Apprenticeship project coordinator jobs
South Bank Students Union is a non-for-profit organisation, which champions social mobility through education and has a vision to disrupt the cycle of inequality in higher education.
We are looking for a Student Voice Coordinator to join our new team as we embark on a five-year strategy to transform the way we engage and support students to help them reach their full potential.
Nowhere is inequality in our education system more recognisable than in higher education, where those from the most privileged backgrounds still have the most equity and most chances to achieve and succeed.
South Bank students have high expectations and ambitions for themselves but lead complex lives where they are faced with the pressures of trying to balance their studies with work and juggling their lives at home. In fact, many don't identify primarily as students, but instead as carers, nurses, engineers, parents, designers, workers, entrepreneurs, apprentices, last chance learners and Londoners.
At South Bank Students' Union we believe that a student's background and life circumstances should not put them at an educational disadvantage, and all students deserve a high-quality University experience and the chance to graduate equipped with the tools to succeed in life - this role is at the heart of this work.
Alongside our current Student Voice Coordinator, the person in this role will be responsible for delivering the Union’s key Student Voice programmes which include: our course rep scheme; student issues tracking; focus groups and officer insight campaigns. They will also provide support for student leaders. This includes supporting the effective election, induction and ongoing development of the Union’s President, Lead Representatives and democratic processes.
We are looking for someone who can truly understand the lived experiences of those who have faced societal barriers to participation, and who is motivated by delivering work which aims to challenge and remove these norms.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
SBSU’s simple vision of disrupting inequality is the heartbeat of the organisation and it is this which steers its decisions, practice, and priorities. It unifies our services, and it drives our staff to remove societal barriers so that all people can achieve their full potential.
SBSU believes that in order to truly disrupt inequality for its members, it must also strive to do this for its workforce – in short, staff must experience it in order to deliver it!
Our Union benefits enormously from having a team of staff with a range of diverse lived experiences. We understand that some life circumstances might be more complex, and that some will have had to overcome more barriers. We value the unique perspectives that are formed by an individual’s background and believe that ‘bringing your whole self to work’ is essential for informed decision making and collaboration and paves the way for high performance so we welcome applications from all, especially if your background and circumstances are traditionally under-represented in the workplace.
Further Information
To find out more information about South Bank Students Union and the role, including the job description and person specification, you can download the recruitment pack below. You can also download our five-year strategy below to help you understand more about our vision for SBSU.
Process
To apply, you will need to:
- submit a copy of your CV
- submit a supporting statement (a maximum of two sides of A4) that details your interest in, and suitability for the role in PDF format.
- answer some questions relating to your eligibility for employment.
- provide some details about your individual identity (not mandatory)
Candidates will be shortlisted based on how well their application demonstrates they meet the criteria in the job description and person specification. Your CV will provide information on your education and work experience, however, your supporting statement is your chance to show why you are right for the role and an opportunity to stand out from others. It should provide clear and relevant examples of how you have met the key criteria, and the successes you have had in your previous roles. An application which does not provide this detail is unlikely to make it through to an interview so please take the time to make sure you have given this full consideration.
The job description and person specification can be found in the recruitment pack which can be downloaded below.
Applications should be submitted electronically via the link above. The closing date for applications is 9:00am on Monday 3 November 2025. Interviews for this role are likely to take place week commencing 24 November 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation to an interview, with a panel of SU staff and elected officers and may also include some written and / or scenario-based tasks.
The students’ union is unable to offer feedback to non shortlisted candidates; however, every applicant will be informed of the outcome of their application.
Accessibility
We encourage applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and life circumstances and want to make sure that this recruitment process is accessible to all. We also recognise that this recruitment process, and the opportunity to join the organisation, is taking place during a period of major instability and uncertainty in the wider world, so should you require support related to this process or attending a digital interview, please let us know at any point during the process.
Registered Charity 
21 - 50
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Key Information:
LOCATION: Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, London and Manchester (hybrid working pattern). We are prioritising applications for the Nottingham and Newcastle locations in line with our regional development strategy.
HOURS: 37.5 hours per week (flexible working around core hours of 10am-4pm)
START DATE: 12th January 2026
DURATION: 18-month graduate programme with optional apprenticeship opportunity upon completion. Permanent contract from August 2025.
SALARY: £27,375 per annum (Bristol, Manchester, Nottingham and Newcastle), £30,025 (London).
DEADLINE: Friday 24th October at 12pm (noon).
The application process: written application > telephone interview > assessment centre.
Assessment Centres will take place on w/c 10th November and w/c 17th November 2025. They will be conducted on Zoom and consist of 2 tasks over 70 minutes: An interview, and a pre-prepared presentation (we will send out the task brief upon invite to Assessment stage).
In keeping with upReach's mission and values we would particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups and those with lived experience of barriers to social mobility.
We encourage all applicants to review our Application Pack before submitting your application.
About upReach
Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?
upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from a disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2.
