We’re proud to announce that the National Skills Agency is now a Patron of AELP (Association of Employment and Learning Providers)

As the UK’s leading recruitment specialist for the Apprenticeship and Training sector, we’re passionate about supporting the organisations and people driving skills development across the country.

From recruiting expert BDM's to Curriculum Leads, Trainers, Assessors, and Apprenticeship Managers – we connect providers, colleges, and awarding bodies with the very best in the industry.

Becoming a Patron of AELP reflects our commitment to this vital sector. AELP plays a crucial role in shaping policy, championing providers, and ensuring quality across the board.

If you're not already a member, we strongly encourage you to join AELP and add your voice to the community shaping the future of skills and employment in the UK.

Together, we can keep this sector strong, future-focused, and full of opportunity.

Contact: NSA 020 3953 1984 Contact: AELP 0117 986 5389

In the competitive world of training and apprenticeships, your success is only as strong as your business development (BD) team. Whether you're an Independent Training Provider (ITP), an FE college, an Awarding Organisation, or an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), having experienced, target-driven sales professionals is essential for growth, employer engagement, and long-term sustainability.

At the National Skills Agency, we specialise in sourcing high-calibre sales staff for the apprenticeship and training sector. From Sales Directors to Business Development Managers (BDMs) and Sales Executives, we understand what it takes to build a top-performing sales function.

Why Sales Talent is Essential in Apprenticeship and Training Delivery

A well-rounded business development team plays a vital role in:

• Engaging employers and securing apprenticeship placements

• Promoting government-funded training programmes such as AEB, Skills Bootcamps, Multiply, and levy-funded apprenticeships

• Driving revenue and ensuring learner pipeline consistency

• Building strategic partnerships with employers across key sectors (e.g., digital, construction, healthcare, professional services)

• Navigating the complex apprenticeship levy landscape and articulating ROI to employers

Good sales staff are not just about hitting targets — they’re trusted advisors, employer engagement specialists, and champions of workforce development solutions.

What Makes a Great Apprenticeship Sales Professional?

A successful apprenticeship sales professional has a unique blend of skills, including:

• In-depth knowledge of apprenticeship standards, funding rules, and Ofsted expectations

• Proven experience in employer engagement within the education or skills sector

• Ability to identify new markets and develop employer relationships from the ground up

• Confidence in promoting training solutions tailored to business needs

• Strong commercial acumen and a passion for skills development

At NSA, we assess every candidate against these criteria, ensuring our clients only see the very best talent available in the marketplace.

NSA Recruits Across the Full Sales Spectrum

We’ve successfully placed hundreds of sales professionals in the apprenticeship and training industry. Whether you're scaling your team or making a strategic hire, we can help you recruit for roles such as:

• Sales Director / Commercial Director

• Head of Business Development

• Regional Sales Manager / National Sales Manager

• Business Development Manager (BDM)

• Sales Executive / Employer Engagement Officer

• Partnerships Manager

• Telesales & Appointment Setting Staff

We recruit across all key funding streams and delivery models – from levy-funded apprenticeships, to AEB and Skills Bootcamps, to B2B commercial training.

Why NSA is the Trusted Recruitment Partner for Sales Talent

The National Skills Agency is the UK’s leading recruiter for apprenticeship and training providers. Here’s why so many organisations trust us to build their sales teams:

 A vast network of over 20,000 sector-specific candidates
 Access to 100,000+ LinkedIn contacts within the training and education industry
 Sector-specific knowledge of ESFA compliance, Ofsted frameworks, and employer funding models
Speedy shortlisting with only pre-qualified, interview-ready candidates
 A consultative, partnership-led approach to support long-term hiring strategies

We’ve supported clients including CMI, QA, BPP, and dozens of specialist training organisations across the UK.

Looking to Hire or Get Hired in Apprenticeship Sales?

Whether you're looking to recruit a Sales Director to drive growth or need entry-level Sales Executives to generate leads, NSA has the expertise and reach to deliver. And if you're a sales professional looking to break into or progress within the apprenticeship and training sector, we can connect you with some of the UK's most respected providers.

Contact us today for a confidential conversation 020 3953 1984

Let's Drive Apprenticeship Growth Together

In a sector where employer demand, learner engagement, and funding success hinge on strong relationships, great sales staff are non-negotiable. Partner with the National Skills Agency to ensure your business development strategy is powered by the best talent in the sector.

At the National Skills Agency, we live and breathe apprenticeships and training solutions. As the UK’s leading recruitment agency for apprenticeship providers, training organisations, awarding bodies, and colleges, we know exactly how impactful high-quality work-based learning can be. In today's ever-evolving skills landscape, businesses that embrace apprenticeship programmes and invest in vocational training will lead the charge in workforce innovation and growth.

