Placement and Training Officer

Salary: £31,022.00 to £33,699.00 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term 31/06/2026 (Grant Funded)

Location of post: Cwmavon Library

About the role:

We are currently seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic and flexible individual to join our team as a Placement and Training Officer within the new Trailblazer Project.

The Trailblazer Programme is an ambitious, multi-agency initiative led by Neath Port Talbot Council to reduce economic inactivity and improve wellbeing across our communities. We're currently delivering innovative projects in our Opportunity Hubs and outreach locations, working alongside health professionals, training providers, and employers to help people overcome complex barriers to work. From supporting residents with mental health and long-term health conditions, to tackling digital exclusion, housing instability, and low confidence, we're at the forefront of creating tailored, life-changing solutions that make a genuine difference in people's lives.

You'll be joining a passionate, supportive, and forward-thinking team who believe in the power of collaboration and kindness to achieve lasting results. We celebrate success together, share knowledge openly, and are driven by the positive impact we see every day.

As a Placement and Training Officer you will to:

• Coordinate high-quality training, work experience, and placement opportunities for participants facing barriers to employment
• Work closely with employers, training providers, and the Trailblazer Team to design personalised, inclusive pathways into sustainable work
• Support participants to develop skills, confidence, and qualifications that match their goals and the needs of the labour market
• Ensure training and placement environments are safe, accessible, and inclusive, with adjustments in place where required
• Champion equality and inclusion by working with employers and providers to remove barriers and promote fair access

Your daily routine will to:

• Engage with employers and providers to broker placements and training opportunities
• Match participants to appropriate training and placements tailored to their needs and goals
• Monitor progress and provide support to participants throughout their training and placements
• Coordinate with colleagues and partners to deliver wraparound support.
• Maintain accurate records and monitor outcomes against Trailblazer requirements
• Promote equality, inclusion, and good practice across all placement and training activity

Do you have:

• Experience supporting individuals with complex barriers, such as health conditions, disabilities, or long-term unemployment?
• A track record of employer engagement and coordinating placements or training opportunities?
• Knowledge of vocational training, qualifications, and local labour market trends?
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills?
• The ability to work in a person-centred, empathetic, and inclusive way?
• A full driving licence and access to transport?

We would welcome applications from those with experience in roles such as:

• Training or Placement Coordinator
• Careers Adviser or Employability Coach
• Employer Engagement or Recruitment Officer
• Community Learning or Skills Development Officer
• Support Worker specialising in disability or health-related employment

About us:

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues' efforts and achievements. We also believe that there's life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you'll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years' service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Glen Bowtell on Phone: 07837093892

Email: Glen Bowtell g.bowtell@npt.gov.uk

DBS requirements:

This post is subject to a DBS check

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language skills are not required

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.