Student Support Officer LOCATION Lisburn REPORTING TO Centre Manager SALARY £28000 per annum HOURS OF WORK Mon Thurs 9am-5pm Fri 9am-1:30pm COMPANY OVERVIEW People 1st is a leading provider of quality training and educational programs. Established in Belfast in 1992, the company has grown to operate across 15 offices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Our mission is to support individuals in achieving their training and employment goals through accredited courses and qualifications. Over three decades, we have helped over 75,000 people achieve qualifications and supported many in transitioning into employment or upskilling. Mission Statement Together, let's realise your ambition. You can find us on @people1stni https://people- AT PEOPLE 1ST At People 1st, we are passionate about supporting our trainees and helping them achieve their goals. Our Student Support Officers are at the heart of this mission, providing guidance, encouragement, and practical solutions to help young people overcome barriers and succeed in training and employment. Joining our team means becoming part of a collaborative, supportive environment where youll receive expert guidance, access to CPD opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression. JOB DESCRIPTION Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Do you enjoy problem-solving, motivating others, and making a difference in their lives? If so, a Student Support Officer role with People 1st could be your perfect next step. As a Student Support Officer, youll manage a caseload of trainees on the Skills for Life and Work Programme. Youll support them through every stage of their journey - from recruitment and induction to achieving qualifications and moving into employment, further education, or apprenticeships. Youll plan and deliver interventions to maximise each trainees success, work with employers and external partners, and play a key role in improving outcomes for young people in your area. PERSONAL SPECIFICATION Essential Criteria 1. Experience working with young people with multiple barriers to employment 2. Current driving licence and access to a car 3. GCSEs (AC) in English and Maths or equivalent Desirable Criteria 4. Experience in a youth work or employability setting 5. Youth work or employability-related qualification 6. Experience within an education or training environment 7. Knowledge of the local labour market 8. Familiarity with government programmes 9. Experience in personnel, training, or using a management information system 10. Third level qualification PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOURS AND CORE CAPABILITIES Key Duties and Responsibilities As a Student Support Officer, your responsibilities will include: Market and promote the programme to trainees, schools, employers, and other stakeholders Recruit and induct new trainees onto the programme Identify trainees needs through training needs analysis and provide advice and guidance Plan and coordinate training, resources, and support to enable trainees to achieve their goals Manage a caseload of trainees, reviewing progress and supporting achievement of targets Build and manage relationships with employers, schools, and third-party providers Source vacancies, work placements, and provide in-employment support Match trainees to employment opportunities and support them through recruitment processes Record all trainees contact and progress accurately on the system Collect and record information required for financial and performance claims Meet or exceed agreed targets, KPIs, and success indicators Support evaluation of trainee and employer experience and gather success stories for promotion Always adhere to company policies and procedures, including Equality, Quality, Health & Safety, and Information Security Skills and Personal Attributes The successful candidate will demonstrate: A positive, empathetic, and supportive approach to working with young people Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders A proactive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to motivate others Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a caseload effectively Attention to detail and accurate record-keeping using digital systems Ability to plan, prioritise, and work independently to meet deadlines Confidence in building relationships with employers and external partners A commitment to equality, inclusion, and supporting diverse learner needs BENEFITS When joining People 1st, you will be able to enjoy the below benefits: Pension 3% and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Beneficiary of Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) with up to £3,600 tax-free payment annually 34.5-hour working week with an early finish on Fridays 21 days annual leave customary holidays Company sick pay Additional annual leave entitlement Membership of HSF Health Cash Plan Discounted gym membership Length of Service Awards Flexible Working (where applicable) Annual Salary Review (April) Customary Holidays Recognised holidays include New Years Day, St Patricks Day, Easter Monday/Easter Tuesday, May Day, July 12/13, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TRUST (EOT) In June 2024, People 1st transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a transformative milestone in the companys history. This innovative ownership structure ensures that employees are at the core of the business, fostering a culture of collaboration, shared success, and long-term sustainability. What is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)? An EOT is a legal entity that holds a controlling interest in a company on behalf of its employees. Unlike traditional ownership models, employees do not directly own shares but are beneficiaries of the trust. This structure aligns the interests of employees with the long-term success of the business while preserving its values and culture. At People 1st, the EOT owns 100% of the companys shares, ensuring that all eligible employees benefit equally from its performance. Employees automatically become beneficiaries after a 12-month qualifying period, without needing to make any personal investment or changes to their employment terms. Key Benefits for Employees The EOT model offers numerous advantages for employees: Financial Rewards: Employees are eligible for tax-free payment of up to £3,600 annually. This provides a direct financial incentive linked to the companys success. These payments are exempt from income tax (though National Insurance Contributions still apply), offering significant savings. Job Security: The EOT ensures greater stability by protecting jobs and maintaining the companys values and culture. Unlike third-party ownership models, there is less risk of redundancies or drastic cultural shifts. Sense of Ownership: Employees have an indirect stake in the companys success, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. This shared purpose encourages collaboration and enhances employee engagement. Career Development: The EOT structure motivates employees to contribute meaningfully to the companys growth, opening up opportunities for personal and professional development. Enhanced Morale and Productivity: Studies show that employee-owned businesses often experience higher morale, lower absenteeism, and improved productivity due to increased engagement. Governance and Leadership While ownership has transitioned to the EOT, People 1st retains its robust leadership structure: A board of directors oversees strategic decisions and day-to-day operations. Trustees ensure that management decisions align with employee interests. Employees have representation through trustees who advocate for their needs at the highest level. This governance model ensures that while employees benefit as owners, experienced leaders continue driving the company forward. Why Choose an EOT? The decision to transition to an EOT reflects People 1sts commitment to its people and community: Sustainability: The EOT model secures the companys future by fostering long-term growth. Legacy Protection: The transition preserves People 1sts mission, values, and culture for future generations. Talent Retention: The sense of ownership attracts top talent and reduces staff turnover. Community Impact: By empowering employees, People 1st contributes positively to local economies in Northern Ireland and ROI. If an employee leaves, they are no longer an eligible beneficiary. HOW TO APPLY To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to sure to including the job title in the subject line of your email. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. Interviews will be conducted on Wednesday 15th October. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities, and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Please note that should we receive a sufficient number of applications, we reserve the right to close this advertisement early. Early application is recommended.