Join Colchester Institute - Where Your Career Makes a Difference
At Colchester Institute, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities. As one of the region’s leading providers of education and skills training, we are proud to offer a dynamic, supportive and forward-thinking working environment where staff can thrive.
Our Early Years Centre is seeking a committed
Employer Engagement and Placement Assessor to join our established and supportive team. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in developing the next generation of Early Years professionals through high-quality work placements and employer partnerships.
Job Title:
Employer Engagement and Placement Assessor
Full Time, Colchester and Braintree Site
About The Role
You will work closely with Course Leads and Area Heads to support the effective planning, delivery and assessment of FE Early Years placements. Acting as the primary link between students, employers and the College, you’ll ensure learners receive meaningful, safe and well-supported placement experiences. You’ll assess students’ practical competencies both in college and out in the workplace, contributing directly to their success and progression.
What You’ll Do
- Identify, recruit and onboard local employers to provide high-quality placements
- Organise placement opportunities and act as the main point of contact for employers
- Ensure employers understand placement expectations, requirements and student roles
- Work with Curriculum Leaders to develop placement resources and ensure documentation is complete
- Assess and monitor placement-related risks including Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Welfare
- Deliver pre-placement guidance to students on expectations, behaviour, travel and workplace conduct
- Support students in building employability skills, including preparing applications
- Maintain regular contact with students and employers, providing ongoing support
- Monitor progress and maintain accurate, auditable records in line with awarding body and funding requirements
- Keep employer records up to date in the College CRM system and liaise with internal teams
- Promote employer-led services and work collaboratively to meet business needs
- Assess and quality-assure learners’ practical competencies toward their qualifications
- Carry out observations, set targets and work with course leads to support timely completions
- Maintain accurate assessment documentation and complete awarding body requirements
- Use effective intervention strategies where needed to support learners
- Develop and maintain professional expertise through ongoing CPD
- Uphold Safeguarding, EDI, Health & Safety and the College’s core values
- Carry out any other related duties as required
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in employer engagement or work-based learning (ideally in Early Years or a related sector)
- A strong communicator, confident liaising with employers, colleagues and learners
- Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and record-keeping skills
- Knowledgeable about Safeguarding, Health & Safety and risk assessment
- Able to support and motivate students to succeed in workplace environments
- Passionate about high-quality education and employer partnerships
- Able to travel between sites and employer locations as required
Why Join Us?
At Colchester Institute, you’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking Marketing Team where fresh ideas are welcomed and professional development is encouraged. This role offers the chance to make a real impact—representing the College, inspiring future learners and shaping the experiences of thousands across our community.
