Find Student & Learner Services jobs here.
Student services administrators in the further education (FE) sector play an important role in the smooth running of a college. 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 position also involves carrying out tasks relating to the examination process, creating timetables and supporting the welfare team. Individuals who are highly organised, forward thinking and proactive are likely to be first in line when it comes to student services administrator job offers.
For those who like a bit of variety, this is the right role. It’s a job that allows you to make a meaningful impact on the students at your college. Lesley Gill, senior student services manager at Havering College, states: “It’s the feeling you’re making a real difference to students’ lives. Every day is different, depending on who walks through the door.”
Gill is primarily responsible for his college’s learner support fund budget. This involves undertaking financial interviews with students to see if they warrant financial support and providing guidance to those students who need it.
As Gill explains, an increasing number of students are suffering from mental ill health, which is seeing that part of the role grow. She states: “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.”
2020 has brought unique challenges with the UK experiencing its worst health crisis for 100 years, coupled with the worst economic crisis for around 300 years. This creates challenges for student services administrators too as budgets are squeezed like never before.
Ahead of the 2020 Comprehensive Spending Review, the Association of Colleges (AOC) has called on the UK government to put “colleges at the heart of our society and economy for the recovery and beyond”.
AOC Proposals include:
· A skills plan that builds on the government’s 2020 plan for jobs
· Closing the digital poverty divide and providing a stronger support package for students leaving education.
· Providing a further education strategy for the long term that enables college business centres to support employers through expert advice and delivery on skills.
David Hughes, Chief Executive of Association of Colleges, explained: “Our proposals for a skills-led recovery ensure no one is left behind and training and reskilling opportunities are in sync with growth sectors like Health, Construction, Digital and the Green Economy.”
Payscale puts the average student services coordinator salary at £22,499 with salaries ranging from £17,000 to £31,000. In terms of the gender breakdown, the student services officer/administrator role is weighted in favour of females at 68.4%, compared to 31.6% male.
Find Student & Learner Services jobs here.
Sources/further reading:
https://www.aocjobs.com/career-advice/day-in-the-life-of-a-senior-student-services-manager
https://www.aoc.co.uk/news/new-deal-skills-and-colleges-the-next-step-the-uk’s-road-recovery-0
https://www.aoc.co.uk/sites/default/files/AoC%20Colleges%20and%20the%202020%20Spending%20review%2024.9.20.pdf
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Student_Services_Coordinator/Salary
https://www.aocjobs.com/jobs/student-learner-services
AoCJobs, part of the Association of Colleges, connects teachers and support staff with schools and colleges for online job opportunities.
