How to get a student services administrator job in FE

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Student services administrators in the further education (FE) sector are integral to the smooth running of a college. Even more than this, the role enables students without the opportunities granted to others to reach out and feel supported enough to achieve to their capabilities.

This role involves providing comprehensive administration support for students and encompasses a wide range of daily tasks. Student services administrators should also be adept at budgeting, given that is key element of the role.

The special element of the student services administrator role is “the feeling you’re making a real difference to students’ lives,” according to Lesley Gill, senior student services manager at Havering College. Variety is another feature that makes the role an appealing one: “Every day is different, depending on who walks through the door. We deal with every sort of student issue and problem – without our financial and welfare support, many young people would struggle.”

What personal qualities does a student services administrator need?

The position also involves carrying out tasks relating to the examination process, creating timetables and supporting the welfare team so being well organised is obvious but a must. Strong candidates must be good listeners and non-judgmental “otherwise, students won't open up to you – and an excellent communicator,” Gill states.

On top of this, Gill says that being empathetic is a prerequisite for anyone wanting to secure a role in student services. “You also have to show you care as you can't do this type of job without a strong desire to help people”. She adds: “My work in insurance and retail honed my ability to communicate, but I’ve learnt most of my skills on the job.”

Individuals who are forward thinking and proactive are likely to be first in line when it comes to student services administrator job offers.

What experience and qualifications does a student services administrator need?

Gill recommends undertaking “at least levels 3 and 4 in information, advice and guidance” for those wishing to work in student services in FE. In terms of her own experience, she explains that she “also started an ILM level 5 leadership and management course which I then found was too much to do alongside a full-time job. What I did learn was very useful as a line manager and I plan to take the course again. The most useful degree you can have is in youth work”.

Student services administrator salary

The median salary for a student services administrator stands at £23,924 in the UK, equating to £12.27 an hour, according to Talent.com. Entry level positions start at £21,114 a year, although some of the most experienced workers bring home just under £30k per year (£29,634). For comparison, the UK’s median annual pay fell slightly in 2021, from £31,461 for the tax year ending April 2020 to £31,285 for full-time work in 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The role of student administrators in student welfare

Teaching Expertise is clear that the rise in mental health issues among those studying at FE level is a problem that is not going anywhere soon: “Students in higher education have been found to have increased numbers of mental health problems compared to age-matched controls and there is little reason to believe that students entering further education will experience fewer mental health problems than those in higher education.”

Being the first port of call when a student finds themselves with mental health difficulties is increasingly a key part of the job. As Gill explains: “This side of the job is growing as more students are suffering from mental ill-health. Our college counsellor’s heavy workload means we often have to refer students out to other mental health facilities within the borough. Many are affected by anxiety and a general inability to cope with the stresses of teenage life.”

As Gill says: “Outside circumstances can affect their attendance, ability to concentrate and achievement levels, so we have to ensure they have the same access to everything as more fortunate students. Our support enables them to achieve despite the odds.”

An Association of Colleges report based on the findings from a survey of 107 colleges showed three key things:

all FE institutions had reported students with the following mental health issues: self-harming, eating disorders, attempted suicide and suicidal ideation/thoughts.
Some 100% of colleges surveyed reported having students diagnosed with depression. 99% reported having students diagnosed with severe anxiety, 97% with bipolar disorder and 90% with psychosis.
A total of 85% of colleges reported an increase in students with disclosed mental health issues in the past three years — with 54% of colleges saying there were significant increases.

You can be one of the ones who are responsible for providing the stepping stone to the world of work after education. As David Hughes, chief executive of Association of Colleges, says that “colleges have a great record on student wellbeing, achievement, progression and outcomes, and we can help government to design a funding and accountability system that rewards that”.