About the role: WorldSkills UK is an independent charity and partnership between employers, education and governments. Together, we are using international best practice to raise standards in apprenticeships and technical education so more young people and employers can succeed. At WorldSkills UK, we are passionate about empowering young people from all backgrounds through competition-based training and skills development. As we prepare for the next international competition, we are seeking dynamic and experienced trainers from education and industry to join our team. This role involves leading a world-class training programme across various specialisms to prepare students and apprentices for the upcoming WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, September 2026. WorldSkills is the global hub for skills excellence and development. We leverage our insights from benchmarking against global leaders to enhance the quality of skills education in the UK. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to play a key role in driving excellence, benchmarking against world-class standards, and integrating global best practices into UK training, teaching, learning, and assessment. This rewarding 18-month position offers you the chance to make a real impact, share global best practices, and contribute to raising the standards of skills education. In return, we provide financial support, access to a global network to advance your professional practice, and opportunities to develop as a leader in your field.
Role and responsibility: The Training Manager plays a pivotal role in driving each international training programme, serving as the key architect to prepare, compete and excel on the global stage. This role is central to shaping the future of skills development, as it integrates world-class insights and best practices from international benchmarks into UK TVET systems. The role also directly influences the UK’s international performance, fostering excellence in students and apprentices to meet and exceed the highest global standards. Key responsibilities include:
- Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion: The Training Manager will champion a culture of fairness and integrity, placing equity, diversity, and inclusion at the forefront to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have equal access to opportunities, fostering an environment that empowers every participant to thrive, and everyone can achieve their full potential.
- Setting world-class standards in training and skills development: The Training Manager leads the charge in establishing and maintaining worldclass standards in their training programme, ensuring that UK competitors meet and exceed global technical benchmarks at WorldSkills. This involves creating an environment where excellence is the norm, pushing for continuous improvement, and aligning the UK’s training frameworks with the highest international standards. The Training Manager guarantees competitors not only keep pace with global developments but become pioneers in their field, showcasing the UK’s ability to set the bar in skills training.
- Maximising budget impact: The Training Manager will work closely with WorldSkills UK to manage a budget, ensuring maximum impact from high-quality training. By optimising resource allocation, they will drive value while upholding transparency and responsibility in financial decisions to deliver exceptional training outcomes.
- Leading the preparation of students and apprentices: The Training Manager is tasked with ensuring competitors are well-prepared and positioned to excel at the highest level in international competitions. The goal is to achieve a Medallion for Excellence or a medal, a benchmark of top-tier performance. Through tailored coaching, advanced skills training, and strategic mentorship, the Training Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping a new generation of skilled professionals who can confidently compete and succeed on the world stage.
- Coordinating national and global networks for high-impact training: The Training Manager will coordinate and mobilise support across the UK sector networks to design and implement a high-impact training programme that drives excellence and innovation. As well as building strong relationships within the global WorldSkills community. The Training Manager will provide effective leadership, influence international peers, and uphold the UK’s reputation as a leader in world-class skills development.
- Enhancing the UK’s position in international competitions: A critical goal of the Training Manager is to elevate the UK’s standing on the global stage, with a strategic focus on excelling in international skills competitions. This involves positioning the UK among the top 10 nations overall and striving for a top 5 in the skills competition you represent. By implementing rigorous training programmes and fostering a culture of excellence, the Training Manager ensures that UK competitors are equipped to outshine their international peers, solidifying the UK’s reputation as a global leader in vocational and technical education.
- Gathering insights from international benchmarking: The Training Manager is responsible for staying at the forefront of global skills development by actively engaging in international benchmarking. This involves analysing the most successful training systems worldwide, identifying innovative methods and strategies. By doing so, the Training Manager enhances the competitiveness of UK talent, equipping students and apprentices with cutting-edge skills that benefit not only their careers but also drive productivity and innovation for employers and contribute to the wider economy’s growth.
Knowledge and Experience: Outstanding knowledge and understanding: Expertise in the craft or skill, along with an understanding of industry and educational standards and practices. Performance management: Experience in monitoring performance, including marking and assessment practices. Motivating diverse groups: Proven ability to challenge and motivate diverse groups of students and apprentices to achieve success through various teaching methods. Influential networking: Strong connections within an influential network that can support the planning and delivery of the training programme. Flexible working hours: Capacity to work outside of normal office hours and the flexibility to work away from home. Employer support: Full support from your employer to perform the role and participate in the programme. Travel preparedness: Willingness to travel within the United Kingdom and internationally. Work-life balance: Ability to balance employment, personal life, and the responsibilities of the Training Manager role.
Application Process For further details on how to apply, please review an application pack on our website. Closing date for applications is 10am, 26 November 2024.
