Work Placement Officer

This is an exciting opportunity to join our curriculum support team at Coastland College. We are looking for someone who enjoys building employer partnerships, supporting students, and making a genuine impact on learner progression. In this role, you'll be at the heart of connecting students with meaningful work experience placements, sourcing opportunities, preparing learners for work environments, and ensuring placements meet educational and safeguarding standards. If you're organised, people-focused, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we'd love to hear from you. With a specific focus on securing a large volume of work experience and industry placement opportunities, this role involves networking, relationship building, and coordinating initiatives to bridge the gap between education and industry. Main purpose of role The post holder will be based within the Student Life team and will be responsible for sourcing, coordinating, and monitoring high quality work / industry placements that support students' study programmes, industry requirements, and career aspirations. The role ensures students gain meaningful, safe, and well structured work experience that enhances their employability and meets college and regulatory expectations. What we stand for: Here at Coastland College, we have one purpose which stands as an ever-present and unchanging reminder of why we're here: to inspire our students and apprentices for individual success beyond expectation, ensuring that they are future-ready and prepared for today and tomorrow's world. We're proud of who we are and the ambitious, dedicated teams who always strive to bring out the very best in our students. Recruiting more brilliant individuals who share our values and passion is so important to us, so do our values speak to you? We are Connected: Inspired by our heritage, we play a key part in a collaborative ecosystem - where everyone has a platform to grow, contribute and make an impact beyond borders. We are Courageous: In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we embrace challenges both big and small - we have the determination to succeed, through deep-rooted curiosity and resilience. We are Dynamic: We embrace innovation, technology, industry advances and hands-on learning, in everything we do - helping and challenging employers to ensure they thrive in their sector. We are Empowering: We create opportunities for all; our staff, our students, our community, the economy and the world - opening doors and helping everyone achieve their full potential. We are Welcoming: We celebrate diversity, ensuring a safe, inclusive, supportive and sustainable environment for all - a space where everyone is valued and treated with respect. What will the job entail?

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and regional employers across relevant industry sectors.
• Identify and secure suitable work / industry placement opportunities that align with curriculum needs and student abilities.
• Promote the benefits of work / industry placements to employers and encourage ongoing partnerships.
• Maintain an up to date database of employer contacts and placement opportunities.
• Work with curriculum teams to understand student needs, course requirements, and placement suitability.
• Prepare students for placement through briefings and one to one guidance.
• Match students to appropriate placements, ensuring fairness, accessibility, and readiness.
• Being accountable for individual student needs with employers, demonstrating a duty of care for the student as per college policies and procedures whilst considering EHCPs, learning/physical disabilities and pre-employment coaching needs.
• Support students, staff and employers during the placement process, addressing issues promptly and professionally.
• Ensure all work / industry placements meet statutory and college requirements, including health and safety, safeguarding, and insurance checks.
• Visit work / industry placements when / where required to carry out Employer Safety Assurance checks.
• Complete and maintain accurate documentation, risk assessments, and placement agreements.
• Monitor the attendance, punctuality and progress of students on their work / industry placement - reporting to parents, course managers, Heads of Departments and employers (when/where necessary) whilst conducting work-based visits, observations and progress checks.
• Contribute to audits, quality reviews, and funding requirements (e.g., T Levels, study programme work experience).
• Work closely with course managers, personal development tutors, careers teams, and support staff to integrate work experience into the learner journey.
• Represent the college professionally when engaging with external stakeholders.
• Monitor placement quality and gather feedback from students and employers.
• Identify opportunities to expand employer networks and improve placement processes.
• Actively participate in college events, career fairs, and employer engagement activities to promote work / industry placement opportunities and enhance industry partnerships.
All Staff Responsibilities, regardless of role:
• Embed safeguarding into all working practices and escalate any safeguarding concerns immediately in line with the College's safeguarding policy. All new employees to the College are required to complete and obtain an enhanced DBS disclosure. Further information will be sent to all prospective employees as part of the application process.
• Adhere to Health and Safety best practices and ensure a safe working environment for everyone, according to the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Champion and be an advocate for Equality and Diversity throughout the College, complying with all related policies and their recommendations.
• Model and promote employee values and behaviours in accordance with the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Actively participate in your appraisal, contributing to a culture of courageous self-reflection, empowerment and professional growth.
• Positively represent and promote the College both internally and externally, acting as an ambassador.
• Contribute to cross College events, supporting and promoting the College across both campuses.
• Undertake appropriate personal and professional development activities engaging with the cross-College staff development and health and wellbeing activities.
• Use all available resources efficiently and effectively, in line with environmentally and sustainable practices.
Note: This job description sets out the main responsibilities for the post, however, is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Specific duties may change from time-to-time without changing the general nature of the post and the post holder is expected to be flexible in the range of responsibilities undertaken.

Essential English and Maths at Level 2 or above Qualifications at Level 3 or above Desirable IOSH Managing Safely Qualification or willingness to work towards First Aid at work qualification Knowledge and Experience Essential Experience and confidence in working with a range of livestock and different UK farming systems. Desirable Experience of working in further education or a related sector Skills and Abilities Essential Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written with the ability to convey and explain concepts in a straightforward language Excellent administrative and organisational skills Accurate record keeping, trackin and monitoring Good presentation and interpersonal skills Proficient IT Skills Effective time management and able to work to challenging deadlines Personal Qualities Essential A positive 'can-do' attitude Dedicated, motivated and hardworking Flexible and able to handle changes in a fast-paced environment Other Essential Full UK Driving Licence with Business Insurance