Every week we speak to people who say some version of:

“I’ve been in industry for 15–20 years. I’m tired of shifts/site/travel and fancy becoming a Trainer or Assessor. Where do I start – and will I have to take a massive pay cut?”

Short answer: no, you don’t have to start from zero, but you do need a plan.

Here’s how to move from industry into training and apprenticeships without losing your sanity (or your mortgage).

Step 1: Decide which role actually fits you

“Training” covers more than just standing at the front of a classroom with a PowerPoint that refuses to behave.

The main routes:

• Trainer / Tutor – delivers planned teaching sessions, workshops, bootcamps or classroom-style learning.

• Assessor / Skills Coach – works 1:1 or in small groups, coaching learners in the workplace and signing off evidence.

• Functional Skills Tutor – English/Maths/ICT (needs a specific skills profile and usually strong teaching focus).

• Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) – usually a second step once you’ve been assessing.

Ask yourself:

• Do you enjoy coaching individuals, or do you love “showtime” with a group?

• Are you more comfortable on site/in the workplace or in a centre/online?

• Do you want to stay hands-on with the technical side, or shift towards coaching and compliance?

If you’re not sure, that’s the sort of thing we talk through with candidates every day.

Step 2: Work out what you already have (and what you need)

You probably already bring:

• Years of real-world experience in your trade/sector

• An understanding of standards, safety, processes

• War stories that learners remember better than any slide deck

You may need:

• A teaching qualification (e.g. Level 3 AET or above) – some providers will support you through this

• An assessor qualification (TAQA/CAVA/A1) if you’re going into assessing

• Up-to-date CPD to show your industry knowledge is current

Good providers know that industry expertise is gold and can be trained into teaching. The trick is to package what you already do in “education language”.

Step 3: Don’t undersell your experience on your CV

Typical industry CV:

“1999–2025: Did loads. Managed teams. Hit targets. Fixed things. Everyone liked me.”

What training providers want to see:

• Evidence of coaching or mentoring apprentices/juniors on site

• Any informal training: toolbox talks, inductions, briefings, CPD sessions

• Experience with standards, compliance, health & safety, audits

• Times you’ve communicated complex stuff in simple ways

If you’re stuck, we often help candidates reshape CVs to “translate” industry work into skills that scream Trainer/Assessor.

Step 4: Be realistic (but not defeatist) on salary

Will you earn exactly what you did on your best year in overtime-heavy industry? Maybe not.

Will you be expected to work 70 hours a week in all weathers? Also no.

Think about:

• Base salary vs lifestyle – fewer nights away, more predictable hours, hybrid options

• Progression – once you’ve got experience, roles like Lead Trainer, IQA, Quality, Curriculum and Management open up

• Long-term sustainability – do you want to be up a ladder or on a site in winter at 62?

We regularly place ex-industry candidates into Trainer/Assessor roles where the salary is sensible and the lifestyle is dramatically better.

Step 5: Choose your first employer carefully

Your first experience in training can make or break your view of the whole sector.

Good signs:

• Structured induction – shadowing, co-delivery, proper onboarding

• Support to gain teaching/assessor quals

• Realistic caseloads and KPIs

• A manager who talks about learning and quality, not just “bums on seats”

Red flags:

• “You’ll be fine, just jump straight in front of a class on Monday.”

• No mentoring, no observation model, no CPD

• Vague job spec but very specific targets

If you don’t know what “good” looks like, that’s where a specialist recruiter makes life easier – we already know which providers support career-changers well.

Step 6: Talk to someone who lives in both worlds

At National Skills Agency, we:

• Talk to training providers, colleges, EPAOs and awarding bodies all day

• See which ones genuinely support ex-industry trainers and assessors

• Know where your sector background (engineering, construction, digital, health, etc.) is in the highest demand

We can:

• Help you position your CV for training roles

• Talk you through realistic salary expectations

• Introduce you to providers who value your experience – not just your certificates

If you’re sat at work thinking “there has to be a better way to use my skills than this”, there probably is.

