Subject Matter Expert - Pearson TQ Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Apprenticeships (Curriculum Validation and KSB Assurance)
About Pearson
At Pearson we're committed to a world that's always learning. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology, and each other to surpass these boundaries, we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world's innovations, personal and global.
We are the UK's largest awarding body and offer qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in a range of General and Vocational courses.
Pearson TQ designs, develops and delivers bespoke training solutions, including the assessment and provision of accredited qualifications, for public and private sector clients in the UK.
Role Summary:
We are seeking Subject Matter Experts to support the development of apprenticeship programmes in digital, data, AI, and cyber security.
This role focuses on:
translating apprenticeship standards into high-quality, scalable programme content that reflects real-world practice and enables learners to develop occupational competence.
reviewing schemes of work and learning resources to confirm full and appropriate coverage of apprenticeship Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs). Where gaps or weaknesses are identified, you will recommend improvements and, where agreed, support the development or adaptation of content to close those gaps.
Y ou will work with product, curriculum , quality and content teams to ensure programmes are technically accurate, industry-relevant, and structured to support effective learning, progression, and application in the workplace .
Responsibilities/Typical Tasks:
T ranslate standards into programme design:
Interpret apprenticeship standards (knowledge, skills and behaviours) and map them into structured programme components (modules, topics, activities) to confirm KSB coverage is complete, appropriately pitched, and sequenced for progressive development.
Produce and maintain a clear KSB mapping matrix showing where each KSB is taught, practised and assessed.
Identify gaps, duplication, or misalignment (including content that is too light, too deep, or in the wrong place in the learner journey).
Advise on the most efficient way to close gaps (for example adapt existing content versus create new) .
Develop and validate technical content:
Contribute to content outlines, learning materials and applied activities
Ensure content is technically accurate, appropriately challenging, and grounded in real-world application
Design tasks that require problem-solving, decision-making, and practical application, not just knowledge recall
Ensure occupational alignment:
Validate that programme content reflects how roles are performed in industry
Embed realistic scenarios, workflows and constraints to mirror workplace practice
Support product and programme development:
Work alongside product, curriculum and content specialists to develop a coherent, scalable programme structure
Contribute subject expertise across the development lifecycle
Ensure consistency in level, challenge and learner progression across modules
Review and quality assure content:
Provide constructive feedback on modules, topics and learning activities
Identify gaps, duplication or misalignment and propose solutions
Participate in quality assurance and review activities to ensure consistency and quality
Enhance learner engagement and effectiveness:
Advise on approaches that support active and applied learning, including practical tasks and projects
Ensure content enables learners to retain, apply and transfer knowledge into workplace contexts
Maintain relevance and continuous improvement:
Advise on emerging technologies, tools and industry practice
Ensure programmes remain current in fast-evolving areas such as AI, automation, cyber security and data
Deliverables:
KSB mapping matrix (by programme, module, lesson and assessment)
Gap and improvement log (what is missing or weak, why it matters, recommended fix, priority)
Written review feedback for each curriculum pack reviewed
Targeted content additions or amendments (where agreed)
Final assurance statement confirming readiness for delivery, or conditional assurance with actions.
Specialisms (one or more required):
Experience and Qualifications Required:
Qualifications:
Qualifications required to apply for your chosen role at Pearson will depend on the qualification you are delivering. Please contact Pearson ahead of your application if the requirements are not clear.
Essential:
Significant industry experience in a relevant digital or technical field
Strong understanding of how work is performed in real-world roles within your specialism
Ability to interpret and apply apprenticeship standards (KSBs)
Experience reviewing, validating or contributing to technical content, training, or structured programmes (for example curriculum, training materials, programme content, assessment design).
Strong understanding of tools, technologies and workflows relevant to your field
Strong written communication skills, able to provide clear, constructive feedback.
Desirable:
Experience with apprenticeships, workforce training or professional development
Experience in curriculum, content or programme design
Experience/qualifications needed:
Have recent relevant teaching and/or working experience
Have been educated to a level 4 standard with relevant qualifications
Confident use of IT
Have an ability to work to tight deadlines
