Careers & Work Placement Coach

Lakes College is a technical vocational Further Education College delivering education and training to full-time and part-time learners and apprentices to degree level. We have a vibrant campus in West Cumbria with state of the art vocational workshops and resources, including the National College for Nuclear Northern Hub.

Our mission and purpose are to:

‘ Enable people to recognise and develop their potential’ .

We are a people business and our mission applies as equally to our staff team as to our learners and employers’. We are a Good college and have ambition to be Outstanding by together developing our culture, standards and expectations. We encourage innovation, collaboration and reflection to lead to new ideas and methods. We gather, evaluate and use data to drive operational improvement.

Are you passionate about helping people achieve their potential? Do you enjoy building relationships, inspiring others, and connecting education with the world of work?

At Lakes College, we're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Careers & Work Placement Coach to help learners take their next step with confidence.

As a key member of our Student Services Team, you'll provide high-quality careers guidance, support learners in planning their futures, and create meaningful work placement opportunities with local employers.

You'll work closely with students, schools, curriculum teams and businesses to:

• Deliver engaging one-to-one careers advice and group workshops
• Support learners with career planning, UCAS applications, apprenticeships and employment opportunities
• Develop and maintain employer partnerships to secure high-quality work placements
• Help deliver inspiring careers events and school engagement activities
• Track learner destinations and support them to achieve positive outcomes
• Play a vital role in helping the College meet the Gatsby Benchmarks and achieve

The successful candidate will hold a Level 3 qualification in a relevant area, as well as holding 5 GCSE’s including Maths and English (or equivalent). We’re seeking someone who is passionate about supporting young people and adult learners, has excellent communication and relationship-building skills and can work confidently with employers, schools and internal stakeholders.

Experience with in careers education, advice and guidance is desirable, and we'll support the right candidate to develop professionally, including working towards relevant careers qualifications.

• Generous annual leave – 29 days plus 8 days bank holiday plus 2 discretionary days (rising to 33 days after 5 years’ service)
• Automatic entry into the Local Government pension Scheme.
• A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn.
• Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching.
• Free onsite parking.
• Subsidised onsite restaurant.
• A cycle scheme tech scheme and discounted gym membership.
• Fantastic facilities to resource our ability to teach our students.

To ensure compliance with safeguarding guidelines, all applicants must complete the application form in full. This includes providing:

• A full employment history from the time you left full-time education, with details of any gaps in employment explained.
• Information on all relevant education and qualifications.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered. Your co-operation helps us maintain the highest standards of safety and care for children and young people.

5 GCSE’s (including Maths & English or equivalent) essential

Level 3 qualification in a relevant area essential

Hold or be willing to work towards a Level 4 CEIG Qualification. desirable

NVQ Level 6 (or equivalent) in Careers Advice and Guidance, Careers Information or related subject desirable

Intermediate to advanced skills Microsoft Office skills essential

Recent and relevant industry experience in sector

Experience of working in a careers setting

Dedicated essential

Demonstrates ability to work under pressure, prioritise and commit to strict deadlines whilst maintaining the quality of output essential

Work collaboratively and for the good of all essential

Hallwood Road, Workington, Cumbria, Cumbria, CA14 4JN

Lakes College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

Lakes College is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Job type Part Time

Contract type Permanent

Closing 17/08/2026 12:00

Contract term AYR - All year round

Pay grade Business Support | Band D SCP 16 - SCP 19