Location: WiEducate, 8 Cheyne Walk, Northampton (travel across North and West Northamptonshire)
Reports to: Directors
Contract: Full time- Permanent
Salary: £34 000
Requirements: Business insurance/access to a car (expenses will be paid)
WiEducate offers alternate education for 16-24 years who have been unable to access other education provision in the area. WiEducate works 1:1 and in small groups to support our young people to achieve their aspirations and successfully transition into adulthood.
Role Purpose
The Employer Engagement Lead is responsible for developing, managing and sustaining relationships with employers to create meaningful work experience, supported internships and employment opportunities for young people aged 16–25 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
The postholder will play a key role in preparing young people for the workplace, matching them with suitable opportunities, and supporting both learners and employers to ensure sustainable and successful outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Employer Engagement & Partnership Development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional and national employers across a range of sectors.
- Proactively source work placements, supported internships, job opportunities and vocational experiences.
- Promote the benefits of inclusive employment and raise awareness of SEMH needs among employers.
- Represent the provision at networking events, employer forums, and community partnerships.
- Develop employer partnerships that align with curriculum pathways and learner aspirations.
Work Experience & Employment Pathways
- Identify appropriate placement opportunities tailored to individual learners’ needs, strengths and interests.
- Coordinate and monitor work experience, internships and transitions into employment.
- Support job matching processes, including employer profiling and learner assessments.
- Ensure placements meet safeguarding, health & safety and quality expectations.
Learner Support & Preparation for Work
- Work collaboratively with teaching and pastoral staff to prepare young people for the workplace.
- Support learners in developing employability skills, including communication, resilience, and professionalism.
- Provide guidance on CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation.
- Offer in-work support where required and manage transitions into employment sensitively.
Employer Support & Training
- Prepare employers to work effectively with young people with SEMH needs.
- Provide guidance on reasonable adjustments and inclusive workplace practices.
- Act as a single point of contact for employers, ensuring ongoing communication and support.
- Mediate and resolve any workplace issues or concerns promptly and constructively.
Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance
- Track and report on learner progress, placement outcomes and employer engagement activity.
- Maintain accurate records in line with organisational and funding requirements.
- Evaluate the impact of employer engagement activities and contribute to service improvement.
- Ensure all activity complies with safeguarding, equality and health & safety policies.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience in employer engagement, recruitment, careers guidance, or employability programmes.
- Understanding of SEMH needs and the barriers young people may face in accessing employment.
- Strong relationship-building and networking skills with employers and external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both young people and professionals.
- Ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload.
- Knowledge of safeguarding requirements and inclusive practices.
Desirable
- Experience working in a post-16 SEND or alternative provision setting.
- Knowledge of supported internships, traineeships, or vocational pathways.
- Understanding of local labour market trends and employer needs.
- Coaching or mentoring experience.
- Relevant qualification in careers guidance, youth work, education or similar.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about improving outcomes for young people with SEMH needs.
- Patient, empathetic and solution-focused.
- Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
- Professional, proactive and highly organised.
- Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Safeguarding Statement
This role involves working with vulnerable young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Key Outcomes / Success Measures
- Increased number and quality of employer partnerships.
- Successful matching of learners into appropriate placements and employment.
- Positive learner progression into sustained employment or further training.
- High levels of employer satisfaction and repeat engagement.
Pay: £34,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
