Apprentice Welfare Support Officer | Circa £29,000 + on-call allowance + excellent benefits | Permanent | Onsite
Are you passionate about supporting young people and ensuring their well-being? Do you thrive in a role where empathy, communication, and safeguarding are at the heart of what you do? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
We’re looking for a dedicated Apprentice Welfare Support Officer to join our Academy Quality & Compliance team. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of apprentices during their residential stays, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and set up for success.

DID YOU KNOW…

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don’t apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.
We know the perfect candidate doesn’t exist! If you think you have what it takes but don’t tick every box, we’d still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

WHAT WE DO

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.
Our active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and assistance technologies.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Be the first point of contact for apprentices staying at our preferred hotel, offering emotional and social support.
• Ensure safe arrivals and enforce soft curfews for 16–18-year-olds.
• Identify and resolve welfare issues, escalating safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Liaise with hotel staff and internal teams to ensure a smooth and supportive experience.
• Provide basic administrative support to the Academy as needed during quieter weeks.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE THAT WILL SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE:

• Proven experience in pastoral care or welfare, especially with young people in educational or residential settings.
• Good understanding of safeguarding and Prevent policies.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
• Confidence in handling safeguarding concerns.
• The ability to manage time effectively, stay organised, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
• Training in Safeguarding & Prevent in Further Education (or willingness to complete).

This is a full-time (36.75 hours) role based on site at our preferred hotel in Berkshire, covering the following evening and morning shifts:

• Sunday – Thursday: 18:00 – 23:15
• Monday – Thursday: 06:00 – 08:00
• Friday: 06:00 – 08:3