Gen 2 is currently recruiting and looking for a Learning Support Lead. This is a fantastic full‑time opportunity to join our business here in Cumbria. You will be contracted to one of our three centres - Workington, Carlisle or Ulverston - and should be flexible to travel between them as required, visiting each centre at least once a week. A driving licence and access to a car is required; travel costs will be covered. This role is open to individuals currently in a similar role or teachers holding a Level 4 teaching qualification who have a particular interest in learning support. Hold, or be willing to work towards, a Level 7 Assessing for Access Arrangements qualification. The Learning Support Lead is responsible for identifying, coordinating, and delivering effective learning support for learners with diverse needs. Through cognitive assessments such as those provided by Cognassist, and one‑to‑one discussions, the post holder will develop tailored support strategies that improve learner retention, achievement, and independence. This role champions inclusivity, neurodiversity, and equality while ensuring that all learners are supported throughout their learning journey. Gen 2, established in 2000 and specialising in engineering, nuclear and manufacturing, joined City & Guilds in 2017 and operates within a picturesque Cumbria setting. We have been recently awarded Ofsted “Good” status across all inspection areas.
In this role you will work with all of our learners – the majority are apprentices – but you will also support adult learners and those on our bootcamps. Our students are genuinely interested in what we teach them and demonstrate exceptional learner behaviours.
City & Guilds are a disability‑confident employer. Please let us know if you require any support or adjustments at your interview and if successful, any adjustments needed to support you in your role. We believe that diversity and inclusion strengthen and enrich us and particularly encourage applications from ethnic minority groups and disabled people.
About The Role
Leadership & Strategic Oversight
* Lead and coordinate the organisation‑wide learning support provision and act as lead advisor on all aspects of learning support at Gen 2.
* Oversee implementation and maintenance of support systems and processes.
* Manage initial assessment using the Cognassist platform to ensure accurate identification of learner support needs.
* Disseminate cognitive assessment results and follow‑up by creating Learning Support Plans.
* Develop and deploy learning support resources and manage resource centres.
* Ensure compliance with funding requirements for additional learning support.
Assessment & Personalised Support Planning
* Conduct and interpret cognitive assessments from the Cognassist platform.
* Create and communicate meaningful Individual Learning Support Plans (ILPs).
* Evaluate in‑class support and ensure real‑time responsiveness.
* Monitor and report on support provision for quality assurance and self‑assessment.
Teaching Support & Staff Development
* Train and equip educators with inclusive teaching strategies.
* Facilitate staff development in learning support.
* Advise curriculum teams on support options and conduct audits.
Learner Engagement & Mentoring
* Deliver mentoring sessions focused on mental health and academic barriers.
* Support learners during transitional phases to promote independence.
* Manage learner caseloads via 1:1 and group support formats.
* Undertake learner voice activities to strengthen engagement.
Wellbeing & Emotional Support
* Liaise with Mental Health First Aiders and counselling services.
* Provide interventions for learners facing disengagement or disaffection.
* Address personal challenges such as anxiety, concentration and time management.
Collaborative Partnerships
* Work with internal teams: academic, exams, student services.
* Collaborate with external partners and support agencies.
* Coordinate learner transitions in partnership with schools and other organisations.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
* Promote a culture of EDI across all aspects of educational delivery.
* Ensure all learners receive fair access to learning support and exam arrangements.
* Act with integrity in promoting inclusive education practices.
About You
We can't live without
* Teaching qualification minimum at Level 4 or above (e.g., QTS, QTLS, PGCE, HLTA, DTLLS).
* Hold or be willing to work towards Level 7 Assessing for Access Arrangements (JCQ requirement).
* Strong understanding of SEND especially in post‑16 education.
* In‑depth awareness of the education sector and common learner challenges.
* Knowledge of learning support strategies and their impact on academic engagement.
* Understanding of personal difficulties and mental health issues affecting young people.
* Experience conducting assessments and writing reports for exam access arrangements.Proven success supporting learners with diverse needs and disabilities.
* Track record of delivering targeted, impactful learning support.
* Experience mentoring, coaching or counselling learners individually and in groups.
* Skilled in signposting learners to appropriate support services.
* Excellent communication: presentations, one‑to‑ones, report writing, and workshop delivery.
* Effective planning and time‑management skills.
* Ability to maintain professional boundaries in challenging circumstances.
* Collaborative mindset with ability to influence cross‑functional teams and external partners.
* Inspiring interpersonal style with a talent for motivating others.
* Integrity‑driven approach promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
What We Offer
We offer the opportunity to work in an innovative, engaging and market‑leading organisation with opportunities to develop your existing skills and explore new ones. You'll receive an excellent benefits package which typically includes a great base salary, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, an enhanced pension and many other benefits. Employees’ health and wellbeing are very important to the Group, and we have a range of tools available to help employees with their mental health and wellbeing. We also provide access to a Group‑wide Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Next Steps And How To Apply
If you think this is the role and organisation for you then we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and complete our short application form using the apply button. We shortlist for our vacancies on an ongoing basis, and we may close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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