The Apprenticeship Advantage

The modern apprenticeship route is no longer a second choice to university. In fact, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective, practical, and highly valuable pathway to employment for learners of all ages. Whether it’s a Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship, a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, or a Level 5 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship, the benefits are undeniable:

• Hands-on experience combined with industry-recognised qualifications

• Increased employee retention and engagement

• Tailored on-the-job training that meets employer needs

• Government apprenticeship levy funding to support development

At the NSA, we support a wide range of clients including Independent Training Providers (ITPs), FE colleges, and End-Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) by sourcing the best talent across the training and apprenticeship sector.

Building a Stronger Workforce Through Training and Development

As industries evolve, the need for continuous professional development (CPD) and upskilling grows. That’s why forward-thinking organisations are investing heavily in training programmes, skills bootcamps, and workforce development strategies. The most successful providers are offering a mix of:

• Apprenticeship delivery across multiple sectors (e.g., healthcare, digital, construction, finance)

• Functional skills training in Maths and English

• Leadership and management qualifications

• Bespoke employer-led training solutions

We recruit top-tier talent to deliver these services, including Apprenticeship Managers, Learning and Development Consultants, Skills Coaches, Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs), and Curriculum Managers.

Recruitment Expertise in the Apprenticeships & Training Sector

At NSA, we specialise in finding the right people for the right roles. Our team works exclusively with clients in the training and education space, helping to fill critical roles such as:

• Business Development Managers – to generate new apprenticeship opportunities

• Trainers and Tutors – to deliver sector-specific training

• Apprenticeship Assessors and Coaches – to support learners through their qualifications

• Operations Managers and Directors – to oversee programme delivery and compliance

With a bespoke database of over 20,000 training sector candidates and access to 100,000+ apprenticeship professionals on LinkedIn, our recruitment reach is unmatched.

Why Choose NSA for Apprenticeship and Training Recruitment?

If you're a training provider, awarding body, or college looking to hire outstanding staff, or if you're a candidate seeking your next opportunity in the apprenticeship sector, we can help. Here's what sets us apart:

• Deep sector knowledge of the apprenticeship and skills landscape

• Proven track record placing talent across AEB, ESFA-funded, and levy-funded programmes

• Expertise in Ofsted-ready teams, learner engagement, and compliance

• A consultative approach to recruitment that aligns with your goals

We’ve successfully supported leading organisations including CMI, BPP, QA, and countless others, helping them find the right people to drive apprenticeship growth and raise training standards.

Get in Touch with the National Skills Agency

Whether you're scaling your apprenticeship delivery team, launching a new training programme, or seeking a new role within the sector, the National Skills Agency is here to help.

Call us today 020 3953 1984
Visit our website to see our latest vacancies and client services

Let’s shape the future of work-based learning, vocational education, and training excellence together.

In the highly regulated and fast-evolving world of apprenticeships, further education (FE), and training, your people are your most valuable asset.

From ensuring Ofsted readiness and ESFA compliance to driving learner achievement, the quality of your staff directly affects your outcomes, funding, and future growth.

At the National Skills Agency, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment of professionals across the training and skills landscape — helping organisations like yours attract, assess, and appoint the very best.

Why Talent is the Cornerstone of Success in Apprenticeships & FE

Whether you’re delivering:

• Apprenticeship standards
• AEB-funded programmes
• Bootcamps
• Adult Skills and Traineeships

...the success of your provision relies on your team. Hiring the right Skills Coach, Assessor, Business Development Manager, or Compliance Lead can be the difference between "good" and "outstanding".

In a sector where inspection frameworks are tightening, employer expectations are rising, and learners have more choice than ever — getting recruitment right is no longer optional.

How to Find Key Staff in the Apprenticeship & Training Sector

There are several ways providers find new talent — advertising, referrals, LinkedIn outreach, and working with specialist agencies such as National Skills Agency.

The key is to adopt a targeted and proactive approach:

1. Define your needs clearly. Is it a strategic hire or a delivery role? Full-time, part-time, remote or field-based?
2. Use job descriptions that resonate. Clear, concise, and built around your culture and mission.
3. Partner with sector specialists. Agencies like NSA who understand the nuance of ILR compliance, Ofsted prep, apprenticeship frameworks, and funding rules — generic recruiters often don’t.
4. Streamline your hiring process. Top talent moves quickly. The best protocol for hiring involve fast feedback, clear timelines, and strong candidate experience.

Why Choose the National Skills Agency?

The National Skills Agency is focused entirely on apprenticeships, training, and skills development.

