The Path2Apprenticeships programme aims to provide unmatched opportunities for 19–29-year-olds to gain in-demand skills in a real-world setting through tailored teaching and coaching. The programme involves co-creating a syllabus with employers, focusing on relevant work and digital skills, and delivering a structured, supportive, and engaging learning experience.
Pathway Group, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is seeking a qualified and experienced individual to lead and manage the Path2Apprenticeships programme. This role involves overseeing all aspects of the programme, including direct delivery, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with Senior Leadership and Executive Teams. The successful candidate will drive growth, ensure quality and compliance, maintain high standards of customer service, and shape our brand. They will leverage Pathway Group’s extensive experience and network to enhance programme outcomes and support young people in overcoming barriers to employment through information, advice, and guidance.
We expect you to:
Have a strong demonstrable background in Further Education, Adult Skills Sector, and leadership experience. You will provide direction, leadership, and guidance on all related funding and contract management issues surrounding Path2Apprenticeships and employability programmes. You will ensure the company meets its growth aspirations and targets across sales, compliance, quality, and administration while managing our reputation and impact with stakeholders.
Expert knowledge of funding rules is essential to ensure our Path2Apprenticeship rationale is aligned and compliant with any changes in ESFA guidance. A strong understanding of Ofsted and ESFA funding rules is required.
Requirements of the Role
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Oversee contract management by implementing robust project management and review procedures, liaising with key stakeholders and funding organisations.
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Drive the operational delivery, development, and growth of the programme, ensuring performance meets contract requirements while maintaining relationships with Job Centres, partner organisations, employers, and funding bodies.
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Lead the development and implementation of an employer engagement strategy, encompassing Path2Apprenticeships, Adult Education and employability programmes, supporting the team to map customer journeys and develop communications and engagement plans.
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Work with employers to identify needs and respond with innovative, cost-effective provision.
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Build and maintain relationships with employer organisations to secure business and promote Pathway values.
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Monitor and manage contract performance, identify risks, and implement improvement plans.
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Lead sales and business development efforts, identifying and pursuing opportunities for growth and partnerships.
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Promote a high-performance culture through supportive and professional leadership.
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Conduct regular contract reviews to assess performance and plan approaches for achieving targets.
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Recommend and implement continuous improvements, ensuring policies and documentation are current with regulatory changes.
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Achieve regional targets for sign-ups, leads, and completers.
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Facilitate weekly status reports on contract milestones, KPIs, programme interdependencies, risks, and issues.
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Respond to commissioner requirements for contract progress reporting and assurance.
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Provide support and information to the Executive Board and Senior Leadership Teams based on evaluation results.
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Represent the company at events and other occasions.
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Undertake any other reasonable tasks and duties as requested by the CEO and COO.
We will expect that there will be requirements to:
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To be the lead and “go to” person and key driver in all aspects relating to Path2Apprenticeships with an expert up to date working knowledge of legislation and in line with WMCA Skills Programmes Funding Rules and Skills Programmes Payment and Performance Management Rules.
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Develop a robust learning journey to target at least 65% progression into apprenticeships with 3 months post completion.
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Adapt and provide continuous personal guidance aligned with individual career aspirations and sector – specific requirements within the CEIAG Programmes.
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Have detailed and expert level understanding of policy developments and initiatives relevant to the skills and welfare to work sector.
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Have forensic attention to detail and meticulous data analytical skills with an understanding of Compliance, Quality and Customer Focussed excellence
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Identify, initiate and implement commercial revenue opportunities relevant to our aspirations.
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Create a culture of learning from feedback including planning transformational change leading to continuous positive outcomes.
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Maintain an awareness of our funding contracts and programmes.
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Supply chain management and onboarding process and documentation including full due diligence and managing orientation.
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Leading the preparation and management and application of research work using various sources such ONS, LMI as well as any relevant strategic documents and research papers.
You must have eligibility to work in the UK. Please note, only suitable applicants will be contacted. If your address and contact details are not on your CV, you will not be considered.
Pathway Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment.
The successful candidate will have to meet the requirements of the person specification and will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Some final few words from our CEO
“As a new team member not only must you have the knowledge and skills but also have the right mannerisms and attitude to be able to get along with us and help me to protect, support and grow the business in the “best way for the business”.
Safaraz Ali