Work Placement Officer

Work Placement Officer
Digital & Creative Industries
Salary: £25,157 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week

Reference: REC2170 | Closing Date: Wednesday, 16th July 2025

The Opportunity

Based in our friendly Digital and Creative Industries Department, you will play an important role in connecting the College with local and regional employers. You will help raise the profile of the department and develop positive, lasting relationships with businesses and networks across the area.

In this role, you will support our students throughout their placement journey. You will find relevant opportunities, help our students get ready for the world of work, and ensure each placement links meaningfully to their course and future career goals. You will work closely with our Course Leaders, Programme Managers and Teachers to make sure every placement supports learning and delivers real value to the student.

You will actively engage with employers in your sector using a range of methods, including social media, email campaigns, phone calls, networking events and face-to-face meetings. You will be set clear placement targets and will focus on securing high-quality experiences that match our students to the right opportunities.

You will keep clear and accurate records, respond quickly to employer enquiries and contribute to reports with updates on your progress. By building strong partnerships and working collaboratively with staff and students, you will help give learners the real-world experience they need to move forward with confidence.

This is a great opportunity to make a real difference to our students’ experience by helping learners gain meaningful, real-world work placements that support their development and future careers.

About You

We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised and confident in building relationships with a wide range of people. You will need excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and a natural ability to engage with employers, students and colleagues in a professional and approachable way.

You should bring experience of working in a customer-focused environment and have a clear understanding of how to work effectively with employers. Experience of liaising with businesses, building positive relationships and securing opportunities will be key to your success in this role. A background in employer engagement, education, recruitment or a related area would be an advantage, but most importantly, you will be someone who is enthusiastic about supporting learners and helping them gain meaningful experience in the workplace.

You will have a good understanding of the needs of students when entering the world of work and be able to support them in a way that prepares them for a successful placement. Strong organisation, time management and team working skills are essential, along with the ability to prioritise your workload and stay self-motivated in a busy environment. If you enjoy variety, take initiative and bring a positive and professional attitude to your work, this could be a great role for you.

Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.

Required

·         NVQ Level 2 qualification (or equivalent)

·         GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or equivalent (or willingness to work towards)

·         Experience in a customer-focused environment

·         Experience liaising with employers

·         Experience building positive employer relationships

Reasons to join us

• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
• Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution! 
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress 
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
• Our shared purpose – We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff

The Barnsley College Advantage

When you join us, you can expect to benefit from “The Barnsley College Advantage”. This is the advantage of:

·         Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals

·         A range of flexible working opportunities

·         Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability

·         Short- and Long-Term development commitments

·         Access to experiencing work in a range of areas

·         Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation

·         Reward and Recognition

·         Having your voice heard at every level

·         Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 16th July 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.

Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.