What sets us apart:

• A bespoke database of over 20,000 sector professionals
• Over 100,000 industry connections on LinkedIn
• Exclusive access to passive candidates not actively applying on job boards
• Deep knowledge of the education inspection framework, ESFA funding rules, and bootcamp delivery models
• Expertise in senior hiring, including Managing Directors, Heads of Apprenticeships, and Quality & Compliance Leads
• Trusted by providers delivering everything from levy-funded apprenticeships to non-levy, commercial and bootcamp programmes

We work with some of the UK’s most respected training organisations and understand the complexity of your world — because it’s the only world we work in.

Roles We Frequently Recruit For:

• Apprenticeship Assessors & Skills Coaches
• Functional Skills Tutors
• Employer Engagement & BDMs
• Apprenticeship Managers & Operations Leads
• Funding & Compliance Specialists
• Heads of Curriculum and Quality
• Director-level Leadership

Thinking of Hiring? Start With a Conversation.

Whether you're scaling your provision, preparing for inspection, launching new standards or simply need to backfill a key post — we can help.

At the National Skills Agency, we combine sector insight with recruitment expertise to help you hire faster, smarter, and with confidence.

Call us: 020 3953 1840
Email: info@nationalskillsagency.co.uk
Visit: www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk

The Apprenticeship Skills Coach (sometimes called Trainer, Learning Mentor, or Development Coach) plays a critical role in guiding learners through their journey. They support, assess, and coach apprentices to ensure they stay on track to achieve their qualifications and reach their potential.

Here’s how to write a compelling job specification for this key role, based on insights from the National Skills Agency, the UK’s leading apprenticeship recruitment specialist.

What Makes a Good Skills Coach Job Spec?

The best job specs:

• Clearly state delivery method (remote, hybrid, face-to-face)

• Highlight the caseload size and sector specialism

• Define expectations around EPA preparation, coaching, and assessment

• Focus on both support and compliance

Job Title Examples

• Apprenticeship Skills Coach – Business & Management

• Development Coach | Work-Based Learning | Remote

• Learning & Development Coach – Digital Apprenticeships

Example Job Overview

We are looking for a dedicated Apprenticeship Skills Coach to support and guide learners through their apprenticeship programmes, ensuring timely progression and successful completion. You’ll be delivering tailored coaching sessions, tracking performance, and preparing learners for end-point assessment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver one-to-one coaching and progress reviews (remote or in person)

• Track learner progress and maintain accurate records using the e-portfolio

• Support learners with their off-the-job training and EPA preparation

• Identify learner needs and provide appropriate support or referrals

• Ensure timely completions in line with funding rules

• Communicate effectively with employers and internal teams

Skills & Experience Required

• Relevant industry experience in subject area (e.g., business, care, IT)

• Assessor qualification (e.g., TAQA, CAVA, A1)

• Experience supporting apprentices in a work-based environment

• Strong understanding of apprenticeship standards and EPA processes

• Good IT skills and experience using e-portfolio systems

We’re Here to Help

At the National Skills Agency, we have a network of qualified apprenticeship coaches across the UK. Whether you’re hiring for Health & Social Care, Business, Digital, or Construction, we can support you with talent and well-crafted job specs that convert.

Contact us today: info@nationalskillsagency.co.uk
Visit: www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk

Hiring a strong Apprenticeship Operations Manager is vital to ensuring smooth delivery, compliance, and learner success across apprenticeship programmes. Whether you’re scaling nationally or enhancing internal quality, this role is your operational anchor.

At the National Skills Agency, we work with training providers of all sizes to help shape operations teams — starting with well-written, high-performing job specs.

Why a Clear Operations Manager Job Spec Matters

This is a senior role often responsible for:

• Performance management

• Resource allocation

• Ofsted and ESFA readiness

• Staff coordination

• Cross-team efficiency

A clear and detailed job specification helps you attract organised, high-performing candidates who can lead by example.

Job Title Examples

• Apprenticeship Operations Manager – National Delivery

• Head of Apprenticeship Operations | Remote with Travel

• Delivery & Operations Lead – Apprenticeship Programmes

Example Job Overview

We are seeking a proactive Apprenticeship Operations Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of our apprenticeship provision. You’ll be responsible for managing performance, ensuring compliance, and supporting high-quality learner outcomes across multiple sectors and delivery models.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of apprenticeship delivery

• Line manage delivery staff, coaches, assessors, and support teams

• Monitor KPIs including learner progress, timely completions, and retention

• Ensure ESFA compliance and support Ofsted inspection readiness

• Drive continuous improvement across delivery models

• Collaborate with curriculum and quality leads

• Produce performance and progress reports for senior leadership

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in apprenticeship operations or delivery management

• Strong knowledge of ESFA funding rules and Ofsted EIF

• Confident leader with experience managing delivery teams

• Ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Need Support Writing or Recruiting?

