Community education coordinator

You would open up learning to people who missed out at school by organising new opportunities for education. You’d support people to take part whatever their circumstances.

You’d work in areas where there are high levels of unemployment or poverty. You’d use your knowledge of the education and qualifications system to organise courses for learning, training and recreation that meet the needs of the community.

You’d help people find ways to overcome issues that might stop them from taking part in learning including lack of money, time and confidence in their abilities.

You would:

• work with community groups to find out their needs and interests

• plan how to meet those needs and interests

• encourage trainers and educators to develop new courses

• arrange places and times for courses in local schools, colleges and community centres

• recruit tutors

• train volunteers

• publicise the courses and opportunities

• motivate people to take part

You might work with a particular group such as families, ethnic minorities or young people. Or you might promote activities in a particular place, such as a museum or theatre.

There would be local and national targets for helping people learn new skills and expand their knowledge, which you’d need to meet. You’d also do some administration.

At a senior level you’d also manage the budget and write up applications for more funding.

• Youthlink Scotland - National agency for youth work

• Standards Council for Community Learning and Development for Scotland - Responsible for the registration of CLD practitioners

• Community Learning and Development Managers Scotland - Introduction and case studies about the approach to this work in Scotland

• Society for Education and Training – Organisation for people working in post-16 education and training

• Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme