T Levels Placement Officer

We are a growing college with a Sixth Form and an Apprenticeship Programme based in our new home in London Victoria, and an Apprenticeship Programme in Manchester. We have a very diverse student body from a wide range of backgrounds and are committed to using tech as a tool for social mobility. We offer a supportive culture for students and staff and our excellent industry links ensure students are prepared for the Tech Industry and teachers and leaders get regular formal and informal CPD to support their teaching and technical knowledge and development.

We are a specialist digital college where all our students are passionate about tech and we are committed to supporting them to progress onto highly skilled roles in the digital sector. All students study computer science for at least 50% of their curriculum, with regular off-curriculum industry projects with partners such as King Games, Deloitte, Bank of America and Salesforce.

We received Good with Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development in our latest Ofsted inspection in March 2023.

Purpose of the Role:

The T-Level Work Placement Officer is an innovative new role at Ada, designed to be instrumental in the entire process of sourcing, developing, and aligning students with high-calibre industry placements that complement our T-Level curriculum. T-Level students are mandated to accumulate at least 315 hours of practical industry placement experience throughout the duration of their course. As the T-Level Work Placement Officer, your primary responsibility will be to guide and support students throughout their placement journey. This involves assisting them in managing their placements effectively, ensuring they meet the necessary requirements and expectations. You will act as a pivotal coordinator, bridging the gap between employers and the College, facilitating seamless communication and understanding between both parties.

Additionally, pastoral care will be a significant aspect of your role. You will provide the necessary emotional and academic support to students, serving as their advocate and ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed in their placements. This involves being attuned to their needs, addressing any concerns, and offering solutions to challenges they may encounter. Building and nurturing relationships will be key to your success in this role. You will actively engage with employers to establish strong partnerships, understanding their needs and expectations to source the most suitable placements for our students. Simultaneously, you'll cultivate a supportive and trusting relationship with our students, empowering them to develop the essential professional skills and competencies required to excel in their chosen field.

In summary, the T-Level Work Placement Officer plays a multifaceted role in enhancing the overall educational experience for our T-Level students, ensuring they are well-equipped, supported, and prepared for success in their industry placements and future careers.

Ideally you will have prior experience in an educational setting, particularly within Further Education or Post-16 environments. Collaborating closely with teaching staff, you'll assist in crafting suitable placement schedules and establish strong relationships with employers. Your role will encompass supporting students throughout the placement process and maintaining open communication with all stakeholders involved. You will be responsible for evaluating potential placement providers to ensure they offer a safe and healthy environment for our students. Additionally, you'll oversee and support the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as required.

This role offers immense satisfaction for those who are passionate about contributing to students' academic, personal, and professional growth throughout their two-year study period. A significant aspect of this role involves sourcing and securing suitable work placement opportunities for students, with the collaborative support of various college teams, including Outreach and Recruitment, External Relations, and Partnerships. Working closely with the Curriculum Lead, you will guide students in the early stages of their T-Level journey. This includes assisting them in developing their personal and professional skills, aiding them in the application process for placements, and facilitating their smooth transition into their chosen work placements. You will implement robust processes and systems to monitor student well-being and safety during their placements. Collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team, you'll ensure that student achievement remains a top priority, implementing timely interventions when necessary to maintain high levels of effectiveness and success.

Some of the Main Responsibilities are outlined below but full details and the person specification are in the JD :

Work Placements:

• Source and secure industry placements for T-Level students.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers.
• Conduct pre-placement employability sessions in collaboration with teachers.
• Monitor and oversee placements, capturing best practices and monitoring student performance.
• Support students throughout their placements to ensure successful completion.
• Maintain organised records of student interactions and placement progress.

Employers:

• Engage with companies to identify and secure placements for T-Level students.
• Manage and update an employer database.
• Serve as the primary contact for employers, addressing questions, feedback, and concerns.
• Provide employers with necessary information on interviews, induction, review meetings, attendance, and safeguarding protocols.
• Identify and address any additional training needs for employers.
• Conduct initial Health and Safety and safeguarding checks at employer premises.
• Complete required Health and Safety paperwork and procedures.
• Offer guidance to employers on compliance issues and report concerns to the line manager.

Students:

• Maintain accurate and updated records of student and placement details, generating regular management reports.
• Collaborate with students to identify and secure placements tailored to their needs.
• Equip students with essential information for a safe and successful placement experience.
• Conduct regular meetings with students to offer support, guidance, and assistance as needed.
• Collaborate with other Ada staff to facilitate student progression, ensuring support for those with additional needs.
• Complete and finalise monitoring forms with students, ensuring agreement and signatures from their supervisors.

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to the interview day. Further information about the DBS be found at www.gov.uk 

Equal opportunities

Ada the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths.

Applicants with disabilities

Ada. National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please HR@ada.ac.uk