The National Skills Agency specialises in connecting training providers with experienced operations professionals who understand apprenticeship funding, inspection frameworks, and learner management. Whether you’re expanding or refining, we’ll help you get the right leadership in place.

 Get in touch: info@nationalskillsagency.co.uk
www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk

Hiring a strong Apprenticeship Compliance Manager is critical to funding success, audit readiness, and regulatory protection. With ever-changing ESFA rules and Ofsted pressures, getting the right person starts with getting the job spec right.

Here’s how to write one that attracts detail-driven, confident compliance professionals — with examples and insights from the National Skills Agency, the UK’s leading apprenticeship recruitment specialist.

What to Include in a Compliance Manager Job Spec

This role demands precision, confidence, and leadership in navigating ESFA rules and data integrity.

Your job spec should:

• Define the level of responsibility (hands-on, strategic, team management)

• Include specific systems and frameworks (ILR, PDSAT, DSAT, ESFA, Ofsted)

• Show the impact of the role — not just the rules

✅ Job Title Examples

• Apprenticeship Compliance Manager – ESFA & Ofsted Focus

• Funding & Compliance Lead | Apprenticeships | Remote/Hybrid

• Head of Apprenticeship Compliance & Quality

Example Overview

We’re seeking a meticulous and experienced Apprenticeship Compliance Manager to lead our data, funding, and audit functions. This role ensures our ESFA submissions are accurate and timely while supporting the quality and integrity of our apprenticeship delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee ILR submissions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness

• Manage PDSAT/DSAT reports and action planning

• Ensure compliance with ESFA funding rules and audit expectations

• Support Ofsted readiness through documentation and data quality

• Liaise with MIS and delivery teams to resolve compliance issues

• Lead on internal audits and continuous improvement

Skills & Experience

• In-depth knowledge of ESFA funding rules and ILR processes

• Experience using PICS, Maytas, or other MIS platforms

• Track record of managing audits and funding claims

• Analytical mindset with a high attention to detail

• Strong understanding of Ofsted EIF and compliance impact

Need Help Hiring or Writing the Spec?

The National Skills Agency works with the UK’s top training providers to place exceptional compliance professionals who protect funding and drive performance. Let us help you define your requirements and find your next compliance champion.

info@nationalskillsagency.co.uk
www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk

A great Apprenticeship Business Developer or Employer Engagement Manager is the heartbeat of apprenticeship growth. They’re responsible for building meaningful relationships with employers, securing opportunities for learners, and ensuring apprenticeship pipelines stay strong.

Crafting a compelling job spec is key to attracting someone who can truly drive your commercial growth.

At the National Skills Agency, we help training providers across the UK write and fill employer engagement roles that fuel long-term success.

???? What Makes a Strong Apprenticeship BDM Job Spec?

A successful job spec should:

• Define targets and expectations clearly

• Highlight your sectors and offer

• Showcase growth opportunities and culture

• Use the right search-optimised keywords

✅ Job Title Examples

• Apprenticeship Business Development Manager (Remote/Field-Based)

• Employer Engagement Manager – Apprenticeships

• Partnerships Manager | Apprenticeship Sales | North West

✅ Example Job Overview

We’re looking for a motivated and strategic Apprenticeship Business Development Manager to grow our employer partnerships, match learners to vacancies, and promote our apprenticeship offering across [sectors/regions]. You’ll be a confident communicator, able to manage relationships and drive new business in a compliance-led environment.

✅ Key Responsibilities

• Generate new employer leads and secure apprenticeship starts

• Manage relationships with existing clients and employer partners

• Promote apprenticeship standards and benefits to businesses

• Collaborate with delivery and recruitment teams to fill vacancies

• Attend events, expos, and employer meetings

• Report on pipeline activity and monthly targets

✅ Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in apprenticeship or FE business development

• Knowledge of ESFA funding and employer responsibilities

• Strong B2B sales and relationship-building skills

• Confident presenting to senior stakeholders

• CRM and pipeline management experience

???? Need Talent or Support Writing Your Job Spec?

The National Skills Agency can connect you to experienced apprenticeship business developers and craft job specs that convert. We’ve helped training providers from startups to national brands build sales and employer engagement teams.

???? Contact us: info@nationalskillsagency.co.uk
???? www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk

Hiring an excellent Apprenticeship Assessor is crucial to learner success, compliance, and progression. But how do you write a job spec that attracts the right people?

