Apprenticeships Suffolk Advisor

Role overview

Suffolk County Council is hiring an Apprenticeships Suffolk Advisor to join its Economy and Skills Team in Ipswich. This is a hybrid position based at Endeavour House, with a strong focus on helping shape and strengthen the local apprenticeship ecosystem. The post offers a salary of £34,434 per year, pro rata for part-time working, and the standard hours are 37 per week. Flexible working arrangements are available.

The appointment is a fixed-term or secondment opportunity lasting 12 months, supported by funding. The role is designed for someone who wants to make a practical difference by linking employers, providers and individuals, and by helping expand access to apprenticeships across Suffolk.

What the role involves

You will act as a connector between people, employers and training providers, using apprenticeships to support workforce development and career progression. The job combines relationship-building, outreach, event delivery, campaign activity and partnership work, all aimed at improving the local skills landscape.

This is a varied, hands-on position where no two days are the same. You will help employers understand workforce needs, support people in exploring apprenticeship pathways, and contribute to wider initiatives that grow awareness and participation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with employers, training providers and other stakeholders.
• Help organisations make effective use of the Skills and Growth Levy Share Scheme and similar funding opportunities.
• Support individuals and groups by building confidence, developing skills and guiding them toward suitable apprenticeship routes.
• Match apprenticeship-ready candidates with local employers.
• Plan and deliver workshops, events and campaigns that increase awareness and engagement.
• Work with partners to strengthen networks and broaden apprenticeship opportunities.
• Use data and insight to monitor delivery, track progress and improve outcomes.
• Represent the team in meetings and stakeholder forums, staying informed about changes in the skills environment.
• Contribute to team marketing and social media activity that promotes apprenticeships.

What the council is looking for

The ideal candidate will bring strong people skills, a proactive approach and the confidence to work with a wide range of audiences. Experience may come from skills, employment, customer-facing or stakeholder-focused roles.

You should be organised enough to balance competing priorities, work to deadlines and adapt quickly in a busy environment. Clear communication is important, as you’ll need to explain information well and offer practical guidance to both individuals and employer representatives.

The council is also looking for someone who is collaborative, self-motivated and genuinely interested in helping people grow through skills development and apprenticeship opportunities. An interest in apprenticeships, the wider economy and ongoing learning is valued, even if you are still building your expertise.

Application guidance

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every requirement listed in the Job and Person Profile. The full list of criteria is available in the recruitment pack referred to in the advert.

To apply, candidates must submit a supporting statement answering three questions and upload a CV without name or personal details. Applications without both documents will not move forward. Supporting documents must be submitted in PDF or MS Word format.

Those seeking a secondment must review the secondment policy and obtain approval from their current manager before applying.

The council also notes that it uses artificial intelligence guidance for applications, and any use of AI should still reflect the applicant’s own experience, ideas and skills.

Safeguarding and checks

This role is covered by the council’s safeguarding commitment to children, young people and vulnerable adults. Relevant posts may require DBS checks or police vetting.

Equality, inclusion and working culture

The council describes itself as a modern organisation that aims to support people with different skills, ambitions and working needs. It welcomes applications from all individuals, especially from groups that are currently underrepresented in the workforce.

The team culture is described as supportive, inclusive and collaborative, with a focus on learning, development and new ideas. Hybrid working is part of the role, blending office attendance with remote working and regular team check-ins.

Benefits

• Up to 29 days of annual leave, pro rata, plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
• Membership of a Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
• Annual pay progression linked to performance, alongside a yearly cost-of-living increase.
• Training support to help expand knowledge and skills.
• Career development opportunities across the organisation.
• Access to diverse and active staff networks.
• Flexible working options, including the right to request flexible working from day one.

Important dates and contact

The closing date is 11:30pm on 15 June 2026. Interviews are scheduled for 7, 8 and 9 July 2026.

For an informal discussion, candidates can contact Jasmine Joolia, Skills & Employment Policy Manager, on 01473 260733 or by email at jasmine.joolia@suffolk.gov.uk.

Additional notes

The organisation emphasizes that the role is meaningful, varied and rooted in making a positive difference to Suffolk’s economy and communities. It also highlights collaboration, flexibility and continuous learning as core parts of the working environment.