???? spencer@nationalskillsagency.co.uk
????

In apprenticeships and training, an outstanding curriculum won’t move the dial without outstanding business development. The best providers win because they pair great delivery with BD pros who open doors, shape solutions with employers, and keep the pipeline healthy.
BD turns capability into revenue & starts and sustains growth when the market tightens!
If you’re serious about results, invest in your BD team.
National Skills Agency is the go-to recruiter for BD talent in this sector—From BDMs / Employer Engagement to Heads of Partnerships and Sales Directors.
Ready to strengthen your BD team?
Call me - Spencer 020 3953 1984 - spencer@nationalskillsagency.co.uk

Browse live roles across training providers, awarding bodies and employer providers. Assessors, BDMs, IQAs and more.

Recruitment challenges in the apprenticeship and training world are nothing new – but some roles are consistently hard to fill.

The most in-demand positions include:
1. Business Development Managers – skilled in employer engagement and apprenticeships.
2. Assessors & Skills Coaches – particularly in high-growth sectors like Health, Digital, and Leadership.
3. MIS & Funding Managers – critical for compliance and financial sustainability.
4. Curriculum & Quality Leaders – ensuring delivery meets both industry needs and Ofsted standards.
5. Employer Partnerships Managers – bridging education and industry effectively.

At the National Skills Agency, we specialise in finding these “hard-to-hire” professionals. If these gaps are slowing your growth, our expertise and networks can solve the problem.

In a fast-moving education and skills landscape, training providers and awarding bodies face increasing pressure to deliver exceptional results while keeping costs under control. Whether you're growing your provision, launching new qualifications, or scaling your business, the right support makes all the difference.

At the National Skills Agency (NSA), we specialise in helping organisations like yours save time, reduce recruitment costs, and access industry-leading talent and consultancy services.

Why Work with NSA?

✅ Specialist Recruitment That Delivers

As the UK’s leading recruiter in the Apprenticeship, Training, and Awarding marketplace, we have a 20,000+ candidate database and an active network of over 100,000 sector-specific LinkedIn connections. This means faster shortlists, stronger candidates, and no wasted time on generic applications.

Whether you need:

• Apprenticeship Managers

• End-Point Assessors

• Quality Leads

• Sales & Employer Engagement professionals

• Trainers & Tutors

…NSA can supply pre-qualified, highly relevant candidates, often within days.

✅ Save Time with Pre-Vetted Talent

We don’t just forward CVs. We get to know your organisation, shortlist only the best fits, and handle the heavy lifting—from initial screening to interview coordination. This allows your internal teams to focus on what matters: delivering outstanding training and learning experiences.

✅ Reduce Costs Through Smart Hiring Models

Our flexible hiring options, including Hiring Credit Packages, allow you to lock in discounted rates and gain predictability on spend. Our clients save thousands of pounds per hire compared to traditional percentage-based models.

✅ High-Level Consultancy to Accelerate Growth

Beyond recruitment, NSA offers strategic consultancy services across areas such as:

• Funding optimisation

• Skills strategy

• Bid writing

• Business development

• Mergers & acquisitions

Our experts have supported some of the UK’s top ITPs and awarding organisations, helping them grow smarter and faster.

Real Results for Real Providers

NSA has successfully partnered with leading names in the sector, supporting everything from nationwide staff rollouts to senior leadership placements and strategic planning. We're proud to have played a role in driving growth, compliance, and efficiency for dozens of respected training organisations.

Ready to Unlock Better Results?

If you’re a training provider or awarding body looking to:

• Improve hiring outcomes

• Cut unnecessary recruitment costs

• Access experienced sector consultants

Let’s have a chat. NSA is here to support your journey—whether you're hiring for one key role or scaling your business nationally.

???? Call us on 020 3953 1984
???? Or email: info@nationalskillsagency.co.uk

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.