We’ve helped hundreds of training providers find talented assessors across a range of sectors. Here's a practical guide — plus a job spec template — from the experts at National Skills Agency.

What Makes a Great Assessor Job Spec?

It should clearly outline:

• What sectors the assessor will cover (e.g., Business, Health, Digital)

• Delivery method (remote, blended, face-to-face)

• Responsibilities and learner volumes

• Support structures and quality assurance processes

✅ Job Title Examples

• Apprenticeship Assessor – Business & Customer Service

• Remote Work-Based Assessor – Health & Social Care

• Trainer Assessor – Digital Programmes (Bootcamps & Apprenticeships)

✅ Job Overview

Example:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Apprenticeship Assessor to deliver qualifications in [subject area] from onboarding through to end-point assessment. You’ll support learners through their journey while ensuring compliance with awarding body standards and ESFA guidelines.

✅ Core Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging 1-1 and group sessions (remote/in-person)

• Support learners to complete their apprenticeship standards successfully

• Track learner progress and maintain timely, accurate records

• Provide feedback and prepare learners for EPA

• Work with internal IQA and curriculum teams to maintain quality standards

✅ Key Skills & Qualifications

• Recognised Assessor qualification (TAQA, CAVA, A1, D32/D33)

• Vocational experience in [subject area]

• Knowledge of apprenticeship standards and EPA process

• Good IT and communication skills

• Full UK driving licence (if travel required)

✅ Why Work With You?

Share what makes your provider different — e.g., small caseloads, CPD opportunities, supportive teams.

Need Help With Hiring or Job Specs?

The National Skills Agency is the UK’s leading specialist recruitment agency for the apprenticeship and skills sector. We offer:

• Expert-written job specifications

• A deep talent pool of qualified assessors

• Full recruitment support from brief to hire

Contact us: info@nationalskillsagency.co.uk
Visit: www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk

Whether you're a training provider, college, or employer delivering apprenticeships, attracting the right Apprenticeship Manager starts with crafting a standout job spec. A well-written job description not only attracts high-quality candidates but also filters out those who may not be the right fit.

At the National Skills Agency (NSA), we support organisations across the UK in hiring exceptional talent for apprenticeship and training roles — and it all starts with a great job spec.

Why a Strong Job Spec Matters

A good Apprenticeship Manager job spec:

• Sets clear expectations and responsibilities

• Aligns candidate experience with organisational goals

• Showcases your company culture and values

• Helps boost visibility on job boards and search engines

Key Components of an Apprenticeship Manager Job Spec

✅ Job Title (Clear & Specific)

Use: Apprenticeship Manager, Head of Apprenticeships, or Programme Manager – Apprenticeships

✅ Overview / Mission

Give a quick, compelling summary of the role and how it impacts your organisation.

Example:

We’re seeking a dynamic Apprenticeship Manager to lead our apprenticeship strategy, ensuring high-quality delivery, regulatory compliance, and outstanding learner outcomes. You’ll be the driving force behind our success in apprenticeship provision, shaping the future of skills development.

✅ Key Responsibilities

List no more than 8–10 core responsibilities. Use action words like “lead”, “manage”, “oversee”, “develop”, and “ensure”.

Examples:

• Lead the operational delivery of apprenticeship programmes across multiple standards.

• Ensure compliance with ESFA funding rules, Ofsted EIF and awarding body requirements.

• Manage and mentor a team of assessors, trainers, and coordinators.

• Build employer partnerships and support business development activity.

• Monitor learner progress, retention, and achievement data.

✅ Essential Skills & Experience

Be realistic but specific. Focus on what's critical.

Examples:

• Proven experience in apprenticeship programme management

• Strong working knowledge of ESFA funding rules

• Understanding of Ofsted frameworks and inspection readiness

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills

✅ Qualifications

Include required or desirable qualifications such as:

• Assessor/IQA qualifications (e.g., CAVA, TAQA)

• Management or education-related certifications (e.g., Level 5 in Education & Training)

✅ Location & Flexibility

Clarify office vs. hybrid vs. remote. Mention travel expectations if applicable.

✍️ Sample Apprenticeship Manager Job Title Formats

• Apprenticeship Delivery Manager – Remote/Hybrid

• Head of Apprenticeships | Training Provider | Midlands-Based

• Apprenticeship & Compliance Manager – Ofsted & ESFA Experienced

Need Support Writing or Hiring?

The National Skills Agency specialises in apprenticeship recruitment — from assessors and trainers to strategic leadership. Whether you need help creating a compelling job spec or want to access top-tier candidates, we’re here to help.

Contact us: info@nationalskillsagency.co.uk
www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk