Associate Member:

IEP – Institute of Employability Professionals

Organisation Type:
Professional Body

Contact details
Address: 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street, Hackney, London, EC2A 4NE

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3974 2033

ABOUT

The Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) stands at the forefront of advancing employability expertise across the UK. As the only professional body dedicated to supporting individuals working in employment support services, the IEP equips practitioners with the knowledge, recognition and community they need to thrive in their roles. Whether working within government, third sector organisations, training providers or recruitment agencies, IEP members benefit from exclusive resources, thought leadership, and tailored training programmes designed to enhance practice and improve outcomes for jobseekers. Through rigorous standards and professional development frameworks, the IEP fosters a culture of excellence that empowers employability professionals to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

Central to the IEP’s mission is the belief that the profession deserves visibility, credibility and continuous support. By facilitating collaboration across sectors and providing a clear pathway for career progression, the IEP strengthens the employability landscape and drives innovation in service delivery. Members of the IEP not only gain access to vital tools and networking opportunities, but also contribute to shaping policy and best practice within the field. As the employability challenges facing individuals and communities continue to evolve, the IEP remains a trusted guide—ensuring that professionals are equipped to respond with confidence, compassion and strategic insight.

The Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) delivers an industry-leading suite of skills and training solutions designed specifically for those working in employability support roles across the UK. From foundational workshops in vocational coaching and bespoke employability assessments to advanced masterclasses in policy advocacy and strategic partnership building, every programme is rooted in contemporary sector needs. IEP’s curriculum is shaped by frontline practitioners and employers, ensuring that content is both practical and immediately applicable. By combining evidence-based methodologies with interactive learning formats—ranging from face-to-face sessions to self-paced online modules—participants acquire the nuanced competencies required to support jobseekers effectively in today’s dynamic labour market.

Central to IEP’s offer is a structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework that encourages lifelong learning and career progression. Members can log their learning activities via a digital platform, track milestones against competency standards and access tailored recommendations for next-step development. Specialised training pathways include accredited qualifications in interview technique, digital literacy coaching and employer engagement strategies. These pathways culminate in recognised endorsements that validate practitioners’ expertise to employers and funding bodies alike. Regular skills audits and peer review sessions further bolster the CPD process, fostering a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement across the employability profession.

To complement its formal training, IEP cultivates vibrant peer networks and communities of practice that underpin collaborative learning. Through regional hubs and virtual roundtables, members share case studies, troubleshoot emerging challenges and co-create innovative interventions. The Institute also hosts sector summits and topical webinars, bringing together policymakers, funders and frontline staff to debate best practice and explore new service delivery models. This networked approach ensures that training is not delivered in isolation but embedded within a supportive ecosystem of colleagues who champion excellence. Participants emerge from IEP programmes not only with enhanced skill sets but also with professional connections and mentoring relationships that sustain their ongoing development.

The impact of IEP’s skills and training offer is evidenced in improved outcomes for jobseekers and strengthened employability services nationwide. Practitioners report heightened confidence in deploying advanced motivational interviewing techniques, leveraging labour market intelligence and forging employer partnerships that lead to sustainable employment opportunities. Organisations benefit from a workforce equipped with standardized, high-quality competencies that drive consistency in service delivery and satisfy inspection or funding criteria. As employability challenges intensify—from technological disruption to regional disparities—IPE’s training remains at the cutting edge, equipping professionals with the strategic insight, practical toolkit and peer support necessary to transform lives. For anyone committed to advancing their career and delivering measurable impact in the employability sector, the IEP stands as the definitive partner.

City College Plymouth offers over 300 specialist programmes across technical, vocational and professional disciplines, ensuring learners find a course that matches their interests and career ambitions.
Full-time and part-time study options range from Level 1 diplomas to foundation degrees and bachelor’s top-up qualifications, delivered in partnership with the University of Plymouth.
More than 50 apprenticeship standards blend on-the-job training with classroom learning, developing industry-specific skills in areas such as engineering, business administration and hospitality.
T Levels equip 16–19 year olds with employer-designed technical qualifications, combining classroom teaching with a minimum of 45 days’ industry placement.
Skills Bootcamps and short courses deliver intensive training in priority sectors—like cybersecurity, data analytics and advanced manufacturing—helping individuals and local employers address emerging skills gaps.
Supported internships and traineeships provide structured work-based learning for students with additional needs, building confidence, independence and employability.
Adult and community education programmes offer flexible evening and weekend classes in core subjects such as English, maths and digital literacy, supporting lifelong learning.
As a recognised Google for Education Reference College, digital tools and blended-learning approaches are embedded across the curriculum to enhance accessibility and collaboration.

Bespoke employer training encompasses professional development workshops in leadership, project management and digital marketing, tailored to meet specific business objectives.
Foundation Apprenticeships enable 16–21 year olds, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan or care leavers, to gain hands-on workplace experience while studying towards nationally recognised qualifications.
State-of-the-art facilities—including a dedicated STEM centre, advanced manufacturing workshops, commercial kitchens and professional hair and beauty salons—simulate real-world working environments.
International Skills Partnerships and Erasmus+ staff exchanges foster global collaboration, with tutors gaining insights from education systems in Thailand, South Africa and beyond to enrich teaching practice.
Over 100 students each year undertake international placements in Spain, France, China, Malaysia and South Africa, developing cultural awareness and global employability competencies.
The Summer Enrichment Programme invites international learners to experience intensive English language tuition alongside vocational taster sessions, preparing them for UK study and multicultural workplaces.
Strong industry links and employer advisory boards ensure curricula remain current, with businesses contributing to course design, providing placements and delivering sector-specific masterclasses.
The Employer Solutions team supports organisations across Plymouth and beyond—offering recruitment assistance, funding advice, training needs analysis and ongoing account management to drive workforce development.