We are an award-winning charity employer working to address this issue in partnership with employers and universities. We help undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment.
To find out more about how we support our students, visit our website and read our Annual Report, and Impact Report.
About the Role
upReach is recruiting for our unique Future Charity Leaders Programme (FCLP). This is a great opportunity for anyone who is passionate about social mobility, and looking to gain exposure to various aspects of charity management whilst working with university students who are exploring their career options. We welcome applications from those in the corporate world who are looking for a career change as well as recent graduates wanting to kick-start their career in the third sector.
About the FCLP
upReach’s Future Charity Leaders Programme (FCLP) is a graduate programme combining delivery work (supporting our Associates) with exposure to a range of aspects of charity management.
As a Programme Coordinator on the FCLP you will be delivering personalised employment-focused support to a cohort of approximately 80 Associates, helping transform their lives by equipping them with the necessary skills to secure a top graduate job. During a typical week, you should expect to be working across a range of projects including 1:1 undergraduate coaching, group workshops, webinars (we refer to them as Video Forums), partnership management (with university partners or employer partners) and more!
In addition to this, the programme offers the opportunity to develop skills in key areas of charity management by participating in 3 rounds of six-month 'rotations'. After your initial 18 months and the completion of 3 six-month rotations, you will have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship in Leadership and Management to further develop your skills.
Throughout the programme, you will receive dedicated internal training developing your leadership skills and building your confidence in the role.
Through our partnership with The Circle Line, you will be part of a supportive peer group, offered regular personal development training workshops online and in-person on their '12 Tools for Life'. You will also be able to choose your own practitioner to support you with 1:1 sessions throughout the programme to help you unlock more of your unique potential.
What will I be doing?
The FCLP is a fast-paced but rewarding role. Programme Coordinators spend 80% of their time (4 days per week) working directly with Associates to enhance their career knowledge and skills and 20% (1 day per week) on a charity management rotation (or an apprenticeship after 18 months). No two days are the same, but your responsibilities may include:
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Building and maintaining strong relationships with Associates, helping them to achieve their career goals
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Developing and delivering professional development-focused support
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Individual and small group work with Associates
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Assisting Associates with their applications to undergraduate positions and graduate jobs
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Developing sector and/or employability skill knowledge while building resources to aid all Associates
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Developing and maintaining strong relationships with university and/or employer partners
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Delivering informative workshops to enhance sector knowledge and employability skills
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Planning, delivering and reporting on events and workshops with partners
When applying for this role we ask that applicants are able to commit to the full 18-month training programme, and we encourage participation in the apprenticeship scheme beyond this. As you will be working directly with our beneficiaries throughout their degree, this consistency will allow you to build bonds with your Associates and ensure continuity, thus allowing us to have the most impact for the young people we work with.
What Skills and Experience do I need?
This programme would be suited to individuals who are committed to upReach’s mission, motivated to work with undergraduates and interested in learning about, and gaining experience in, charity management. We are looking for people who are passionate about social mobility and believe that background should not be a barrier to graduate employment.
Essential Skills/Experiences:
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Working in a fast-paced environment and working independently to find solutions to problems
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Strong organisational and time management skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage a varied workload
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A University degree in any discipline, or equivalent experience
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Self-motivation and an ability to work in a small team as well as solo
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Excellent communication skills and strong written English
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The ability to engage and communicate confidently with undergraduates, corporate volunteers (mentors) and employers via phone, email, and in person
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Experience of public speaking or facilitating workshops
Desirable Skills/Experiences:
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Knowledge of the graduate labour market in the UK and experience supporting individuals through an application process
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Strong negotiation skills and experience in roles requiring influence
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Working in one or more of the career sectors that upReach support Associates in applying to.
Team Culture & Benefits:
By joining the upReach team, you will be joining a team who are dedicated to encouraging you in your career journey and fostering an inclusive culture.
We offer:
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Flexible working, hybrid working and reduced Summer Hours (June-August)
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Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days, plus bank holidays. (This increases to 27 days entitlement after 2.5 years and then to 30 days after 5 years of working with us)
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Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members
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Birthday leave, 1 day of Volunteering leave and annual wellbeing days
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Optional extended unpaid leave during summer months
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3% Pension Contribution, this increases to 5% after 5 years of working with us
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Cycle-to-work scheme, Tech loan scheme
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Monthly socials, Annual in-person Team Day
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Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aid Training and Ethnic Minority Mentoring Scheme
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A range of discounts through the Charity Workers Discount and Tickets for Good websites
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The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks:
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Disability and Inclusion Network
Diverse Roots Network
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Green Network
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LGBTQ+ Network
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Mindfulness Network
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Parents and Carers Network
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Socio-Economic Background Network
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(Im)Migrants Network
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Ready to apply?
We are dedicated to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.
Unfortunately, upReach is unable to offer Visa Sponsorship.
Applications close at 12 Noon on Friday 24th October.
Equal Opportunities
At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Thus, we encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities, those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.