JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Apprentice Officer
Department
Building Lives
* Location
Building Lives Training Academies (5 vacancies in London)
Reporting to
Claire Williams (Head of Apprentice Delivery)
Line Manager to
Building Lives Apprentices
Key
Relationships
Apprentices, Contract Manager, Sub Contractors, local support services & College
Contract type
Permanent
Salary
£23,000 - £27,000 (dependent on experience) plus generous bonus scheme
Working Hours
37.5 hours per week 8:30am – 5.00pm, 5 days per week
About Building Lives
Building Lives is a an award winning registered Social Enterprise and community interest company, set up in 2010 to
support local people into sustainable construction apprenticeships. Building Lives is a partnership of many companies that
pull together for the same aim.
We are a very ambitious Social Enterprise and our founder is a commercial businessman who understands how to run a
successful business. Our long term aim is to open a Building Lives Academy in every borough and eventually go national.
We have 5 Academies in London, with 5 more scheduled to open this year. Our track record is 85% apprenticeship
completion rates and 78% sustained employment afterwards.
This is a brilliant opportunity for the right candidate who could grow with us and develop as we do.
Purpose of the role
We are looking for an engaging, dynamic and hardworking individual to join part of our growing and fast paced team. You
will be responsible and have ownership of the day to day management of apprentices throughout their time on the Building
Lives programme. This will involve excellent engagement and management skills as you will be working with a varying client
group from a range of different, and frequently disdvantaged backgrounds and differing needs. The post holder will need to
have experience of working with a similar client group and the ability to effectively manage conflict and risk.
The role will also require the day to day liaison with a range of stakeholders including: Construction organisations (to ensure
apprentice’s work placements are specific to their qualifications), colleges and local support services. The ability to
effectively manage these and other stakeholder relationships is crucial.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate individual who is flexible in their approach, can ‘think on their feet’ and is
willing to go the extra mile. This role will require satellite working so the ability to work independently and confidently manage
your workload is essential. In turn you will become part of a fast paced, dynamic and passionate organisation that is going
from strength to strength and willing to invest in staff that show the right willingness and attitude.
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This role will be challenging, but highly rewarding. You will need to be well organized, highly motivated and able to work on
your own initiative.
Tasks, Skills and Responsibilities
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To undertake day to day line management duties of apprentices, i.e. accurate processing of: attendance records,
time sheets, holiday, sickness and be their first point of contact.
To identify and resolve any risks that may arise with the apprentices.
To liaise with clients, sub-contractors and Contract Managers to manage work placements and expectations and
be their first point of contact.
Work closely with Contract Managers to rotate apprentices (where required) to ensure they have a variety of
experience in line with their qualification.
Liaise with support services to ensure all apprentices receive the required assessments and support.
Liaise with tutors to lead on the selection process of apprentices onto different levels of the scheme.
Manage reserve list of apprentices to replace individuals who drop out.
Monitor apprentice’s progress throughout the apprenticeship scheme in line with their work programme.
Assist the Apprentice’s with demonstrating the required skills, attitude and work ethic required to succeed in their
future careers.
Undertake one to one sessions with students and apprentices including registration, Performance Development
Reviews and the disciplinary process.
Undertake regular site visits to ensure apprentices work placements are progressing smoothly and have regular
contact with their site managers and site staff.
Ensure apprentice databases and files are kept up to date and securely filed.
Produce regular reports on apprentice’s progress to the Head of Apprentice delivery on a regular basis.
Assist with the recruitment of new programme cohorts when and where appropriate.
Deliver ad hoc workshops and presentation to groups of learners and apprentices.
Create a positive work environment for learners and apprentices, ensuring that Building Lives key values such as
work readiness, positive attitude and enthusiasm is embedded within the apprenticeship programme.
Personal Specification
Experience
Skills and Knowledge
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Essential
Dealing with
apprentices, students,
vulnerable people or
people from
disadvantaged
backgrounds as a
group or one to one
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Independent working
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Qualifications
Personal Attributes
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Excellent communicator
at all levels.
Strong organisational
skills
Able to deal with and
manage conflict
effectively.
Relationship
Management
Excellent IT skills
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Managing a team
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Desirable
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An understanding of
people that have
experienced difficult
backgrounds, i.e. exoffenders,
homelessness etc.
An understanding of the
Construction industry.
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IAG
Qualification
level 3 or
above
Able to work flexibly
Able to establish
excellent/positive
working relationships
with clients and
colleagues
Passion, drive and
commitment
Works well under
pressure
Solution focused
Takes ownership of
work
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Knowledge of the local
area and local
organisations.
Strategic.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter to Natalie.Nwaelene@buildinglives.uk.com
Closing date: Friday 26th September 2014
Please also note that we are unable to accept applications from candidates who require sponsorship.
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