Work Experience Officer
Engineering, Automotive and Digital
Location:
Northumberland
Salary:
£24,309 to £39,338 per annum
Post Type:
Full Time
Contract Type:
Permanent
Closing Date:
23.59 hours BST on Friday 10 October 2025
Reference:
0687-25
About The College
Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located.
Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.
The College has two main campuses in Ashington, and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region
Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas -
Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About The Role – Work Placement Officer
At Northumberland College, we are seeking a dedicated and proactive Work Placement Officer to play a crucial role in supporting students' career development through meaningful work experience and employer engagement. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to student success by planning and coordinating high-quality placements, employer activities, and skills development that prepare learners for the world of work.
As a Work Placement Officer, you will work closely with curriculum teams, employers, and students to ensure all learners gain the essential technical, employability, and workplace skills that align with their career aspirations. You will lead the coordination of work placements, employer events, skills competitions, and industry projects, ensuring all activities offer valuable real-world experience.
You will also support students individually to develop their English, maths, digital, and sector-specific skills, helping them to become work-ready and confident professionals. Your role will be vital in maintaining strong employer relationships and monitoring student progress throughout their placement journey.
Join Northumberland College and help empower our students to take confident steps into their future careers through outstanding work placement opportunities.
Become a key player in shaping the future of our students by ensuring they gain the workplace skills and experience essential to achieving their career ambitions
Role Responsibilities
* Coordinate and monitor meaningful work placements for all eligible students, ensuring alignment with career goals.
* Support individual students with academic and skills-focused interventions to enhance progress and work readiness.
* Collaborate with subject specialists and English/maths colleagues to develop industry-relevant skills, including digital skills.
* Track and monitor work placement activities using GroFar and maintain robust student action plans via E-ILP (ProMonitor).
* Develop and sustain effective employer relationships to secure high-quality work experience and placement opportunities.
* Coordinate employer-led events, guest speakers, skills competitions, and industry projects to enrich the curriculum.
* Support curriculum recruitment and induction events, ensuring students are matched to the right courses and career paths.
* Ensure compliance with health and safety standards for all work experience placements, including risk assessments.
* Maintain industry currency by engaging in relevant industry days and professional development activities.
* Work flexibly onsite and offsite according to curriculum and placement requirements
Qualifications
* Level 2 English and Maths qualifications.
* Up-to-date Continuous Professional Development.
* Ability to travel independently around the region.
* Willingness to obtain a coaching or mentoring qualification (desirable).
Skills & Experience
* Ability to plan, prioritise, and meet deadlines effectively.
* Strong written and oral communication skills with staff and students.
* Effective use of digital and ICT resources.
* Strong communication skills
* Proven ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including employers.
* Experience coordinating work placements or employer engagement activities (desirable).
What's in it for you?
Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
* Enjoy a generous holiday allowance days per year, plus public holidays).
* Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
* LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% %)
* Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
* We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
* Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
* Free parking on most campuses.
* Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Further details:
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