Brockenhurst College | Brock is one of the most successful Sixth Form colleges in the UK, offering A levels, Vocational, Adult Learning, Apprenticeships, Business courses.Director of Skills and Employability
Here at Brockenhurst College, we are looking to recruit a Director of Skills and Employability on a full time, permanent basis. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £59,827 - £63,101 per annum DOE.
We are a high-achieving college who attract around 2,800 sixth form students across the region each year. We are based within the stunning New Forest National Park and offer our students a huge range of courses and superb facilities.
The Director of Skills and Employability Role:
As our Director of Skills and Employability, you will provide strong strategic leadership for the Directorate, driving the College’s skills agenda and forging strong partnerships with employers, higher education institutions, and civic and government stakeholders to ensure the College meets local, regional, and national skills needs. They will lead the College’s industry engagement, work placement, and employability provision, delivering high-quality, inclusive, and impactful programmes that enable students across all provision types to build social and cultural capital and progress to positive destinations.
Responsibilities as our Director of Skills and Employability will include:
- To develop an inclusive, motivational, and aspirational ethos and culture across the Directorate, setting high expectations for all students and staff.
- Under the oversight of the Assistant Principal: Partnerships and Skills, clearly identify how the Directorate can contribute to the achievement of the College’s Strategic Plan objectives and lead the approach to doing so.
- Develop and implement a whole-college Employability Strategy aligned to the College’s strategic priorities and values.
- Regularly evaluate the impact of curriculum developments at both pre and post-16 levels on student progression, and to advise on suitable actions or adjustments to guidance and support.
- Provide support to Curriculum Leaders and managers in creating Advisor Boards that make a demonstrable and documented impact on the curriculum, students, and stakeholder partners.
- To develop and nurture strategic partnerships and collaborations across the College, relating directly to local, regional and national skills needs, developing a portfolio of partnership activity and identifying opportunities for new partnerships.
- Assist in identifying opportunities to link curriculum areas with businesses, employers and education partners.
- Develop new partnerships and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national employers to support work experience, placements, and other employability-related opportunities.
- Develop a programme of opportunities to support external stakeholders, including, but not limited to employer breakfast meetings, workshops for employers, and training for employees.
- To facilitate interaction with local industry, education and civic partners, ensuing the Directorate acts as a link between college departments and external contacts.
- Support the development of the College’s Next Steps Programme including a comprehensive speaker programme and a programme of events and activities linked to employability, citizenship and transferable skills.
- Lead and co-ordinate the College’s employability provision, including work experience/industry placements for vocational students, internships e.g. 8billionideas for A Level students, and wider work-related learning and employability skills development.
- To ensure that statutory health and safety obligations are met across the Directorate, alongside upholding high levels of broader college-related health and safety matters.
- To take on a wider cross-college role as agreed with the Principal and CEO.
- To carry out a share of student admissions interviews as agreed with the Assistant Principal, Partnerships and Skills.
- To provide advice, support and guidance to students, parents/careers and staff in post exam periods. In particular, providing cover in college after results are published in August.
As our Director of Skills and Employability, you’ll ideally have:
- A degree or equivalent qualification.
- Experience of working in a large, complex organisation.
- Experience of building successful partnerships with employers, civic partners and external agencies.
- Experience of leadership of employability including work and industry placements within a college or similar environment.
- Leadership and management experience.
- Experience in designing and delivering employability programmes.
- Knowledge of the further education sector.
- A broad understanding of the FE skills agenda.
- Proficient in using IT systems.
Benefits you will receive:
- 37 days leave (pro rata for part time staff) plus bank holidays and college closure days with annual leave being taken flexibly during college closure periods
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme provided externally to the College. This is a completely confidential service and is free to all members of staff at the College.
- On-site Nursery offers childcare at superb rates in and outside of term time
- Enrolment into the Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Free eye care vouchers
- Free secure onsite parking
- Access to a range of discounts including shopping, travel and healthcare
- Access to onsite Gym, Tennis/Badminton courts, Football pitches (indoor & out)
- Weekly staff football
If you feel you are the right candidate for this Director of Skills and Employability role, then please click ‘apply’ now!
Closing Date 12th December 2025
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks which includes an enhanced DBS check as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK.