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

At the National Skills Agency, we understand the unique challenges of recruiting in the Apprenticeship and Training space. Here’s why working with a sector specialist like us is your best decision:

1. Save Valuable Time
Recruiting the right talent is time-consuming. With our deep industry knowledge and extensive candidate network, we streamline the process, delivering pre-screened, highly qualified candidates who match your needs. No more sifting through irrelevant applications!

2. Reduce Costs
Bad hires and prolonged vacancies can be expensive. Our expertise ensures you secure the right talent the first time, minimising recruitment costs and maximising your ROI.

3. Avoid Wasted Energy
Understanding the intricacies of the Apprenticeship & Training sector is crucial. We take the guesswork out of recruitment, allowing you to focus on driving your business forward.

Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most—delivering learner centric training and growing your organisation.

 Contact us today to see how we can help! 020 3 953 1984 spencer@nationalskillsagency.co.uk

Check out all the Associate roles available at City & Guilds get applying and get sharing! Key sectors include Engineering, Land-Based Services, Construction and IT. On the application click NSA as your introducing partner or send a CV to spencer@nationalskillsagency.co.uk and we will put you in touch.

These roles fit in around your current job and pay a highly competitive daily rate!

City & Guilds are recruiting:

Land-Based Services roles!

1. T-Levels Chief Examiner - Apply https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/t-level-chief-examiner---land-based-services-539620.html

Cover 1 or more of the following: Horticulture, Crop Production, Trees and Woodlands, Floristry, Land-based Engineering, Livestock Production 

2. Principal Examiner T Level (ALMP) - Core Pathway for Land Based Engineering - Apply https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/principal-examiner-t-level-almp---core-pathway-for-land-based-engineering--520971.html

Support delivery of T-Levels in Agriculture, Land Management & Production (ALMP)

3. T Level Moderator - Land-Based Engineering- Apply https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/t-level-moderator---landbased-engineering-562029.html

Get involved with the quality assurance of T Level qualifications. We are looking for occupational experts to be involved in QA and moderation of these qualifications.

4. Tech Qualification Associates - Land-Based Engineering - Apply https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/tqa---land-based-engineering--531576.html Support the delivery of T-Levels which City & Guilds has been successful in winning for this industry area.
5. Principal Examiner Technicals - Land-Based Engineering - Apply https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/principal-examiner-technicals---land-based-engineering-553670.html

Support the delivery of Technicals examinations in LBE

Construction Roles!

Wall and Floor Tiling – External Quality Assurer – Apply

https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/eqa-vacancy---wall-and-floor-tiling-564436.html

Carry out and document quality assurance activities in line with City & Guilds and regulatory arrangements.

1. T Levels Moderator - Carpentry & Joinery - Apply

https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/t-levels-moderator---carpentry-amp-joinery-561984.html

Get involved with the quality assurance of T Level qualifications?  We are looking for occupational experts to be involved in QA and moderation of these qualifications.

2. T Levels Moderator – Bricklaying - Apply https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/t-levels-moderator---bricklaying-561980.html

Get involved with the quality assurance of T Level qualifications?  We are looking for occupational experts to be involved in QA and moderation of these qualifications.

3. Technicals Moderator for Level 2 & 3 Electrical - Apply https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/technicals-moderator-for-level-2-amp-3-electrical-527197.html

Assist with the quality assurance of Technical qualifications in the 14-19 sector?  We are looking for occupational experts to be involved in the QA and moderation of Technical Qualifications offered by City & Guilds.

Engineering Roles!

We are looking for occupational experts to be involved in Quality Assurance and moderation of these qualifications.

1. T Levels Moderator - Control & Instrumentation (MIR) – Apply

 https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/t-levels-moderator---control-amp-instrumentation-mir-561991.html

2. T Levels Moderator - Control Instrumentation (Design & Dev) – Apply

 https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/t-levels-moderator---control-instrumentation-design-amp-development-561988.html

3. T Levels Moderator - Composite Manufacturing - Apply

https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/t-levels-moderator---composite-manufacturing-561986.html

4. Technicals Moderator for Level 2 & 3 Electrical - Apply https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/technicals-moderator-for-level-2-amp-3-electrical-527197.html

Information Comms Technician - Independent End Point Assessors needed

These roles fit in around your current job and pay a highly competitive daily rate! City & Guilds are recruiting for suitable, qualified individuals to become IEPAs, who will assess apprentices’ competence in line with City & Guilds End-point Assessment policies and procedures. Apply https://eqarecruitment.cityandguilds.com/vacancy/information-communications-technician-iepa-447649.html

Check out all the Associate roles on available at City & Guilds get applying and get sharing! Support your Sector!

