Careers Development Officer | Learning & Development (Careers) | Preston

Salary £33,119-£37,563 per annum | Fixed Term, until 31 December 2027 | Full Time 37 hours | County Hall, Preston

Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role.

About the role…

Are you passionate about developing talent and creating opportunities for people to build successful careers?

We're looking for a Careers Development Officer to join our Talent & Performance Careers Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering our Careers Strategy, supporting workforce development across council services and schools, and maximising the impact of apprenticeship funding and early careers programmes.

As a Careers Development Officer, you'll work closely with managers, schools, training providers and strategic partners to develop workforce solutions that meet current and future skills needs. You'll provide expert advice on apprenticeships, early careers pathways and associated funding, helping colleagues make informed decisions that support workforce planning and organisational growth.

Job Description & Person Specification

About you…

We're looking for someone who can build strong relationships, provide expert advice and confidently work with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will have:

• Knowledge and understanding of apprenticeship funding rules, standards and delivery requirements.
• Experience of working with training providers and supporting learners throughout their development journey.
• Knowledge or practical experience of work-based learning, apprenticeships or workforce development programmes.
• Experience monitoring training data and maintaining accurate records and reporting.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

 Reasons to Join Us… 

• Annual Leave: We offer up to 32 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 2 additional statutory days during the festive season. You can also purchase additional leave. 
• Financial Benefits: Our generous Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contribution. Our relocation reimbursement package to support people who need to move to the area to work with us.  
• Training and Development: An excellent induction and ongoing support for your career and professional development. 
• Health and Wellbeing: A Wellbeing Support Programme for you and your family.  
• Staff Discounts: You'll get access to dozens of discounts through Vivup, our employee benefits partner. Our scheme covers a car lease scheme, shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, holidays, and more. 
• We embrace diversity and have a range of support, groups and networks for staff. These include the Forum of Asian Black and Ethnic Employees (FABEE), the Disabled Workers Forum and the LGBTQ+ Employee Network.  

Additional information:

You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use.

Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.

Local Government Reorganisation

The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2028.

If you are successful in your application, you will initially join Lancashire County Council. However, as part of the planned transition, your employment will transfer to one of the new unitary councils from April 2028, subject to the implementation of the reorganisation and relevant employment legislation.

Throughout this period, our focus remains on delivering excellent services to our communities. By joining us now, you'll play an important role in shaping the future of local government and helping to build a strong new organisation that will serve residents for years to come.

We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.