Job Description - Staff Apprenticeships and Development Specialist
De Montfort University is a university of quality and distinctiveness, distinguished by our life changing research, dynamic international partnerships, vibrant links with business and our commitment to excellence in learning, teaching and the student experience. We offer more than 300 courses at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate, many of which offer professional accreditations, and links to industry or work experience. DMU undergraduate and postgraduate courses receive continual input from leading employers and professional bodies and are underpinned by world-leading research. This ensures they remain relevant and up-to-date and provide students with the skills and experience employers expect from candidates in a competitive job market. Why Join DMU? At De Montfort University, we believe in rewarding our staff with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance. Enjoy generous annual leave, flexible working options, and access to sector-leading hybrid working policies. Our competitive pension schemes help you plan for the future, while a health cash plan, gym membership, and wellbeing services ensure you stay healthy and supported. With exclusive retail discounts, cycle-to-work schemes, and childcare support, we offer a workplace that truly values its people. Located in the heart of Leicester, our vibrant campus provides a fantastic environment to thrive professionally and personally. Faculty / Directorate This is a really exciting time to be joining DMU. The People Services team has been through a period of change and we have several new roles available to support advancing our ambitious Empowering University strategy. Being part of a thriving and energetic team, you would join our new directorate and help us to deliver a key pillar of our university strategy, ?Empowering People?. Our role is to enhance our employee offer about leadership and management, reward and recognition, voice and experience, health and wellbeing, and to ensure our policies, processes and systems enable digital solutions, swift decision making, equal access and autonomy. Role The Staff Apprenticeships and Development Specialist, plays a key role in ensuring DMU meets its commitments as an employer of apprentices, aligning with Employment and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) Apprenticeship Standards. Sitting within the Talent and Organisational Development team, the role focuses on maximising the Apprenticeship Levy to support career pathways and apprenticeship recruitment. Key responsibilities include: · Working with DMU colleagues to identify appropriate apprenticeship opportunities · Building and maintaining relationships with apprenticeship providers to ensure high-quality apprenticeship delivery · Monitoring apprentice progress, addressing challenges, and ensuring a positive experience. · Managing apprenticeship-related systems, processes, and data, ensuring compliance with ESFA standards. · Overseeing DMU?s Apprenticeship Levy Transfer process, ensuring fairness and transparency. · Working collaboratively with People Partners, line managers, and mentors to identify development opportunities and support staff development This is a hybrid role where you?ll be expected to be on site 2 days a week. Ideal Candidate We?re looking for a knowledgeable and proactive professional with the expertise to drive apprenticeship opportunities forward at DMU. You should also have: · Proven experience managing apprenticeships from an employer or provider perspective · A track record of developing compliant systems and processes that align with ESFA requirements and standards · Experience managing the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account and using data to track performance against KPIs · The ability to build strong relationships with apprentices, line managers, and training providers to ensure a high-quality experience · Excellent verbal and written communication skills, to engage a wide range of stakeholders in apprenticeship opportunities · A background in Talent, Learning & Development (particularly in Higher Education) and experience curating learning materials would be advantageous. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape how apprenticeships support DMU?s workforce, ensuring staff and new recruits have access to the best possible career development opportunities. This position is offered as a fixed term contract of 14 months to cover maternity leave. We would consider applicants on either a full time or part time basis. If you?re passionate about apprenticeships and workforce development, we?d love to hear from you!