Unlocking Hidden Talent with the National Skills Agency’s Specialist Recruitment Services!

Finding the right talent in the skills and training sector can be challenging, especially when many highly qualified professionals remain "under the radar."

At the National Skills Agency, we specialise in uncovering these hidden gems and connecting them with employers who need their expertise. Our unique approach leverages a combination of a bespoke database, strategic networking, and an in-depth understanding of the industry to access the best talent available.

Our Exclusive Talent Database

With a bespoke database of over 15,000 candidates, the National Skills Agency has access to a wealth of specialist talent that isn't readily available through traditional recruitment channels. Our database includes a wide range of professionals, from experienced trainers and assessors to compliance managers, business development specialists, and senior leaders in the skills and apprenticeship sector. By maintaining close relationships with our candidates, we can quickly match the right talent to the right roles.

High-Profile LinkedIn Groups

We also run several high-profile LinkedIn groups tailored to the skills and training sector. These groups not only provide valuable networking opportunities but also enable us to connect with professionals who are actively engaged in their field. Through these channels, we stay up to date with emerging trends and talent, ensuring we can quickly identify candidates who are the perfect fit for our clients.

Engaging with the Industry

Our involvement doesn’t stop at digital networking. The National Skills Agency regularly attends key exhibitions and conferences across the UK, engaging directly with professionals and gaining insights into the ever-evolving skills landscape. This hands-on approach allows us to access top talent, foster relationships, and promote new opportunities.

Extensive Reach into Apprenticeships and Training

Our extensive reach into apprenticeships and training further enhances our ability to source candidates who are often missed by generalist recruiters. By specialising in this sector, we understand the unique requirements and qualifications needed to succeed.

If you're looking to tap into this hidden talent pool then get in touch.

The chances are that 1 or 2 of your competitors are benefiting from our reach and some great candidates ARE NOT hitting your inbox! why miss out?

Call 020 3953 1984 spencer@nationalskillsagency.co.uk

Key Internal Roles Within a UK Training Provider

Training providers play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. These organisations rely on a range of internal roles to ensure that their programs are effective, compliant, and tailored to the needs of learners and employers. Here's a look at some of the essential roles within a UK training provider:

1. Operations Manager

The Operations Manager oversees the daily functions of the training provider, ensuring that all programs run smoothly and efficiently. They are responsible for managing staff, coordinating training schedules, and maintaining high standards of service delivery.

2. Quality Manager

Quality Managers are crucial in maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. They oversee the quality of training delivery, implement continuous improvement strategies, and ensure that learner outcomes meet or exceed expectations.

3. Tutor/Trainer/Assessor

Tutors, trainers, and assessors are the backbone of any training provider. They deliver training, assess learner progress, and provide feedback to help students achieve their qualifications. They play a direct role in shaping the learner experience and outcomes.

4. Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying new opportunities and partnerships. They work to expand the provider's reach, build relationships with employers, and secure funding or contracts to support the growth of training programs.

5. Learning Support Coordinator

Learning Support Coordinators provide additional assistance to learners who need extra help. They work closely with tutors to offer personalised support, ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to succeed.

6. Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that the training provider meets all regulatory and funding requirements. They keep up to date with changes in legislation and help implement necessary adjustments to maintain compliance.

At the National Skills Agency, we specialise in recruiting for these key roles within the skills sector. Whether you’re a training provider looking for top talent or a professional seeking a new opportunity, our expert team is here to support your recruitment needs. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you build a successful team.

Bottom of Form