Apprentice Work Based Tutor

Apprenticeship Work Based Tutor

Professional 2C - £39,481 - £41,177

Location – Flexible (base at HQ with regular travel to various fire service locations)

Overview

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of over 2.9 million people.

Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.

West Midlands Fire Service is seeking Apprenticeship Work Based Tutors to manage, coach, mentor, and guide our Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprentices.

While our training instructors teach the hands-on, safety critical firefighting skills, as the Work Based Tutor you will be the backbone of the apprenticeship journey. You will oversee e-portfolios, track compliance, assess theoretical work, and ensure our firefighter apprentices are fully prepared to pass their End Point Assessment.

Responsibilities

- Mentor and Coach – support a caseload of firefighter apprentices through regular station visits, managing their academic progression.
- Pastoral Care – Provide vital support regarding welfare, safeguarding, neurodiversity, functional skills, and British Values.
- Drive Compliance – Audit and track off-the-job training hours via digital e-portfolio systems.
- Evaluate and Review – lead tripartite progress reviews alongside Watch Commanders and Firefighter Apprentices.
- End Point Assessment Preparation – Deliver mock interviews and professional discussions, collaborating with Station Commanders to sign off portfolios at Gateway.

What we are looking for

- Experience – A background in further education, work-based learning, or apprenticeship delivery. Experience of managing digital e-portfolios is highly desirable.
- Skills – Organisational and time management skills to coordinate a travel diary across multiple fire stations, paired with excellent administrative attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Qualifications – level 3 qualification in a relevant field, eg: coaching, assessing, or teaching qualification.

Benefits

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:
- flexible and agile working arrangements
- enhanced family leave benefits, including 52 weeks fully paid maternity and adoption leave
- on-site free gym facilities
- free parking.

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health facility - including occupational health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.

In addition, employees have access to:
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- wellbeing programmes
- ‘blue light’ discounts across many retailers through partner schemes
- enhanced family leave benefits including 52 weeks full paid maternity and adoption leave
- Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee) – with access to discounted products and services

Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.

WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.

How to apply

Please submit your curriculum vitae with a supporting statement detailing how you meet the requirements of the role.

Job Description