Head of Apprenticeships

Swansea campus (hybrid working with travel to other locations as necessary)

ABOUT US

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) traces its heritage back to the first university in Wales, receiving its Royal Charter in 1828 and is honoured to have His Majesty King Charles III as Royal Patron.

UWTSD now teaches over 16,000 students across its six campuses in the UK; four in Wales and two in England. It has long-standing international educational partnerships in Europe, China, Malaysia, the USA and elsewhere.  

Our aim is to transform education, and by doing so transform the lives of the individuals and the communities we serve. We are already recognised for providing an outstanding student experience:

• 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Times Higher Education, July 2024)
• 1st in Wales for 7 subjects and Top 10 in the UK for 3 subjects (Guardian University League Table 2024)

Our success is due to the commitment, skill, knowledge, and ability of our people working together. We are now building on this strong culture and provision to become a leading provider of accessible higher education.

We are now looking for a Head of Apprenticeships to join our Swansea campus on a full time, Permanent basis, working 37 hours per week.

THE ROLE

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving the strategic direction, delivery, and expansion of the university’s apprenticeship offerings, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, regional needs, and national apprenticeship standards in England and in Wales.

The Head of Apprenticeships will function as the primary advocate for the Unit and its students, fostering partnerships with employers, professional bodies, and external stakeholders to create a thriving and innovative apprenticeship ecosystem.

The Head of Apprenticeships will advise the University on the frameworks for degree and higher apprenticeships and their funding arrangements in both Wales and England and will be required to guide the University through this area to ensure that changes are identified, growth opportunities are exploited, and planning is established to ensure Government policy changes are embedded into the provision.

(View attached job description for more details of the role)

ABOUT YOU

To be considered as Head of Apprenticeships, you will need:

• First Degree or equivalent professional qualification in business related area
• Proven track record of leading and managing apprenticeship programs or similar initiatives in education or training
• In-depth understanding of apprenticeship frameworks and funding mechanisms in Wales and England
• Familiarity with quality assurance processes in education, such as QAA, OFSTED or Estyn inspections
• Experience in building partnerships with employers and external stakeholders
• Strong leadership and team management skills with a commitment to staff development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire diverse audiences
• Strategic thinker with experience in delivering measurable outcomes in a complex environment
• Knowledge of current agendas for employer engagement and workforce development at HE level
• Engagement in continuous professional development
• Evidence of ability to balance competing pressures of leadership, management, public engagement and administrative demands and deadlines
• Demonstrate a commitment to leading a team and fostering an effective team ethos
• Demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity in working practices
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet role requirements

It would also be beneficial if you held:

• A Postgraduate management qualification
• Experience working in the higher education sector
• Knowledge of the socio-economic and skills landscape in Wales
• Experience in writing bids for funding and costing
• Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh

BENEFITS

Annual leave entitlement is 35 days’ annual leave per year, plus 8 bank holidays and 4 University closure days

Our employees get access to a comprehensive pay and benefits package in recognition of their valued contribution including:

• Competitive pay and pay progression
• Generous annual leave allowance including Christmas/New Year closure
• Pension scheme membership from USS to provide benefits for you and your family
• Access to a benefits and wellbeing platform, with a choice of benefits to suit your needs, including electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme and financial wellbeing services
• Support for health and wellbeing, including access to on-campus sports facilities at discounted rates, occupational health, and counselling support services
• Career and development opportunities, including support to gain further qualifications
• Family-friendly policies that provide for flexible working, including enhanced paid maternity and paternity leave
• Travel schemes, including the cycle to work scheme

So, if you feel you could thrive and make an impact as our Head of Apprenticeships, please apply via the button shown.

Please note, this application process does not include the option to submit a CV. Therefore, your application will be assessed based on your answers to the application questions only and, in particular, your Supporting Statement.

Note your correspondence language will be determined by the language you apply in. To apply in Welsh, please click ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of the screen. 

Closing date: 21^st February 2025, 11:59 pm