Youth Participation & Opportunity Officer


Company:	South Hampshire Colleges Group
Salary:	£32,019 to £34,047 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Southampton, SO14 1AR
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	21 Sept 2026
Closing date:	12 Oct 2026

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Summary

Care to Join Us

South Hampshire College Group is seeking a passionate and proactive Youth Participation & Opportunity Officer to join our team and play a key role in supporting young people across our communities.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is committed to helping young people overcome barriers and access positive destinations in education, employment, apprenticeships, training, and volunteering. Working as part of the Group's Youth Participation & Opportunity Strategy, you will support young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), at risk of becoming NEET, or facing challenges that impact their progression and participation.

You will work closely with schools, local authorities, employers, community organisations, support agencies, and internal college teams to deliver targeted interventions, coordinate support, and help transform the lives of young people across the South Hampshire region.

 offer great benefits including;

Generous annual leave

Enhanced employer pension contribution

Regular training and development

Duties

As a Youth Participation & Opportunity Officer, you will:

Identify, engage, and support young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET.

Develop positive and trusting relationships with young people, families, and carers.

Deliver outreach activities within schools, community settings, and partner organisations.

Provide one-to-one mentoring, guidance, and practical support.

Help young people overcome barriers relating to confidence, wellbeing, attendance, transport, motivation, finances, and participation.

Support progression into education, training, apprenticeships, employment, and volunteering opportunities.

Assist with applications, enrolment processes, interview preparation, and transition activities.

Promote opportunities available through South Hampshire College Group and partner organisations.

Build strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, youth services, employers, and community organisations.

Contribute to the delivery of the Group's Youth Participation & Opportunity Hub.

Maintain accurate records, case notes, and progression data.

Support the successful delivery of funded projects and programmes.

Experience

We are looking for someone who:

Is passionate about supporting young people to achieve their potential.

Has experience working with young people in education, community, youth work, employability, careers, or support settings.

Has excellent communication, engagement, and relationship-building skills.

Can motivate and inspire young people facing barriers and challenges.

Has experience of providing advice, guidance, mentoring, or pastoral support.

Can work effectively with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.

Is highly organised and able to maintain accurate records and case management information.

Understands the challenges facing young people who are disengaged from education, training, or employment.

Is committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.

About Us

The South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) is a dynamic, purpose driven Further Education organisation with a commitment to Creating Better Futures for learners, employers and communities within South Hampshire and beyond.

We pride ourselves on living our values - Collaborative, Inclusive and Aspirational. We also understand the difference exceptional employees can make to us delivering outstanding results and we are always seeking to attract talent who can add value and who will be proud to be part of our growing organisation.

South Hampshire College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment practices follow safer recruitment guidance, including enhanced DBS checks, online checks, and thorough pre‑employment vetting. We value equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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