This is an exceptional opportunity to be involved in establishing a new venture for Cogent Skills Apprenticeships, in partnership with employers to develop and deliver exciting process and engineering-based apprenticeship and technical training provision.
This role would give the postholder autonomy to lead the provision, with suitable support from leadership within the organisation and would suit someone looking to make their mark or leave a legacy in the industry. The training centre will be at the forefront of a modern approach to delivering these specialist programmes to develop young people for industry in addition to upskilling existing workforce.
This role will lead the day-to-day operation, curriculum planning and strategic development of Cogent Skills' apprenticeship training centre at Stanlow Refinery.
The role is responsible for designing, coordinating and managing the apprenticeship delivery programme, ensuring apprentices receive a high-quality learning experience that meets employer requirements, apprenticeship standards and regulatory expectations.
Working closely with EET Fuels and other employer partners, the postholder will provide operational leadership for the training centre, line manage training staff, act as the senior on-site representative for apprentices and employers, and support the growth of new apprenticeship and commercial training opportunities.
The role combines curriculum leadership, operational management, stakeholder engagement and strategic responsibilities to ensure the training centre delivers outstanding outcomes and becomes a centre of excellence for technical skills development.
Package
- Competitive salary
- Full time permanent role
- Pension – employee contribution 6%
- Life Assurance
- 29 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (FTE)
- Opportunity to buy-back 5 extra days annual leave (FTE)
- Day off for your birthday
- Optional Private Health Care package
- Hybrid role based in Warrington
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bonus Scheme
- Aspire Values Award Scheme
- Annual Values Awards
- Long Service Awards
- Annual Company Events
- Gym Discount
- Access to Training & Development Opportunities
Key Accountabilities:
· Provide overall leadership and management of the Cogent Skills Training Centre.
· Being the lead interface with EET Fuels to ensure smooth operational relationship on a day to day basis
· Act as the senior on-site representative for Cogent Skills.
· Create a positive, professional and safe learning environment for apprentices, staff and visitors.
· Ensure the training centre operates in accordance with health and safety requirements, safeguarding expectations and organisational policies.
· Design, coordinate and manage apprenticeship delivery plans and training schedules.
· Develop and maintain apprentice timetables that align with employer operational requirements and apprenticeship standards.
· Ensure delivery plans support timely achievement and successful progression through the apprenticeship programme.
· Monitor apprentice attendance, engagement and progress, implementing interventions where required.
· Work with trainers and internal teams to ensure learning resources, facilities and equipment support effective delivery.
· Line manage trainers and future training centre staff.
· Set performance objectives and conduct regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews.
· Support staff development, coaching and continuous professional development.
· Ensure consistent standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the training centre.
· Act as the primary point of leadership and escalation for apprentices attending the training centre.
· Build positive relationships with apprentices and provide visible leadership and support.
· Ensure apprentices understand expectations relating to attendance, behaviour, conduct and professional standards.
· Work with safeguarding, welfare and support teams to address learner concerns and barriers to achievement.
· Champion an outstanding apprentice experience.
· Develop and maintain strong relationships with EET Fuels and other employer partners.
· Attend employer meetings and provide updates on programme performance and apprentice progress.
· Respond proactively to employer feedback and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
· Collaborate with internal teams to ensure employer expectations are understood and met.
· Support quality assurance activities including observations, audits and self-assessment processes.
· Monitor performance against key performance indicators including attendance, retention, achievement and employer satisfaction.
· Ensure training centre activities meet the requirements of Ofsted, ESFA, awarding organisations and internal quality standards.
· Contribute to inspection preparation and continuous improvement planning.
· Identify opportunities to expand apprenticeship provision within the Cogent Skills Training Centre.
· Support the development of new programmes including engineering maintenance apprenticeships.
· Work with commercial and employer engagement teams to explore opportunities for commercial training and short-course provision.
· Contribute to business planning and growth strategies for the training centre.
· Promote and safeguard the welfare of all learners, adhering to safeguarding and Prevent requirements.
Key Performance Indicators
· Apprentice attendance and retention rates.
· Timely achievement and qualification success rates.
· Employer satisfaction levels.
· Apprentice satisfaction levels.
· Quality assurance outcomes.
· Compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.
· Development and implementation of new training programmes.
· Growth in apprenticeship and commercial training activity.
Knowledge Skills and Qualifications
Essential
· Process Operations, Engineering or Technical vocation based background
· Experience managing and developing teams.
· Experience working with employers and external stakeholders.
· Understanding of apprenticeship standards, funding and compliance requirements.
· Experience of planning and coordinating learning programmes and timetables.
· Knowledge of quality assurance and continuous improvement processes.
· DBS check.
Desirable
· Experience managing apprenticeship, technical or vocational education programmes either in an employer, college or training provider field.
· Experience leading curriculum delivery within a college, independent training provider or employer training environment.
· Teaching qualification.
· Assessor and/or Internal Quality Assurance qualification.
· Experience within process manufacturing, chemicals, refining, energy or engineering sectors.
· Experience of apprenticeship programme design and curriculum development.
· Experience supporting Ofsted inspections.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organisation.
Cogent is an inclusive employer and we value the diversity our workforce brings. We welcome applications from all candidates and will consider all applications equally and fairly.
Cogent is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
To apply please click on the link: https://www.cogentskills.com/about/work-for-us/
Please complete the Application Form and send together with a letter of application and your CV to [email protected] by 24th July 2026 outlining your suitability for this post and how you would ensure success.
If you have additional needs that you would like us to consider during the application and interview process please contact Denise Bentley on 01925 515222 to discuss ways that we can support your application.
If you haven’t heard back from us within 21 days of your application, it means that unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Websites: www.cogentskills.com
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Employee mentoring programme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Financial planning services
- Free flu jabs
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Do you have significant industry experience within the process, manufacturing or chemical sector.
- Do you have a Level 4 (or above) qualification in a process, engineering or science-related discipline
- Do you have strong practical knowledge of process operations, plant systems and safe working practices.
- Do you have experience of working in or around operational plant, production environments or pilot facilities.
- Do you have the ability to demonstrate and coach practical skills effectively in a workshop or plant environment.
Work Location: In person
