Early Careers Manager

Are you an expert in early careers strategy with the vision and experience to shape the future of talent development? We're looking for a dynamic Early Careers Manager to lead the design and delivery of a truly forward-thinking approach to apprenticeships, graduate programmes, and industry placements.

Based on site in the Birmingham office 3 days a week this role has is a strategic leadership opportunity for someone with deep knowledge of the early careers landscape and a strong track record of delivering high-impact apprenticeship and graduate initiatives.

Salary £57k

Early Careers Manager

In this role, you'll take ownership of a comprehensive early careers strategy, including apprenticeships (trade, professional, and degree-level), internships, T-Level placements, and a newly launched graduate scheme. You'll be responsible for building a sustainable and inclusive talent pipeline that reflects our organisation's values and long-term workforce priorities.

You'll bring insight, and a broad experience across early careers programmes. We're looking for someone who understands the complexity of apprenticeship funding, policy frameworks, and graduate development models - and who knows how to turn that understanding into action.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Lead the creation and evolution of an organisation-wide Early Careers Strategy.
• Design and implement a structured graduate programme, from recruitment through to rotation and retention.
• Expand our apprenticeship offering, ensuring full, effective use of the levy.
• Build strong partnerships with education providers to support T-Level, internship, and work experience placements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to plan future talent needs and build career pathways.
• Embed measurement, review cycles, and a continuous improvement mindset across all programmes.

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience designing and delivering early careers programmes, especially apprenticeships and graduate schemes.
• In-depth understanding of UK apprenticeship systems, levy management, and regulatory frameworks.
• The ability to connect strategy with delivery - and to influence, guide, and inspire others in the process.
• A passion for creating equitable, inclusive opportunities and advancing social mobility.
• Experience in engaging with colleges, universities, training providers, and industry bodies.

For more information please get in touch with Jacqui Wall

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

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