Apprenticeship Operations Support Manager

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to improve quality of life, by bringing people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

The Apprenticeship Operations Support Manager provides end-to-end administrative leadership for SWR's Employer Provider Apprenticeships and wider apprenticeship portfolio.

The role ensures smooth operational coordination, audit ready compliance and timely progression from enrolment through to EPA. It is the single point of administrative control for apprenticeship training scheduling, MI system management and EPA planning.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Manage scheduling, logistics and communication for all employer provider apprenticeship training activities, ensuring alignment with operational availability and requirements.
• Own and maintain apprenticeship management information systems, review trackers and dashboards.
• Ensure data accuracy, timely reporting and audit ready evidence.
• Lead the administrative preparation for Gateway and End Point Assessment, including evidence collation, learner readiness checks, scheduling End Point Assessment activities and liaising with End-Point Assessment Organisations.
• Maintain documentation, contracts, individualised learner records, off the job evidence and review records in line with the Education, Skills and Funding Agency, Ofsted and internal governance requirements.
• Manage the administration of training delivery, certification and qualification of delegates on completion of training and apprenticeships.
• Act as the operational link between apprentices, line managers, End-Point Assessment Organisations and internal departments.
• Coordinate apprentice onboarding, induction materials, system access and early-stage compliance checks.
• Produce monthly dashboards, off the job summaries and risk indicators for People Development and Operations.
• Identify process gaps, streamline workflows and support enhancements to apprenticeship governance and MI systems.
• Undertake any duties appropriate with the post as directed by the Apprenticeship Compliance Manager.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• Strong administrative background with experience in apprenticeship administration or regulated training environments
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• High attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with operational teams
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive learner information
• Able to communicate with people at all levels of the organisation

It would be beneficial if you have:

• Experience supporting training or safety critical learning
• Confident use of MI systems, LMS platforms, and digital reporting tools
• Understanding of ESFA funding rules, OTJ requirements and EPA processes
• Knowledge of ILR processes, apprenticeship funding compliance and audit preparation
• Familiarity with EPA organisations and Gateway requirements
• Experience in rail, transport or regulated operational environments

About the location

Overline House is conveniently situated overlooking Southampton Central Station and is easily accessible by public transport. The station is very local to West Quay, a hub for retailers and restaurants, and provides an excellent link between London, Coastal areas and the Isle of Wight. 

Working pattern

Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days, typically, office hours.

Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1624

Please note you will be required to work across the network.  

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.  We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/