Apprenticeship Programme 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 purposes of the Apprenticeship Programme Manager is to implement, maintain, improve and develop apprenticeship programmes in line with the SWR business commitments. Along with stakeholder engagement, promoting apprenticeship programmes, supporting apprenticeship colleagues and keeping accurate records. 

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Work with key stakeholders to develop, implement, maintain and improve the apprenticeship programmes SWR offers including the Young Person's Apprenticeship Scheme and Leadership Development Apprenticeship Scheme
• Work with the SWR apprenticeship team to continually improve the apprenticeship offer and take advantage of opportunities to introduce new apprenticeship programmes
• Promote apprenticeships to a wide range of colleagues and external customers, encouraging an inclusive apprenticeship offer
• Promote an inclusive and diverse recruitment and selection process for appropriate apprenticeship programmes
• Provide support and appropriate development of apprentices and colleagues
• Act as a coach and mentor to apprentices and colleagues
• Support line managers in understanding the requirements of apprenticeships
• Communicate effectively across all levels and functions within SWR to understand business needs
• Maintain auditable and accurate information on training and produce/maintain evaluation reports in line with requirements, using appropriate databases and systems
• Develop and produce relevant information on a regular basis for the Apprenticeship Compliance Manager and communicate to Key Stakeholders as appropriate including the wider business through various communication channels
• Be a point of contact for colleagues who have queries in relation to Apprenticeships
• Support the Apprenticeship Compliance Manager and act as deputy as required
• Act as an advocate for the SWR Apprenticeship programme and personal and professional development
• Promote the SWR Apprenticeship programme at every opportunity including business events and conferences
• Work alongside the wider Learning & Development team to help streamline our apprenticeship activities
• Build relationships with external stakeholders, including employer groups, trailblazers, training providers and Government bodies  

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• A levels or equivalent plus minimum GCSE in Maths and English Grade A-C or equivalent
• An interest in Learning and Development and the learning cycle would be advantageous
• Knowledge of apprenticeships and safeguarding
• Good working knowledge of a range of IT systems and packages
• Ability to communicate with people at all levels both verbally and in writing
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work to a high standard in pressurised situations
• Experience of coaching, mentoring and providing personal and professional development solutions
• Project Management experience is desirable
• Ability to listen, adapt and understand the audience 

It would be beneficial if you have:

• Completed or are undertaking an apprenticeship programme
• CIPD qualification 

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.

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/