Primary Function:
NSAR operates at the forefront of the skills intelligence, skills policy, and training agenda, and in enabling the levelling up agenda through our work in various initiatives including skills bootcamps, apprenticeships, and more recently, the Government’s Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency programme to support apprentices in the rail sector.
We are looking to appoint a Quality Manager – Apprenticeships to support our work on the Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency (FJAA) programme. The selected individual will play a critical role in the delivery of NSAR’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the industry can support apprentices helping them start their careers in the rail sector.
NSAR has been assigned the lead role by the Rail industry in transforming how skills are delivered through the development and implementation of a unified skills strategy. Our aim is to ensure that the training capability and capacity meets the future needs of the UK Rail industry and contributes to world class competitiveness.
The Quality Manager – Apprenticeships will be responsible for the planning, direction, delivery and outcomes associated with our FJAA work. This individual will be confident and competent at working with employers, training providers and apprentices and will have overall responsibilities for the management of key stakeholders, participants and supporting organisations to enable the best possible outcomes.
Location: Location – Home based with frequent travel.
Key Responsibilities:
- Implementing the agreed business plan for delivery of the Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency (FJAA) programme
- Acting as the main point of contact and project manager for the FJAA programme.
- Liaising with employers, training providers, DfE and apprentices to ensure clear communications are produced for all supporting suppliers and manage expectations as required.
- Leading the programme development and design and collaborating with the relevant stakeholders to identify training needs and programme objectives.
- Ensuring that apprenticeship programmes comply with government regulations, industry standards, and accrediting bodies’ requirements.
- Staying updated on apprenticeship-related regulations and make necessary adjustments to programmes.
- Liaising with providers to ensure training curricula and materials meet the needs of apprentices and industry demands, working with subject matter experts to develop relevant and up-to-date training content.
- Participating in the selection and recruitment of apprentices, including interviewing, and assessing candidates.
- Overseeing the onboarding process, including orientation and introduction to the apprenticeship programme.
- Monitoring apprentices’ progress and providing coaching or additional support as needed.
- Overseeing the delivery of training for both off and on-the-job training.
- Maintaining records of apprentices’ progress, attendance, and performance.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including employers, educational institutions, and apprenticeship authorities.
- Building partnerships to enhance apprenticeship opportunities and resources.
- Establishing quality assurance processes to ensure that apprentices receive high-quality training.
- Implementing continuous improvement initiatives based on feedback and data.
- Managing the budget allocated for the FJAA, including resource allocation and cost control.
- Maintaining accurate records of apprenticeship program activities, assessments, and achievements.
- Staying informed about industry trends, best practices in apprenticeship training, and changes in educational methodologies.
Essential Attributes:
- At least five years’ experience operating within an independent training provider, a further education position, or within an employer-provided setting.
- Good team management and strong organisational skills.
- Excellent communication skills – written and oral to include public speaking.
- Excellent interpersonal skills – influential, supportive and able to build rapport quickly.
- Experience of creating and developing high-quality solutions with both public and private funding.
- Experience of working across an organisation, commissioning suitable partners, and managing key stakeholders to achieve a common goal.
- Ability to manage complex and political environments in a pragmatic and professional efficient manner.
Personal Attributes:
- Self-starter, motivated to support individuals reach their potential.
- Ability to network and establish relationships.
- Ability to work in a team.
- IT Literate.