The opportunity
As our Retention Officer within the Construction Department, you will take an active role in supporting student engagement and creating an environment where students can succeed. Working closely with teaching staff, managers, and support teams, you will help identify challenges, develop solutions, and implement strategies to ensure learners stay on track and achieve their goals. Your work will make a direct impact by fostering a supportive and inclusive learning experience that encourages students to thrive.
Reporting directly to the Head of Department, you will collaborate with the management team to boost attendance, engagement, and attainment. You’ll play a key part in promoting strategies to improve punctuality and attendance, while working one-to-one and in small groups with students to build confidence and tackle barriers to learning. By monitoring attendance, progress, and engagement, you’ll deliver tailored interventions, keeping students motivated and connected to their studies. Effective communication with parents, guardians, and external agencies will also form a central part of your role.
You’ll also help develop retention strategies for the department and organise workshops and activities to foster participation and a strong sense of belonging. Acting as a trusted point of contact for students at risk of dropping out, you’ll provide the support they need to re-engage and achieve their potential. You’ll also work with external partners to celebrate and reward positive re-engagement, adding further value to the student experience.
Your will include evaluating retention initiatives, presenting insights to managers, and sharing key data to guide targeted support. You’ll use your creativity and solution-focused approach to improve student outcomes and enhance the overall learning experience. Through presentations and regular feedback collection, you’ll ensure the retention strategy remains dynamic and impactful. By addressing challenges and encouraging engagement, you’ll help every student feel supported, connected, and ready to succeed.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives by supporting them to stay engaged, overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential. As a Retention Officer, you will play a key role in shaping an inclusive and supportive learning environment, where students feel valued and motivated to succeed. Your work will have a lasting impact, not only for our learners but also on the overall success of the Construction Department.
About you
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about helping students succeed and creating a supportive, inclusive learning environment where they can flourish. In this role, your ability to connect with people and communicate effectively will be key. You’ll work closely with students, parents, guardians, and external partners, building strong relationships and using your problem-solving skills to help overcome challenges and find practical solutions.
You’ll bring a positive and proactive approach, managing multiple priorities with ease – whether it’s analysing attendance data, planning targeted interventions, or reporting progress. As a self-starter, you’ll enjoy taking the initiative to develop creative strategies that support at-risk students, while also collaborating with teaching staff and managers to make a real impact. Being a team player with excellent interpersonal skills will help you succeed in this role.
Adaptability and resilience are crucial, as every day will bring new opportunities to make a difference. A solution-focused mindset, combined with creativity and the ability to inspire and motivate students, will help you to achieve fantastic results. While experience in a similar role or working with young people is a plus, your understanding of the challenges students face and your commitment to helping them overcome these barriers are what truly matter.
Most importantly, we’re seeking someone with a genuine enthusiasm for supporting students and a determination to create opportunities for their success. If you’re resourceful, empathetic, and excited to help learners unlock their potential, this role could be the perfect next step for you.
Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.
Required
• Relevant Level 3 qualification, relevant to the job role.
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 qualification).
• 2 years’ experience of working with young people in an education setting
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders in an educational setting.
Preferred
• A coaching or mentoring qualification (or a willingness to work
towards)
• Coaching / support experience.
Please note you will be directed to the Barnsley College website to complete your application. Closing date for applications is Monday, 6th January 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .