Skills Development Coach

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 06 October 2026

Reference: 0740-26

About the College

Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located.

Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.

The College has two main campuses in Ashington, and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region

Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

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Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you're making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government's targeted retention incentive (formerly "levelling-up premium") payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

We are looking for an inspiring and passionate person who believes in the potential of every young person. You will be committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare learners with SEND for adulthood, employment, and independent living.

You will be a collaborative team player who demonstrates courage, authenticity, respect, and excellence in everything you do. You will build positive relationships with learners, families, colleagues, and employers, whilst maintaining high expectations and supporting learners to achieve ambitious outcomes.

As a Changemaker, you will champion inclusive education, challenge barriers to participation, and develop innovative approaches that enable learners with SEND to thrive. You will help shape the future of post 16 SEND education by ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed and progress

About the Role

The overall purpose of the Skills Development Coach role is to support learners' personal, social and professional development through the delivery of the Global Skills programme and preparation for adult hood.

The role focuses on developing resilience, work readiness, digital skills and transferable skills to support progression into employment, apprenticeships or higher education. It provides individual and group coaching to help learners set goals, monitor progress and overcome barriers to achievement.

The role also supports the wider curriculum by embedding personal development, and employer engagement

Role Responsibilities

• Plan for group skill focused sessions, based either in classroom, workshops, trips or visits.
• Support students individually with the coordination of academic or skills focused intervention to ensure pace of progress is appropriate for the level and expectations of the programme.
• Support students with the improvement of digital skills relevant to their curriculum/sector in conjunction with the subject specialists.
• Generating and monitoring robust action plans to ensure students have targets and regular progress reviews against their EHC Plans.
• Attend and contribute to recruitment and induction events supporting curriculum to achieve their recruitment targets whilst ensuring right student, right course.
• Maintain industry currency through engagement within industry days.
• Participate and actively contribute to curriculum team and cross college professional development.
• To be responsible for and motivating all students to reach their full potential, by providing support, mentoring and challenge throughout all aspects of their learning journey.
• To perform the duties of a First Aider and/or Fire Warden where appropriate.
• To perform such other duties as reasonably correspond to the general character of the post and are commensurate with its level of responsibility
• To have due regard and take appropriate responsibility for PREVENT and the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children and/or vulnerable adults

Qualifications

• Level 2 or Equivalent in English and maths
• Experience of working with young people in group situations
• Effective oral communication with colleagues and students
• Ability to work with a range of students and their complex needs
• Ability to lead and work collaboratively
• Working with post 16 students
• Ability to write action plans and evidence meeting targets
• An understanding of neurodivergence
• An understanding of the preparation for adulthood framework
• Strong understanding of inclusion
• Passion for raising aspirations and improving outcomes for learners

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults