Recruitment Officer

Role overview

City of Portsmouth College is hiring a Recruitment Officer based at its North Harbour Campus. This is a full-time maternity cover position running until October 2026, with a working pattern of 37 hours per week across 52 weeks each year.

Pay and hours

The salary for the role is £15,452.62 to £15,892.03 actual pay, equivalent to £25,410.97 to £26,133.56 full-time equivalent, per annum. The post is fixed term and covers maternity leave ending in October 2026.

About the college

City of Portsmouth College describes itself as a progressive and supportive employer that aims to be an employer of choice in the Portsmouth area. The college offers a broad curriculum for learners of different ages and stages, including A-levels, apprenticeships, vocational and technical courses, higher education, online learning, and community courses. The role contributes directly to the development and success of students by helping them progress through their learning journey.

What the college offers

• 25 days of annual leave, plus winter shutdown closure aligned with Hampshire County Council school holidays and statutory bank holidays
• A generous Local Government pension scheme
• Access to learning and development through The Community Adult Education Department
• Staff development opportunities and CPD support
• Discounts on the college hair salon and 50% off the college sports centre
• Online discount schemes through Unidays, Student Beans, and Totum with a college email address
• Free parking across all campus sites except Arundel
• Blue Light Card discounts on clothing, electronics, food, outings, and concert tickets

Role purpose

The Recruitment Officer will support the apprenticeship journey for the college’s learners. The postholder will work with businesses and prospective apprentices, handle applications, liaise with curriculum teams, and guide candidates from first enquiry through to apprenticeship start with the employer. The role also supports learners who continue with the college from one academic year to the next, helping ensure they are ready and supported throughout their apprenticeship.

The vacancy has been created because of the college’s continued year-on-year growth in apprenticeship provision. An existing Recruitment Officer is already in post and will help support the successful applicant during the transition and continued expansion of the provision.

Key responsibilities

• Support apprenticeship onboarding, guidance, and compliance with relevant rules and regulations
• Carry out employer engagement and/or lead generation activity
• Work to set targets and deadlines
• Communicate clearly in both written and spoken form, with strong interpersonal skills
• Stay highly organised and manage time effectively to meet deadlines
• Use Microsoft Office confidently, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Work with a CRM system, where applicable
• Use experience of working with young people in further education, where available
• Apply or support advice and guidance activity; a qualification in this area is an advantage rather than a requirement
• Demonstrate strong IT capability
• Understand the importance of equal opportunity
• Recognise the role of safeguarding in an educational environment
• Analyse information and prepare reports in a clear, usable, and shareable format

What the college is looking for

• At least Level 3 education
• Literacy and numeracy at Level 2 or GCSE grade A to C, or an equivalent qualification
• Strong relationship-building skills with employers, students, parents, and carers
• A warm, empathetic, and solution-focused approach
• Good administrative skills and the ability to prioritise workload
• Understanding of the local labour market and stakeholder needs
• Confidence using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Flexibility to work across campuses and occasionally during early mornings and evenings to support events and fairs that promote the college

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to the college’s mission. These values support its aim of transforming lives through exceptional education and training and are reflected in curriculum delivery, enrichment activity, and both direct and indirect student support services.

Pre-employment checks

The college is committed to safeguarding children and young people. Any successful candidate will need to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide two references.

Important notes

The college may close the advert early if suitable applications are received before the stated end date. Applications from agencies in the form of CV submissions are not accepted for this role.