Programme & Employability Co-ordinator

About Steel Warriors

Steel Warriors believe that young lives should be built on steel, not destroyed by it. We are a unique sport-for-good charity that melts down seized knives and transforms the steel into outdoor calisthenics gyms. Through free physical activity, mentoring and employability Programmes, we support young people affected by crime, violence and social exclusion to build confidence, improve wellbeing and progress towards positive futures.

We currently operate gyms and Programmes across London, including in Lambeth, Haringey, Tower Hamlets, Newham and HMP Brixton, alongside delivery in schools, colleges, youth settings and community venues.

Role purpose

The Programme and Employability Co-ordinator will support the planning and delivery of Steel Warriors' youth, mentoring and employability Programmes. The role will focus particularly on young people aged 16-29 who are not in education, employment or training, or who are at risk of disengagement.

Working closely with the Head of Programmes & Safeguarding, coaches, mentors, youth organisations, employers and training providers, the postholder will coordinate participant journeys, deliver employability support, maintain partnerships and ensure accurate monitoring of outcomes. A key initial responsibility will be supporting all Programmes, including Steel Works, Steel Futures and Future Warriors Q Pathfinder Programme.

The postholder will work closely with the Comms and Advocacy Manager to support in planning, executing and delivering comms campaigns, that promote our impact to funders and the wider community.

Role Details

• Location - London-based hybrid role, with remote working and regular travel
• Salary - £28,000 per annum 35 hours per week, with flexible working options
• Contract - 12-month fixed term, with possible extension subject to funding
• Reports to - Head of Programme & Safeguarding Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment checks
• Required Checks - Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment checks

Key responsibilities

Programme delivery

• Coordinate recruitment, assessment, induction, training, workshops and work placements.
• Maintain delivery plans, timetables, participant journeys and Programme resources.
• Work with coaches and partners to integrate mentoring and employability support into calisthenics provision.
• Help ensure Programmes are delivered safely on time and in line with agreed targets and budgets.

Participant and employability support

• Manage a caseload of young people and develop individual learning or progression plans.
• Provide one-to-one and group support covering confidence, CVs, applications, interviews and workplace skills.
• Support participants to access employment, apprenticeships, education, training, volunteering and specialist services.
• Use strengths-based, trauma-informed and non-judgmental approaches while maintaining professional boundaries.

Q Pathfinder and mentoring

• Coordinate participant access to Q Pathfinder and support the use of results within mentoring.
• Help young people understand their strengths, motivation, wellbeing, confidence, learning preferences and career interests.
• Track agreed actions and progress with Teen Reconnect, coaches and mentors.

Partnerships and placements

• Act as a key contact for schools, colleges, youth organisations, employers and training providers.
• Source and support safe, inclusive and meaningful work experience and progression opportunities.
• Resolve placement issues and mediate constructively between participants and partners.

Monitoring, safeguarding and quality

• Maintain accurate CRM records and track attendance, engagement, goals and progression outcomes.
• Produce Programme updates, reports, case studies and funder information.
• Follow Steel Warriors' safeguarding, data protection, health and safety and risk management procedures.
• Report concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and contribute to continuous Programme improvement.

Essential Skills

• Experience of coordinating programmes, projects or services.
• Experience of working with young people facing barriers to education, training or employment.
• Experience in employability support, youth work, coaching, training or mentoring.
• Strong organisational, project management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with employers, schools, colleges and community partners.
• Confidence supporting CV writing, job applications, interviews, goal setting and progression planning.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including workshop or presentation delivery.
• Good IT and data-management skills, including Microsoft Office, databases or CRM systems.
• Understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and travel regularly across London

Desirable Skills

• A relevant qualification in coaching, mentoring, careers guidance, youth work or motivational interviewing.
• Experience of employer engagement, work placements or outcomes-based employability programmes.
• Knowledge of the London labour market, apprenticeships, training routes and benefits-related issues.
• Experience in schools, colleges, pupil referral units, youth services or the charity sector.
• Experience using individual learning plans or digital assessment and coaching tools.
• Experience contributing to comms, marketing or fundraising campaigns, e.g. gathering case studies, photos or video content.
• Basic photo/video capture skills (e.g. smartphone content for social media).

Personal Attributes

• Empathetic, emotionally intelligent and non-judgmental.
• A confident communicator and collaborative team member.
• Adaptable, proactive and comfortable working in a growing charity.
• Committed to Steel Warriors' values: Stronger Together, Love Wins, No Ceilings, Stay Focused and Keep Open

Additional requirements

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• The post is subject to proof of right to work in the UK, satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.
• The postholder must complete mandatory safeguarding and other organisational training.

Safeguarding and inclusion

Steel Warriors are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We are also committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in the charity, youth, fitness and employability sectors.

Application process

Please submit a CV and a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 explaining how you meet the essential criteria.

Application deadline: 21th August 2026

Interview date: 26th August 2026

Proposed start date: ASAP

Applications to: sarah@steelwarriors.co.uk