Careers & Employability Lead
| Posting date: | 18 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £24,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 09 July 2026 |
| Location: | Hanley Castle |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 315478FAJ |
Summary
We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work
Job Title: Careers & Employability Lead
Location: Bankside College, Hanley Castle, WR8 0AD
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.00pm
Salary: £24,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
We are seeking an inspiring Careers and Employability Lead to shape and deliver a high-quality careers and work-related learning offer at Bankside College. Working with students aged 16+ with additional learning needs, you will play a pivotal role in preparing them for adulthood, independence, and meaningful progression into employment, further learning, or the most appropriate next step.
This is a strategic and hands-on role, focused on building strong employer partnerships, designing impactful programmes, and ensuring students develop the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to achieve their aspirations. You will champion an inclusive, student-centred approach, embedding Preparation for Adulthood outcomes and ensuring alignment with Gatsby Benchmarks.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive careers and employability programme
Embedding careers education and work-related learning across the curriculum in collaboration with SEND, teaching, and support teams
Developing strong partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organisations to create meaningful opportunities for students
Overseeing high-quality work experience and placement opportunities, including risk assessment, monitoring, and evaluation
Matching students to personalised pathways based on their strengths, interests, and long-term goals
Supporting staff to deliver engaging, inclusive employability learning that promotes independence and progression
Ensuring access to appropriate vocational and accredited pathways in partnership with curriculum and accreditation leads
Leading on careers quality assurance, including audit, evaluation, and action planning
Managing transition processes and tracking student destinations for up to three years to inform future provision
Working closely with the Assistant Head (SENDCO), careers curriculum lead, and external professionals to enhance the student experience
If you are creative, organised, and driven to make a genuine difference to students’ futures, we would love to hear from you.
About You
You will be an organised and proactive professional with a strong commitment to delivering inclusive, high-quality careers and employability provision. You will have a clear understanding of how to support students with diverse needs to achieve meaningful outcomes and greater independence.
You will bring:
Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams
Experience of developing or contributing to whole-college careers and employability provision
A good understanding of the diverse and complex needs of students aged 16–25, particularly those with SEND
Knowledge of vocational pathways, accredited qualifications, and work-related learning frameworks
An understanding of Supported Internships and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes
A willingness to work towards a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (if not already held) within three years
A strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and promoting independence for all students
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
#1
Job Title: Careers & Employability Lead
Location: Bankside College, Hanley Castle, WR8 0AD
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.00pm
Salary: £24,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
We are seeking an inspiring Careers and Employability Lead to shape and deliver a high-quality careers and work-related learning offer at Bankside College. Working with students aged 16+ with additional learning needs, you will play a pivotal role in preparing them for adulthood, independence, and meaningful progression into employment, further learning, or the most appropriate next step.
This is a strategic and hands-on role, focused on building strong employer partnerships, designing impactful programmes, and ensuring students develop the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to achieve their aspirations. You will champion an inclusive, student-centred approach, embedding Preparation for Adulthood outcomes and ensuring alignment with Gatsby Benchmarks.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive careers and employability programme
Embedding careers education and work-related learning across the curriculum in collaboration with SEND, teaching, and support teams
Developing strong partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organisations to create meaningful opportunities for students
Overseeing high-quality work experience and placement opportunities, including risk assessment, monitoring, and evaluation
Matching students to personalised pathways based on their strengths, interests, and long-term goals
Supporting staff to deliver engaging, inclusive employability learning that promotes independence and progression
Ensuring access to appropriate vocational and accredited pathways in partnership with curriculum and accreditation leads
Leading on careers quality assurance, including audit, evaluation, and action planning
Managing transition processes and tracking student destinations for up to three years to inform future provision
Working closely with the Assistant Head (SENDCO), careers curriculum lead, and external professionals to enhance the student experience
If you are creative, organised, and driven to make a genuine difference to students’ futures, we would love to hear from you.
About You
You will be an organised and proactive professional with a strong commitment to delivering inclusive, high-quality careers and employability provision. You will have a clear understanding of how to support students with diverse needs to achieve meaningful outcomes and greater independence.
You will bring:
Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams
Experience of developing or contributing to whole-college careers and employability provision
A good understanding of the diverse and complex needs of students aged 16–25, particularly those with SEND
Knowledge of vocational pathways, accredited qualifications, and work-related learning frameworks
An understanding of Supported Internships and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes
A willingness to work towards a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (if not already held) within three years
A strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and promoting independence for all students
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
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