Progression Support and Careers Manager

Progression Support and Careers Manager Application Deadline: 14 January 2026 Department: Student Services Employment Type: Permanent Location: Itchen Sixth Form College Reporting To: Adrian Waters Compensation: £30,444 - £32,199 / year Description Progression Support and Careers Manager Are you passionate about helping young people realise their potential and take confident steps toward their future? We are looking for a dynamic and student-centred Progression Support and Careers Manager to join our inclusive and supportive college community. About the Role As our Progression Support and Careers Manager, you will play a vital role in preparing students for life beyond college. You will: Develop a calendar of activities, workshops and events that actively promote all progression routes and engages young people to be proactive in their progression journey. Develop and monitor the UCAS application process. Plan and deliver a range of engaging progression and employability activities, including workshops, CV clinics, careers fairs, and guest speaker events. Contribute to the Tutor programme of activities so that progression is central to the college experience. Deliver impartial, personalised careers advice and guidance to a diverse student body. Work closely with students on one-to-one and group bases to support progression to university, employment, apprenticeships, or other training pathways. Collaborate with teaching staff, external partners, and local employers to provide meaningful experiences of the workplace. This is a rewarding opportunity to support learners in raising aspirations, building confidence, and making informed decisions about their futures. The ideal candidate will have: Experience in careers education, guidance, or student support in an educational or youth setting. A qualification in Careers Guidance or a willingness to work towards one. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with young people. A proactive, flexible approach and strong organisational skills.# Contract Type: Permanent Working Hours: 37 hours per week, 40 weeks per year (term-time + 1) Salary: Scale Point Range 13–15 (£30,444–£32,199 FTE) Actual Salary: SCP 13 £26,697.05 p/a Closing Date: Wednesday 14th January 2026 Interview Date: Wednesday 21st January 2026 Start Date: Monday 23rd February 2026 We advise you to submit your application as early as possible as suitable applicants may be invited for an interview on receipt of an application. Itchen College is a thriving Sixth Form College with a broad curriculum offer to meet the needs of the local community. The college is situated in pleasant surroundings to the east of Southampton with excellent local transport links. Ofsted inspected the college in September 2024, grading overall provision as Outstanding with Outstanding Quality of Education, Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes, Outstanding Leadership and Management, Outstanding Education Programmes for Young People and Outstanding Provision for Learners with High Needs. The college is committed to supporting staff wellbeing and professional development. The college has an excellent in house CPD programme for all teaching and support staff including a dedicated programme for Early Career Teachers. The college also has close links with the Southampton Education Forum, the Wessex Group and the SFCA, including subject groups and CPD opportunities at all levels. The college offers a wide range of benefits for staff, including free parking, an onsite nursery, TPS pensions, an Employee Assistance Programme and free use of the college gym. Key Responsibilities To be responsible for the development and delivery of an outstanding Careers programme that meets the needs of the diverse student community in line with the LLM and Gatsby benchmarks. The programme would promote and prepare learners for life after Itchen College, whichever progression route that they take. This will be a proactive programme that responds to the diverse needs across all levels of study. The programme would include both 1:1 and group provision where applicable plus contributions to the Tutorial programme to further promote all progression routes to include higher education, apprenticeships, employment and gap year opportunities. Providing Careers advice sessions would also be central to the role. Developing a programme of activities, workshops and events that actively promote all progression routes and engages young people to be proactive in their progression journey. Lead on the development of activities, programmes, and events to support positive progression outcomes. Lead on the UCAS application process within the College to develop and maintain a strong platform for students to progress. Develop a calendar of activities, workshops and events that actively promote all progression routes and engages young people to be proactive in their progression journey. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise GCSE/ Level 2 equivalent Maths and English Level 6 CIAG or working towards/willingness to work towards Experience of working with young people with diverse needs, including emotional, social, and mental health challenges Proactive, with a solution-focused approach to problem-solving and the ability to work independently and as part of a team Workplace Benefits Values-driven culture - we’re really proud of our culture. We’re looking for someone who is as driven by our college values as we are! Learning and Development - access to support and resources to drive your own development. Free parking - free on-site parking, as well as good public transport links. Eyecare Scheme Cycle2Work Scheme Free On-site Gym & Sports Facilities Free Flu Jabs Free Hot Drinks for Staff Canteen - freshly prepared food with plenty of choice. 1 Life Event Day - to recognise life’s big moments like a wedding, graduation, moving house. Staff Discount Schemes - discounts and deals on national attractions, entertainment, days out, theme parks, holiday insurance and many national retailers. Employee Loyalty Celebration Reward Scheme - cash and rewards to acknowledge and celebrate staff commitment and loyalty to the College. On-Site College Nursery with priority given to college staff Access to College Library Free College WiFi Compassionate Leave - up to 5 days paid time off to attend to matters relating to the death or serious illness of a loved one. Counselling Service - Access to qualified therapy-based support. Pension Scheme - Enrolment to the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS). Occupational Sick Pay Enhanced Family Leave