Location: To be decided locally (hybrid working, with travel required across the region to schools, colleges, training providers and employers)
Salary/package: £31,680
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Join a mission-driven team transforming young people’s futures through education, training and employment opportunities.

As an Engagement Officer you’ll play a vital role in supporting young people aged 16–19 (and up to 24 for those with additional needs) to access and sustain education, training, or employment with training.

You’ll work with schools, colleges, training providers and employers to raise awareness of apprenticeships and other post-16 pathways — helping every young person make informed decisions about their future.

Who we are

The Education People is owned by Kent County Council and is a leading provider of specialist services to the education sector. We support schools, academies and post-16 providers through expert advice, training and innovative programmes that improve outcomes for children and young people.

As part of Commercial Services Group (CSG) — the UK’s largest local authority trading company — we combine commercial innovation with a public service mission, delivering services that make a lasting difference to communities.

Why this role matters

The transition from school to further education, training or employment is one of the most important stages in a young person’s life. The Engagement Officer ensures that every young person has access to high-quality information, advice and opportunities — reducing the number at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

By working directly with schools, training providers and employers, you’ll help young people explore their options, discover apprenticeships and other training routes, and make confident decisions about their future.

What you’ll be doing

• Work with schools to identify Year 11 students at risk of becoming NEET, recording and tracking their progress to ensure they transition successfully into education, training or employment.

• Build strong relationships with schools, colleges, training providers and employers to promote effective collaboration and support young people’s participation.

• Promote apprenticeships as a positive post-16 pathway, engaging with young people, parents and professionals through events, presentations and one-to-one support.

• Support schools and colleges with post-16 transition planning, ensuring accurate tracking of destinations and sustained participation.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local training and apprenticeship opportunities, sharing this information with young people, schools and parents.

• Collaborate with training providers to develop provision that meets local needs and offers high-quality opportunities for young people.

• Ensure the accuracy of participation data on the Client Caseload Information System (CCIS), supporting the tracking and reporting of young people’s destinations.

• Assist the area team in organising briefings, meetings, events and communications to raise awareness of local opportunities and increase participation rates.

• Provide tracking support during busy periods and contribute to the smooth operation of the participation team.

What we’re looking for

• Educated to A Level/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent; NVQ Level 4 in Information, Advice and Guidance is desirable.

• Experience delivering one-to-one and group support to young people aged 15–25.

• Experience supporting careers, apprenticeships or training programmes.

• Strong relationship-building skills and experience working collaboratively with schools, training providers and employers.

• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Confident in engaging young people and professionals across different settings.

• Able to work proactively, using initiative to achieve targets and deadlines.

• Knowledge of post-16 education and training options, including apprenticeships.

• Familiarity with using databases and managing accurate records.

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel across the region.

What you’ll get in return

• Competitive salary of £31,680

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• 25 days annual leave

• Life assurance cover (4x salary)

• Pension scheme with up to 8% employer contribution

• Health cash plan, cycle to work scheme, and retail discounts

• Access to wellbeing support and volunteer days

• Continuous professional development and training opportunities

Why CSG?

CSG is an ambitious and fast-growing organisation that combines commercial innovation with social value. We’ve returned over £77 million to the public sector while supporting more than 16,000 clients globally. Working with CSG means joining a purpose-led team committed to improving lives and creating opportunities.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.