
- Qualifications: Experience working with young people and knowledge of employability pathways.
We are seeking an inspiring Pathways and Employability Manager to help young people build confidence, overcome barriers and take positive steps towards their future.
Location: White City, West London
Salary: £36,421 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, including evenings and weekends
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the vacancy will close once an appointment is made.
About the Role
This is a rewarding opportunity to design and lead an engaging year-round pathways and employability programme for young people aged 11 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. You will work directly with young people, helping them identify their strengths, explore their aspirations and access meaningful education, training, employment opportunities and life goals. You will spend at least 50% of your time delivering sessions, mentoring young people and encouraging their participation. The rest of the time, you'll be opening doors building relationships with schools, colleges, community organisations and, alongside our Corporate Partnerships Manager.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and delivering workshops, projects and activities that develop employability and transferable skills
- Providing one-to-one mentoring and targeted support
- Helping young people overcome barriers and access appropriate progression routes
- Building partnerships with schools, colleges, community organisations, employers and corporate partners
- Developing inclusive programmes shaped by the needs and interests of young people
- Line managing a part-time employability youth worker and overseeing volunteers
- Monitoring participation, progression and programme outcomes
- Producing reports, case studies and impact information
- Acting as a senior safeguarding practitioner, with training provided
About You
You will have experience delivering activities, programmes or workshops to young people aged 13 to 19, along with experience of employability, careers or progression-focused work. You will also bring:
- The ability to build trusted relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds
- An understanding of the barriers young people may face
- Confidence facilitating both small and large groups
- Experience building relationships with external partners and stakeholders
- Excellent communication, organisation and administrative skills
- Strong IT skills and confidence using monitoring and reporting systems
- A proactive, flexible approach and a strong commitment to safeguarding
Experience working with employers or corporate partners and knowledge of local education, employment and training pathways would be advantageous.
About the Organisation
You will join a vibrant youth charity providing a safe, welcoming and inspiring space for young people across West London. Open seven days a week outside school hours, the organisation offers sports, arts, wellbeing support and employability programmes designed to help young people discover their potential.
Benefits include 33 days’ annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, enhanced maternity & paternity leave, Birthday leave, free gym access, a workplace pension and training and development opportunities.
This position requires regular evening and weekend work and is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Other roles you may have experience of could include Employability Programme Manager, Careers and Progression Manager, Youth Employability Manager, Skills and Pathways Manager, Youth Programme Manager, Careers Adviser or Employment and Training Manager.
Pathways and Employability Manager in London employer: West Youth Zone
At WEST Youth Zone, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people in West London. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, providing staff with opportunities for professional growth and development while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on inclusivity and support, we offer a dynamic environment where you can thrive as part of a passionate team committed to nurturing the potential of every young person.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pathways and Employability Manager in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by West Youth Zone.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like West Youth Zone.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at West Youth Zone.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at West Youth Zone. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Pathways and Employability Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of West Youth Zone. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Pathways and Employability Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Youth Zone
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of West Youth Zone. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!