Welcome to Ada!

We are a specialist, digital skills college, training and developing diverse higher-level apprentices into fantastic roles in the tech sector and transforming their lives in the process. Our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of diverse digital talent.

We have approximately 350 apprentices on roll from a wide range of backgrounds across our Manchester and London campuses. 75% are recent school leavers. One third are young women, one third from ethnic minority backgrounds and many come from tough backgrounds. They represent over 15 different nationalities. They are united by their passion and enthusiasm for tech.

We are looking for a Technical Skills Coach - Regional Lead for our Manchester team who will support apprentices throughout their journey with us, and provide in-region leadership, working closely with and deputising for the Lead Skills Coach (currently London based).

Within the role, you will line-manage a team of Skills Coaches as well as maintaining regular contact with apprentices & their employers providing continuous guidance throughout the apprenticeship, ensuring apprentices stay on track and are ready for their End Point Assessment.

This is a unique opportunity to work with a growing number of employers and apprentices. You’ll join a small but growing close-knit team, who is passionate about seeing all our apprentices thrive.

We’ll also provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills and professional practice in a collaborative and nurturing environment.

Main Responsibilities:

• Line Managing the Manchester skills coach team
• Allocating the Skills Coach caseloads to Skills Coaches in collaboration with the Lead Skills Coach
• Providing direct training, guidance and support for new skills coaches through planning induction, 1:1 conversations, allowing them to shadow quarterly reviews, observing and providing feedback on quarterly reviews
• Acting as an escalation point for apprentice progress issues for the other Skills Coaches in Manchester
• Reporting on Manchester apprentice progress to the Lead Skills Coach
• Providing apprentices with Portfolio and Skills sessions as required with support from the Lead Skills coach
• Guiding and supporting a reduced caseload of apprentices through their apprenticeship programme, including skills development and pastoral support
• Carrying out 12-weekly reviews either in person or remotely with apprentices and line managers to monitor progress against key milestones and the apprenticeship standards
• Working with apprentices to create, monitor and update their individual learning plans
• Providing personal and professional support to apprentices and employers
• Work with the partnerships team to provide information and updates on groups of apprentices for key employer partners
• Providing rigorous, developmental feedback on work-based learning evidence
• Managing and tracking of progression of all key programme elements for each apprentice
• Working with the national Skills Coach team to deliver remote and in-person skills workshops
• Supporting apprentices to prepare for their end point assessment and assessing whether they are ready to enter gateway
• Ensuring all apprentice records are maintained and are compliant to ESFA regulations

Other Responsibilities:

• Providing technical and academic assistance to support apprentices’ learning depending on expertise
• Representing Ada occasionally as needed with employers and young people as part of our business development and outreach activities
• Engaging with the wider Ada team to share best practice and contribute to a culture of collaboration and support

The Person

Essential:

• Experience supporting apprentices as a tutor or skills coach, conducting high quality tripartite meetings with apprentices and employers
• Excellent communications skills and able to work effectively with people at all levels
• Able to effectively use systems, including tracking systems, to record and track outcomes
• Professional working ethos to effectively build and manage business relationships with apprentices and employers
• An understanding of tech and the digital industry and an awareness of the skills required to succeed in tech-related roles, or a willingness to develop this.

Desirable:

• Experience of leading a programme of learning and overseeing apprenticeship progress
• Previous experience of Line Management
• Technical experience or knowledge in an area of digital technology such as programming, databases, software development, IT project management and change management
• Experience coaching learners/apprentices in their career development
• Experience tracking apprentices through their apprenticeship programme and liaising with the relevant regulatory bodies

Personal Qualities, Aptitudes and Skills:

• A commitment to Ada’s mission and values and a passion for enabling everyone, regardless of background, to flourish and reach their full potential
• Organised and have strong time management skills
• Adaptable and patient, able to manage many priorities at once and resolve concerns with empathy and compassion
• An innovative self-starter, excited by the prospect of being involved in building Ada in the region

Safeguarding

Ada, the 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.

Equal opportunities

Ada, the 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, the National College for Digital Skills 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 any additional needs in relation to your application please contact our HR Department via hr@ada.ac.uk.

Variations to this Job Description

This is a description of the job as it is at present, and is current at date of issue [June 2023]. The job description will be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure that appropriate revisions are incorporated, and that it relates to the job to be performed.

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

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to jobs@ada.ac.uk, outlining why you are excited by the opportunity to take on this role at Ada and how your previous experience and skill set will enable you to fulfill the role.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial phone conversation about the role followed by a two-part assessment process involving a practical exercise and a competency based interview. In the subject field please write “Application to Technical Skills Coach” and then add either London or Manchester followed by your name.

The closing date is 19^th July 2024, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may take place before this date so early applications are recommended.

Thank you for your interest and good luck with your application!