Job Description

This is an exciting role leading our work to support local young people at a pivotal point in their lives, helping them to transition into successful lives as independent young adults. In collaboration with a range of partner organisations, our Feltham Futures project helps local young people to reach the best possible post-school destinations, and also provides them with on-going support through University, apprenticeship courses, or any other training or employment that they may undertake.

The Feltham Futures Project Manager will lead this work. When working with those still at school, the role will largely consist of providing 1:1 and group support for students, ensuring they have the information, motivation, advice and guidance they need to make well-informed decisions about their post-school options, as well as helping to make sure that they produce high quality applications. When working with local school-leavers, the Manager’s role will mostly be to keep up regular communication, provide guidance, signpost to other services, and liaise with school staff with whom the young people had trusted relationships.

The role will involve spending significant amounts of time in both Reach Academy and other local Secondary Schools.

The Feltham Futures project has been running successfully for two years, and has evolved during that time. The Project Manager will lead the project through an exciting new phase in its development.

This is an ideal role for someone who has some experience in widening participation or university access, careers guidance, or secondary education, and would enjoy the challenge of leading an ambitious project to transform the life chances of local young people.

Key Responsibilities

The role’s key responsibilities are:

• To support Reach Academy and other local students aged 16+ through information, advice and guidance regarding their post-school options, on both a 1:1 and group basis
• To lead the NEET prevention work of the Hub
• To support students to produce high quality University, apprenticeship and job applications
• To coordinate the activities of our Feltham Futures partner charities, such as Career Ready and OxFizz
• To support the Reach Sixth Form staff with all activities relating to University access and careers
• To liaise with staff across local schools in the Feltham area, ensuring that the Feltham Futures project is effectively and efficiently supporting their students with their post-18 options
• To communicate with school-leavers who have benefited from Feltham Futures activities, monitoring and supporting their progress through University/apprenticeship courses
• To lead the future development, branding & communications of the Feltham Futures project
• To build connections with local businesses, colleges, and other organisations that can provide opportunities
• To keep up-to-date with University application processes and apprenticeship course information

Person Specification

We are looking for the following essential and desired personal qualities:

Essential

• Qualified to work in the UK
• Good standard of proficiency in English and in IT (e.g. ability to use Microsoft Office software)
• Good understanding of safeguarding principles when working with young people
• Good organisational and communication skills
• At least one year’s experience of work in widening participation, careers, employability support, or similar
• Passion for supporting young people into the best possible post-school destinations
• Passion for supporting children, young people and families in difficult circumstances to flourish
• Ability to work both in a team and independently

Desirable

• Good knowledge of UK and international University options
• Good knowledge of apprenticeship options
• Strong ability to build rapport with young people from all backgrounds, and to build their motivation
• Ability to think innovatively and creatively
• Strong academic record