About Birmingham City University
At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.
Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.
Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.
By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Skills Coach to join our Student and Teaching Administration – Apprenticeships, supporting the successful delivery of our apprenticeship provision.
As a Skills Coach, you will work closely with apprentices and employers to coach, assess and monitor progress throughout the apprenticeship journey. Using your knowledge of apprenticeship standards, funding requirements and compliance processes, you will support apprentices to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to successfully reach Gateway and complete their Apprenticeship Assessment. Working collaboratively with employers, academic colleagues and support services, you will provide advice, guidance and coaching while ensuring accurate records, timely reviews and full compliance with University and funding requirements.
Key Responsibilities
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Coach, assess and support apprentices throughout their apprenticeship journey, preparing them for Gateway and successful completion of Apprenticeship Assessment.
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Conduct regular progress reviews, workplace visits and observations, working closely with apprentices, employers and line managers.
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Monitor apprentice progress, maintain accurate learner records using APTEM, and ensure compliance with apprenticeship funding rules and University procedures.
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Provide information, advice and guidance to apprentices, identifying additional learning needs and signposting to appropriate support services where required.
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Build strong relationships with employers and internal stakeholders, supporting apprentice recruitment, induction and the continued growth of apprenticeship provision.
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Produce reports relating to compliance, retention and apprentice success, ensuring all documentation is accurate and completed within required timescales.
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Promote safeguarding, Prevent, health and safety, and contribute to a positive apprentice experience throughout the programme.
Essential Requirements
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Experience of teaching, coaching and/or assessing apprenticeships.
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Assessor qualification (A1, TAQA or equivalent) and a coaching qualification.
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Knowledge of higher and degree apprenticeship standards, funding rules, quality assurance and compliance requirements.
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Experience of working with employers and supporting apprentices within the workplace.
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Excellent communication, organisational and record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate learner records.
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Ability to build effective relationships with apprentices, employers and colleagues while working independently and using digital systems effectively.
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Good understanding of safeguarding, Prevent and supporting learners with additional learning needs.
Desirable Requirements
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Experience of delivering or assessing apprenticeship programmes within Higher Education.
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Understanding of current apprenticeship regulations and End Point Assessment requirements.
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Experience of supervising or leading teams.
Further Information
If you are passionate about supporting apprentices to achieve their potential while ensuring a high-quality, compliant apprenticeship experience, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Olivia Foster at [email protected].
Interviews for this role are scheduled to take place on 4 September 2026.
Why not explore our campuses using our interactive map: Interactive Map | Birmingham City University
Why work for us
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Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
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Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
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Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
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Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Visa Sponsorship
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
