Head of Apprenticeship Development and Quality

Head of Apprenticeship Development and Quality

Location: East Sussex 

Salary: £45,000 – £50,000

Contract: Full-time | Permanent

 Are you an experienced apprenticeship leader ready to shape high-quality education with real purpose? This is a rare opportunity to lead the development and growth of an innovative apprenticeship provision within a values-led education organisation that believes learning should transform lives, communities and careers. If you're passionate about quality, compliance and creating exceptional learner experiences, this senior leadership role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact.

About the Company

Join a respected charitable education provider with a long-standing reputation for delivering transformational adult learning through experiential education, creativity and sustainable practice. The organisation is committed to developing people personally and professionally, creating an inspiring learning environment where practical skills, community and holistic development sit at the heart of everything they do.

This is an organisation where your ideas will be valued, innovation is encouraged and you'll have the opportunity to influence the future direction of apprenticeship delivery while working alongside passionate and dedicated colleagues.

The Role

As Head of Apprenticeship Development and Quality, you will provide strategic leadership for the development, growth and continuous improvement of the apprenticeship provision.

Working closely with senior leaders, curriculum teams, employers and external stakeholders, you will ensure apprenticeship programmes are innovative, compliant and deliver outstanding outcomes for learners and employer partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the strategic growth and expansion of apprenticeship provision, identifying new opportunities and partnerships.
• Developing and monitoring apprenticeship budgets alongside the finance team.
• Driving quality assurance through Self-Assessment Reports (SAR), Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensuring full compliance with apprenticeship funding rules, Ofsted requirements and apprenticeship standards.
• Monitoring learner achievement, retention, progression and employer satisfaction, implementing improvement plans where required.
• Leading internal quality assurance processes, audits and quality monitoring across teaching, learning and assessment.
• Overseeing e-portfolio systems, ensuring consistent and effective use across the provision.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with employers, End Point Assessment organisations and external partners.
• Keeping curriculum teams informed of policy and funding changes affecting apprenticeships.
• Representing the organisation at sector events, conferences and employer forums.
• Championing a culture of excellence, collaboration and learner-centred practice throughout the apprenticeship provision.

This role also offers the opportunity to contribute to the wider college community, including occasional evening and weekend events, workshops and festivals.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for an experienced apprenticeship professional who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence.

You'll ideally have:

• A proven track record of successfully leading and developing apprenticeship provision within Further Education or work-based learning.
• Experience producing and managing SARs, QIPs and wider quality assurance processes.
• Strong knowledge of apprenticeship standards, EPA requirements, ESFA funding rules and Ofsted expectations.
• Experience in curriculum design, programme development or apprenticeship delivery.
• A thorough understanding of compliance, audit requirements and continuous quality improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with employers, curriculum teams and external organisations.
• High levels of digital confidence, including experience with e-portfolio and management information systems.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence and inspire others.
• A teaching qualification and/or assessor or IQA qualifications (desirable).
• An appreciation of experiential, craft-based or therapeutic approaches to education would be advantageous.

Apply Now

If you're ready to lead an ambitious apprenticeship provision, drive quality and innovation, and play a key role within a purpose-driven educational organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to take the next step in your leadership career and help shape the future of apprenticeship education.