Life Skills and Employability Advisor
OVERVIEW
COMPANY: Wigan Youth Zone
LOCATION: Wigan Youth Zone and Outreach
SALARY: £25,000 per annum (pro rata)
BENEFITS:
33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) pro rata. Plus additional leave for length of service.
Birthdays off,
Gym access,
Training and CPD including first aid, safeguarding
and health and safety,
Career development opportunities,
Employee assistance programme,
Strong team culture,
Workplace pension,
Free eye tests,
Discounted to £2 access to holiday club for staff.
POSTED: 16th July 2026
CLOSING: 7th August 2026
First interviews: 14th August 2026
Second interviews: TBA
SPECIALISM: Employability/Life Skills/Community/Youth Work
REPORTS TO: Enterprise and Employability Coordinator
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed term – July 2026 - January 2027
HOURS: Full time 40 hours per week
Tuesday - 10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday- 10:00 – 19:00
Thursday – 10:00 – 19:00
Friday – 11:00 – 20:00
Saturday – 10:00 – 15:00
ORGANISATION TYPE: Charity
Who we are looking for:
Wigan Youth Zone is working in partnership with GMCA, the UK Government and WEA to deliver life skills and employability programmes for young people aged 16–25 who are NEET. As a Life Skills Advisor, you will deliver one-to-one sessions and small group workshops, supporting young people to build confidence, develop essential skills, and move towards positive outcomes such as education, training, volunteering, or employment.
You will carry out initial assessments, create personalised learning plans, and help individuals overcome barriers while improving their wellbeing, self-esteem, and motivation. The role requires strong organisation, as you’ll manage your time effectively and keep accurate, up-to-date records in line with programme requirements. You’ll also support recruitment, retention, and community outreach, while delivering engaging sessions that keep young people motivated.
Alongside this, as an Enterprise Youth Worker, you will help young people develop entrepreneurial and business skills through initiatives like the £10 Challenge. You’ll support them in creating ideas, designing products, and running small ventures as part of fundraising activities.
You will also lead a 6–9 month enterprise programme where teams set up and run a business or social action project, take on board roles, and compete in areas such as sales, marketing, teamwork, and presentation.
Knowledge and Understanding
Knowledge of the issues affecting young people and an ability to work with challenging behaviour
Understanding of the principles of working with children and young people
Knowledge of health and safety, diversity awareness and safeguarding best practice and how these relate to children and young people
Delivery of activities within an equality framework
Qualifications
GCSE or equivalent Literacy and Numeracy – Essential
A professional Youth Work or teaching qualification at Level 3 or above (or equivalent) - Essential
Your Role
Work within the Employability Skills team to achieve targets for recruitment, delivery, retention, and
positive outcomes
Deliver engaging group workshops and 1:1 life skills and employability sessions
Carry out initial assessments and create tailored individual learning plans
Support young people to overcome personal and practical barriers
Build strong, professional relationships and provide high-quality advice and guidance
Motivate and engage learners to build confidence, participation, and independence
Monitor progress, record outcomes, and maintain accurate learner records
Other Responsibilities
Complete all administration, including enrolment, reviews, compliance paperwork, and database updates
Capture impact through case studies and celebrate achievements at events
Develop partnerships with job centres, training providers, employers, and other agencies
Support outreach, recruitment, and retention of learners onto programmes
Broker opportunities with employers, including work experience and job roles
Meet KPIs set by leadership and external funders
Manage resources effectively and identify new opportunities for funding or experiences
Deliver enterprise activities, including the £10 Challenge and community events
Recruit and support teams to take part in the Youth Enterprise Competition Programme
Special Requirements
A willingness to work unsociable hours when required
DBS clearance and committed to Safeguarding children
The ability and willingness to travel to meetings and events both in the region and beyond
In accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check and business satisfactory references.
Please note that in line with our Safeguarding Policy, you must be age 21 or over to work in our Senior Sessions and 19+ to work on our Junior Sessions and Holiday Clubs. All applicants must also be inactive as members for at least 12 months.
The job holder will be required to adhere to the Youth Zone’s policies at all times, with particular emphasis on Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding. Attendance at events and conferences will sometimes be required.
What is Wigan Youth Zone?
Wigan Youth Zone is a purpose built, state-of-the-art youth facility in Wigan town centre which opened in June 2013. It offers young people from across Wigan the opportunity to meet friends, have new experiences, learn new skills and access the support they need to develop and achieve their potential.
The Youth Zone is open to all young people across Wigan aged from 8 to 19 (up to 25 with additional needs), striving to offer something for everyone, regardless of their interests or abilities. With almost 15 dedicated areas to choose from including our four 40-metre floodlit football pitches, art room, music room and climbing wall – there’s something for everyone here at Wigan Youth Zone.
Our aim is simple, to provide the town’s young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.
What do you need to do next
Please complete our application form here and return to [email protected]
76% of our Team would recommend Wigan Youth Zone as an employer to their family and friend
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: Up to £25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- Are you aged 21 or above?
Work Location: In person
