Job Details
Role: Apprenticeship Employer Liaison Co-ordinator
Deadline to apply: 10th August 2026
Interview date: 13th August 2026
Start Date: ASAP.
Salary: £28,000 per annum.
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent.
Location: Stafford, UK; hybrid working, with 3-4 days a week in the office.
About the Chartered Institution of Railway Operations (CIRO)
The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) is the UK’s leading provider of recognised training opportunities for the railway operations sector. Our purpose is to lead, inspire and accelerate the growth of rail professionals, cultivating collaboration to support the success of rail organisations, now and in the future.
Since CIRO’s inception, our knowledgeable team has worked alongside our members to provide professional recognition, networking opportunities and valuable training programmes. Connecting operators with fellow professionals, accessible learning resources and engaging events; our vision is to support improvement in the quality of the railway operations workforce and help railway organisations to succeed.
Job Purpose
As Apprenticeship Employer Liaison Co-ordinator, you will be a key contact for employers and apprentices, building positive relationships and delivering excellent service.
You will work alongside the Senior Employer Liaison Co-ordinator, employers and the CIRO apprenticeship team to maintain accurate and compliant learner records, monitor progress, answer queries and resolve issues promptly.
At onboarding, you will ensure employers, apprentices and CIRO colleagues complete required documentation and have the information needed before learning begins.
Once apprentices are on programme, you will maintain learner information and ensure key documents, status changes and support records are completed, signed and stored.
You will support apprentices through gateway into Apprenticeship Assessment by arranging meetings and preparing documentation with employers and the CIRO Teaching and Learning Team.
This varied, people-focused role represents CIRO, promotes apprenticeships, strengthens employer relationships and shares useful insight with your manager, employers and the wider team.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Support:
- Gather and report accurate learner progress information to employers, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate apprentice records, including progress, status changes and support needs.
- Ensure apprenticeship documents are completed, signed and stored during the programme.
- Support timely gateway progression by co-ordinating meetings and preparing documents.
- Support consistent day-to-day departmental processes and systems.
- Work with colleagues to resolve challenges and find practical solutions.
- Take on additional tasks to support high-quality service delivery
Evaluation and Feedback:
- Represent CIRO professionally, build employer relationships and share relevant insights or concerns.
Communication Co-ordination:
- Build positive employer relationships, acting as a trusted contact and responding promptly.
- Share information clearly and promptly with colleagues, employers and stakeholders.
- Promote new apprenticeship programmes and support employer referrals for onboarding.
Customer Service:
- Provide excellent service to employers, apprentices and CIRO colleagues.
- Respond to enquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
- Create a positive and professional experience at every contact point
Regulatory Compliance:
- Support compliance with Ofsted, DWP, Skills England and other regulatory requirements.
- Escalate non-compliance issues to the Apprenticeship Management Team.
Essential:
- Confident using the range of MS 365 applications together with other management information systems, databases and digital platforms
- Strong administrative and IT skills across varied software.
- Proactive and resilient, with strong professional relationship-building skills.
- Professional and confident representing CIRO in varied settings.
- Able to use initiative and judgement when handling employer queries.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organisation and multitasking skills.
- Able to work independently and manage competing priorities.
- Works well as part of a team.
- Positive can do attitude.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Adaptable and willing to learn new skills and technologies.
- Proactive, adaptable and solutions focused.
Desirable:
- Prior administration experience within an education or training provider environment
- Understanding of DWP Apprenticeship Funding Rules
- Experience of successful stakeholder management.
- Knowledge of apprenticeships policy and practice e.g. DWP Funding Rules and relevant apprenticeship standards and assessment plans.
- A degree or equivalent.
- An understanding of the rail industry
- Knowledge of apprenticeship policy, standards and assessment plans is desirable.
Benefits:
This role offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced and evolving industry while contributing to meaningful initiatives.
- Development Opportunities: opportunities for Continuing Professional Development, such as skill-building workshops, fully paid apprenticeships, Higher Education, networking with industry professionals and enthusiasts.
- Work-life Balance: flexibility in work hours or remote work options. Four wellbeing days per year. Three work from home weeks per year.
- Supportive and Inclusive Culture: CIRO is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive and empowering culture, valuing diverse perspectives, and to transparent communication, ensuring trust and engagement.
- Health and Wellness Programmes: CIRO is committed to promoting positive health and wellbeing across the organisation. We have and continue to build our wellness initiatives. For example, Employee Assistance Programme, on-site gym (reduced cost), developed mental health resources, trained wellbeing and safeguarding staff.
- Staff Engagement: CIRO encourages a collaborative environment fostering growth. Colleagues are encouraged to play an active part in the continued review and refresh of departmental working practices as well as contributing to broader conversations and business growth and development. Regular all-staff team building days.
Additional Information
- Opportunity to contribute to the professional growth of railway professionals worldwide
- 25 days annual leave (includes Christmas office closure) + bank holidays
- Option to buy additional holiday
- 4 wellbeing days per year
- 3 Work from home weeks per year.
- Free car parking
- Free refreshments
- Employee Pension Scheme
- As part of our safer recruitment practice, we will be undertaking a DBS check and your employment is contingent on the outcome of that.
- CIRO is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, respected, and treated fairly. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.
How to Apply
To apply for the role, please:
- Update your CV and provide a covering letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
- E-mail your application to Frankie Bradley, Apprenticeship Quality & Compliance Manager , at [email protected], with the subject “CIRO Apprenticeship Employer Liaison Co-Ordinator”.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Frankie Bradley via email at [email protected].
Pay: £28,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Stafford, Staffordshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience maintaining accurate records across multiple systems or databases where compliance, audit trails or signed documentation were important?
- Are you confident communicating professionally with external stakeholders, including employers or customers, to resolve queries and keep work moving?
Experience:
- education: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
