Apprenticeship Manager – West Midlands Fire Service

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of over 2.9 million people.

Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’.

This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Apprenticeship Manager to join our team. You will design, implement and manage our apprenticeship programmes, overseeing all aspects of the apprenticeship lifecycle.  You will lead the accreditation of the Service as an apprenticeship training provider, ensuring that our programmes comply with current legislation.

Working alongside our recruitment team and local managers, you will identify apprenticeship opportunities and support the recruitment of suitable candidates.  You will oversee the onboarding process and monitor the apprentice’s progress, working closely with managers, trainers, and mentors throughout the apprenticeship programme.

You will have experience of managing apprenticeship programmes, with working knowledge of the regulations and standards governing apprenticeships.  With a passion of the apprenticeship’s agenda, you will seek to increase the profile and benefits of apprenticeships across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement apprenticeship programmes that align with organisational goals and sector standards.
• Design curriculum and training plans to meet the specific needs of apprentices and the requirements of relevant certifications or qualifications.
• Build and sustain effective relationships with external training providers, educational institutions, and industry partners.
• Prepare and submit reports to regulatory bodies, detailing programme outcomes and compliance metrics.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the apprenticeship programmes.

Experience and skills

• Proven experience in managing apprenticeship programmes or similar training or educational initiatives.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards governing apprenticeship programmes.
• Knowledge and understanding of the financial governance surrounding apprenticeship programmes.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong reporting and data analysing skills.

Benefits

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:

• flexible and agile working arrangements
• on-site free gym facilities
• free parking.

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health facility – including occupational health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.

In addition, employees have access to:

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• wellbeing programmes
• ‘blue light’ discounts across many retailers through partner schemes
• Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee) – with access to discounted products and services.

Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.

WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.   Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including – where applicable – relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.  How to apply

To apply, please complete the application questions outlining your skills and experiences in line with the job description (linked below).

Questions

If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Tristan Dugdale-Pointon by email at Tristan.Dugdale-Poin@wmfs.net

Closing date 3rd July 2024 at midnight.