Apprenticeship Programme Manager

The Apprenticeship Programme Manager plays a pivotal role within our Learning & Development function, driving our commitment to developing and attracting exceptional apprenticeship talent. We are proud to be recognised among the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, a testament to the quality and impact of our programmes. 

In this role, you will lead the design, implementation, delivery, and management of all apprenticeship programmes across the business. You will collaborate with external training providers and third‑party organisations to oversee the full apprenticeship lifecycle — from attraction and recruitment through to employment, development, and celebration of success 

A key part of your responsibility will be to equip managers with the knowledge and tools they need to create a positive and supportive experience for apprentices. By doing so, you will help maximise programme completion rates and ensure apprentices transition successfully into permanent roles, strengthening our future workforce. This role involves the line management of a small team of 3.

What you’ll be doing as the Apprenticeship Programme Manager:

Serve the business

• Work closely with HR and the business to understand apprenticeship requirements and how these fit into the growth strategy, then making recommendations and influencing key stakeholders
• Be the main point of contact for apprenticeship activities across the group. Develop effective relationships and be seen as the ‘go to person’ at Howdens Joinery for apprenticeships as a result of their influence, knowledge, decisions and impact
• Design, develop, plan and deliver internal and external Apprenticeships business communications to inform and educate managers on how to Provide a high quality and consistent candidate experience from recruitment to completion

Manage External Supplier Relationships

• Represent Howdens on sector wide boards and networks in order to contribute to current and future apprenticeship standards, ensuring apprenticeship standards and assessment processes are met working with government and private sector businesses to completion.
• Manage the relationship between Howdens and Apprenticeship training and other recruitment agencies and ensure they have and adhere to an up to date SLA and operates within the agreed set of KPI’s
• Manage Levy Transfers within agreed parameters and engage with appropriate third parties to facilitate these

Attraction of the Apprenticeship Pipeline

• Design and implement recruitment activities to ensure a fair and consistent experience for a diverse pipeline of Apprentices
• Collaborate with marketing and social media teams to promote Howdens Apprenticeships

Cohort Management

• Responsible for the design and implementation of all Howdens apprenticeships, including New Entrant and Route to Next Role
• Understand and maximise the synergies across the schemes, liaise with managers and delegates to seek continuous feedback, learning and improvement

Develop New Schemes to support the business objectives

• Identify and lead the development and implementation of apprenticeships involving attraction, recruitment, and development of all on programme
• Ensure all apprentices have access to relevant learning content to enhance their experience

Data/Reporting/Compliance

• Manage apprenticeship levy and digital account, ensuring records are accurate and complete, and stored securely, and comply to all finding rules

What we are looking for from you:

• Proven success managing apprenticeship programmes across a multi-site business
• Experience managing apprenticeship levy
• Knowledge and understanding of apprenticeship standards and frameworks
• Ability to present and convey information accurately, adapting to a variety of audiences
• Excellent understanding of apprenticeship standards and assessments processes
• The drive and passion to thrive within a fast paced and diverse working environment

What we can offer you: 

• Grade 5 role
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%) 
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Staff Discount 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events 

How to apply 

Good luck with your application.  Before you apply, please speak to your manager, so that they are aware of your interest in this role.  You will also need to attach a CV as part of your application.  Please take note that this advert is a summary of the main duties and responsibilities and may be subject to change.  If you have any questions or need further support or information, please contact Sam Wiggins in the Recruitment Team.  

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you