TRAINING PROVIDER - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Trust - STP Working Group

Gareth has had a varied career working in sales, recruitment, finance and banking, but has spent the last 10 years working within the Further Education sector and specifically in the apprenticeship arena, most recently launching an Employer Provider model for Babcock International at Devonport in Plymouth, where there is a long established and very large apprenticeship programme spanning multiple disciplines. His background and experience from both the public and private sectors gives a commercial focus, but with a deep understanding of the world of education, particularly within the South West. A particular strength is knowledge and understanding of the apprenticeship reforms and the role of employers within education, both in terms of engagement, ongoing relations, partnership working, audit and compliance and how they link with FE College's and Independent Training Providers. To this end he is currently chairing a new apprenticeship trailblazer group and is involved in a supporting role in other similar groups. Gareth lives in Cornwall with his family and is passionate about education, the great outdoors and sporting activities.

Maria joined DCPTN in 2020 and is part of the Senior Leadership Team at South Devon College. Currently an Assistant Principal, Maria has cross-college responsibility for the Apprenticeship curriculum and T-Levels as well as leadership of curriculum including; Health Professions and Nursing, Adult and Community Learning, Hair and Beauty and Performance Arts. Maria has worked in Further Education for 18 years and has experience of curriculum development and enhancement to meet local and regional needs as well as developing future leadership potential. Maria is keen to work with members to support the delivery of broad, high quality training opportunities across the South West region raising the skills and aspirations of the future workforce. Maria is passionate about education and her local community and also Chairs a Local Standards Board as part of a Primary Multi-Academy Trust and volunteers at the local Youth Cycling Club.

Job Titles:

• Chairman
• Director
• DCTPN Chair

Mike, is the Chair of the DCTPN Board, following his appointment in January 2017. Mike joined the DCTPN in January 2016 and is currently a member of the management team at Exeter College. Following a career in both private and public sectors, Mike brings exceptional commercial skills to the Board along with a huge amount of experience within the training and skills sector. With a strong eye for commercial opportunities, Mike is keen to use his skill set to support the future direction of the Network, especially in terms of building sustainable, working relationships with key strategic partners. A keen Exeter Chiefs supporter, Mike lives in Torbay with his wife and family.

Job Titles:

• Head of Apprenticeships at Petroc

Sam is the Head of Apprenticeships at Petroc and part of the college management team, working in a cross college role with responsibility for delivering the apprenticeship strategy, leading in growth & tenders, quality, digital systems and new initiatives. Sam joined North Devon College as a Plumbing & Heating lecturer in 2000, spending a short time in the South-East working for an Independent Training Provider (ITP) before relocating back home to the South West in 2006.

Job Titles:

• Director
• Managing Director

Sharron joined the DCTPN Board in June 2016, following her appointment to the role of Managing Director. Commercially focused, and with a wealth of experience across both private and public sectors, Sharron is a strategic thinker with a strong background in sales and marketing, client relationship and project management roles. Sharron is keen to position the Network as the ‘go to' organisation in the south west in terms of advice and information on skills and training, representing the training provider sector on a number of high profile and strategic boards and groups, including: National Careers Service Area Advisory Group Careers Council Cornwall & Devon Learning, Skills & Employability Group - Plymouth Learning, Skills & Employability Group - Exeter & Heart of Devon Heart of the South West LEP People Group Devon RPA Group CSW - Cornwall Skills for Young People Steering Group Devon NHS Trust - STP Working Group Nominations Committee - Heart of the South West LEP Devon & Cornwall Business Council Advisory Board Plymouth STEM Forum With excellent networking skills, Sharron is able to build sustainable working relationships with partners in order to add value and benefit all involved. Key strengths lie in exceptional leadership and management skills, which results in outstanding team performance. Sharron is taking the DCTPN into its next phase; growing the number of members, expanding the services being offered, and building commercial partnerships to support financial stability and growth. A keen sportswoman, Sharron lives in Plymouth with her family, and enjoys exploring the Tors of Dartmoor, watching the England rugby team win, Andy Murray playing tennis and Lewis Hamilton driving fast.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Achievement Training

A member of the Achievement Training team, Tracy has a depth and wealth of industry knowledge following 16 years + within the further education sector. Working mainly within the work-based learning / Apprenticeships arena, she has built up an enviable network of industry contacts across a number of sectors, and has an excellent working knowledge of direct SFA contracting. Responsible for the business development and marketing functions within Achievement Training, Tracy is a strong advocate of using digital platforms, and has seen huge benefits in using new technologies in both the teaching and learning functions, and within general business management. She has particular experience and knowledge in the following sectors: Business, Customer Service IT Specialist and IT Professionals Digital skills Animal care HSC/Child Care & Education Teaching and Learning Hair and Beauty Maths and English Progression into work Passionate about supporting employers and in helping young people achieve successful outcomes, she is excited about the period of change being brought about the Apprenticeship Reforms and is keen to use her skills and experience to support the DCTPN Board as it moves into a new phase. Tracy joined the DCTPN Board in January 2017.