Role Summary

The Head of Apprenticeship Operations and Delivery sits at the heart of Ada’s apprenticeship programmes. They are responsible for the operational delivery of Ada’a apprenticeships across all sites, leading a cross-regional team to manage and deliver the compliant systems and processes required for exceptional apprenticeships, and oversee communications and support functions. The role is centred on the apprentices’ and employers’ experience and works closely with Ada’s central operations team.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Leadership of apprenticeship operations: Lead on all operational matters, including leading and line managing  the delivery and compliance staff. This includes: recruiting and inducting team members; holding 1:1s; setting objectives; setting priorities; reporting on key metrics; and identifying and recommending improvements.
• Systems: Lead on ensuring the systems and processes necessary for degree apprenticeship delivery are in place, collaborating with the central data and impact teams to  transition to a new CRM and learner record management system.
• Enrolment and onboarding: Manage the process for the admissions, enrolment and onboarding of apprentices, and work with the Apprenticeship Partnerships team on the onboarding of new employers.
• Delivery logistics: Enable effective delivery of apprenticeship training, working through the team to ensure the smooth running  of induction and delivery weeks. This includes liaising with site staff, teaching colleagues and skills coaches, and managing logistics for in person delivery.
• Apprenticeship compliance: Work with the team to ensure that Ada’s programmes are compliant with the latest funding rules, including:
  • The collection and storage of necessary documentation during enrolment
  • Management of the online Apprenticeship Service
  • Establishment and maintenance of compliant templates for training plans and apprenticeship agreements
  • Quality Assurance of data collected for submission to the Individualised Learner Record (ILR)
  • Monitoring of work output of other apprenticeship teams to ensure compliance E.g in setting training plans and establishing off the job hours.
• Apprenticeship funding: Work in partnership with the Finance Team on the planning and reconciliation of apprenticeship funding
• Apprentice enquiries: Deliver an efficient system to manage apprentice enquiries, allowing them to be dealt with in a timely manner and delivering excellent customer service.
• Communications to apprentices: Oversee cohort wide communication of programme information, ensuring apprentices are equipped with clear and timely details about their courses, including but not limited to apprentice handbooks, delivery dates, venue details and how to access support.
• Data and reporting: Ensure effective apprenticeship data management, and work closely with the Impact and Information team to ensure that all data reporting is integrated into Ada's core online systems wherever possible
• The apprentice experience: Place the apprentices’ experience at the heart of operational delivery, ensuring the delivery of excellent customer service, and taking into account the needs of Ada’s apprentices at each stage of their journey.
• Health, safety and wellbeing:  The Apprenticeship Operations team has a shared responsibility with the other teams within apprenticeships to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing  of apprentices. You will collaborate with other colleagues, in particular the central college operations team (including site managers), the college safeguarding team (Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and deputy DLSs), and skills coach team, to ensure the highest standards of provision and support, in the areas of: first aid provision, risk assessment, safeguarding of learners, fire safety, and wellbeing support. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The ideal candidate will be a highly organised and experienced individual with a proven track record in learner management and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional learner experiences.

Essential Criteria:

Experience & Knowledge:

• Experience in a senior operational role within the education sector (including university, college and training providers), demonstrating effective work in a high performing regulated environment
• Proven experience of leading and managing a team, including recruitment, performance management, objective setting, and professional development.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and implementing efficient systems and processes for apprenticeship delivery, ideally including experience with CRM and learner record management systems.
• Experience of funding regulations and compliance requirements in an education or programme delivery context, ideally including apprenticeship regulations,  Individualised Learner Record (ILR) submissions, Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) rules, and audit processes.
• Experience in managing enrolments, onboarding, and delivery logistics, including liaison with employers, teaching staff, and skills coaches.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and wellbeing requirements within an educational setting, ideally including safeguarding best practices.

Skills & Abilities:

• Leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate, inspire, and develop a high-performing team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines effectively. 
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with apprentices, employers, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively. 
• Proficiency in using relevant software and systems, including CRM systems and learner management systems.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and a proactive approach to identifying and implementing best practices in degree apprenticeship delivery.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments to achieve shared goals.
• A strong focus on delivering excellent customer service and enhancing the apprentice experience.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic with a passion for apprenticeships and skills development.
• Proactive and results-oriented with a strong work ethic and a commitment to achieving targets.
• Detail-oriented and meticulous with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Adaptable and flexible with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• A team player with a collaborative and supportive approach.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Desirable Criteria:

• Relevant professional qualifications related to apprenticeship management or education.
• Experience of working with degree apprenticeships.
• Experience of working in a further or higher education setting.

Safeguarding

Ada, National College for Digital Skill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and references will be sought from previous employers prior to commencing employment. Other related pre-employment checks appropriate to the post will also be carried out.

We care about equity, diversity and inclusion

Ada. National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:

• To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
• To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
• To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
• To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation;
• To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.

Applicants with disabilities

Ada is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please contact us.

Sponsorship
Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.

How to apply for this role:

Interested candidates are asked to submit their up to date CV and a cover letter outlining their interest in the role and what they envisage being the key priorities for their first 50 days in post if appointed.  The letter and CV should be sent to jobs@ada.ac.uk .  The closing date for application is Wednesday 26 February 2025 at 17.00. In-person interviews are currently scheduled for Friday 7 March 2025 at our Manchester Campus and will involve a panel interview and role related task.