| Closing Date: 17 July 2026 12PM | |
| REPORTING TO | HOURS OF WORK |
| Centre Manager | 34.5 hours per week |
| LOCATION | SALARY |
| People 1st Lisburn | £28,560 |
| COMPANY OVERVIEW | |
People 1st is a leading provider of quality training and educational programs. Established in Belfast in 1992, the company has grown to operate across 15 offices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Our mission is to support individuals in achieving their training and employment goals through accredited courses and qualifications. Over three decades, we have helped over 75,000 people achieve qualifications and supported many in transitioning into employment or upskilling. Mission Statement “Together, let’s realise your ambition.” You can find us on @people1stni https://people-1st.co.uk | |
| SSO AT PEOPLE 1ST | |
At People 1st, we are passionate about supporting our trainees and helping them achieve their goals. Our Student Support Officers are at the heart of this mission, providing guidance, encouragement, and practical solutions to help young people overcome barriers and succeed in training and employment. Joining our team means becoming part of a collaborative, supportive environment where you’ll receive expert guidance, access to CPD opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression. | |
JOB DESCRIPTION Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Do you enjoy problem-solving, motivating others, and making a difference in their lives? If so, a Student Support Officer role with People 1st could be your perfect next step. In this role, you’ll manage a caseload of trainees on the Skills for Life and Work Programme, supporting them through every stage of their journey – from recruitment and induction to achieving qualifications and progressing into employment, further education, or apprenticeships. You’ll plan and deliver tailored interventions to maximise each trainee’s success, build strong relationships with employers and external partners, and play a key role in helping young people overcome barriers, achieve positive outcomes, and realise their potential. | |
| PERSONAL SPECIFICATION |
Essential Criteria Experience supporting young people who face barriers to education, training or employment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with trainees, employers and partner organisations. Ability to motivate, support and engage young people to achieve positive outcomes. Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and the ability to maintain accurate records. GCSE (minimum Grade C/Level 2) in English and Maths, or equivalent. Full current driving licence and access to a car. Desirable Criteria Experience working in a youth work, employability, education or training environment. A qualification in Youth Work, Careers Guidance, Education, Employability or a related field. Knowledge of the local labour market and progression opportunities. Knowledge of government-funded training or employability programmes. Experience of employer engagement and developing employer relationships. Experience using a management information system or learner management database. A third-level qualification. PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOURS AND CORE CAPABILITIES Key Duties and Responsibilities As a Student Support Officer, your responsibilities will include: Market and promote the programme to trainees, schools, employers, and other stakeholders Recruit and induct new trainees onto the programme Identify trainees’ needs through training needs analysis and provide advice and guidance Plan and coordinate training, resources, and support to enable trainees to achieve their goals Manage a caseload of trainees, reviewing progress and supporting achievement of targets Build and manage relationships with employers, schools, and third-party providers Source vacancies, work placements, and provide in-employment support Match trainees to employment opportunities and support them through recruitment processes Record all trainees’ contact and progress accurately on the system Collect and record information required for financial and performance claims Meet or exceed agreed targets, KPIs, and success indicators Support evaluation of trainee and employer experience and gather success stories for promotion Adhere to company policies and procedures at all times, including Equality, Quality, Health & Safety, and Information Security Skills and Personal Attributes The successful candidate will demonstrate: A positive, empathetic, and supportive approach to working with young people Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders A proactive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to motivate others Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a caseload effectively Attention to detail and accurate record-keeping using digital systems Ability to plan, prioritise, and work independently to meet deadlines Confidence in building relationships with employers and external partners A commitment to equality, inclusion, and supporting diverse learner needs A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. BENEFITS When joining People 1st, you will be able to enjoy the below benefits: Pension 3% and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Beneficiary of Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) with up to £3,600 tax-free payment annually 34.5-hour working week with an early finish on Fridays 21 days annual leave + customary holidays Company sick pay Additional annual leave entitlement Membership of HSF Health Cash Plan Perk box discounts Length of Service Awards Flexible Working (where applicable) Annual Salary Review (April) Customary Holidays Recognised holidays include New Year’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday/Easter Tuesday, May Day, July 12/13, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP TRUST (EOT) In June 2024, People 1st transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a transformative milestone in the company’s history. This innovative ownership structure ensures that employees are at the core of the business, fostering a culture of collaboration, shared success, and long-term sustainability. What is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)? An EOT is a legal entity that holds a controlling interest in a company on behalf of its employees. Unlike traditional ownership models, employees do not directly own shares but are beneficiaries of the trust. This structure aligns the interests of employees with the long-term success of the business while preserving its values and culture. At People 1st, the EOT owns 100% of the company’s shares, ensuring that all eligible employees benefit equally from its performance. Employees automatically become beneficiaries after a 12-month qualifying period, without needing to make any personal investment or changes to their employment terms. If an employee leaves, they are no longer an eligible beneficiary. HOW TO APPLY To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to recruitment@people-1st.co.uk. Be sure to include the job title in the subject line of your email. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. Interviews will be completed week commencing 27 July 2026. Please note that should we receive a sufficient number of applications, we reserve the right to close this advertisement early. Early application is recommended. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities, and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check. A criminal record will not necessarily be a ban to obtaining the position. People 1st adhere to the Access NI Code of Practice, recruitment of ex-offenders’ policy and Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure information. A copy can be made available on request. |
