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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.
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group Privacy Notice.
