GMLPN - Key Persons


Allan Milne

Job Titles:
  • Director of Business Development and Apprenticeships - Salford City College Group

Anne Gornall

Anne joined the Board in May 2014 having been appointed as co-Executive Director. Formerly of the Skills Funding Agency, Anne brings many years of experience and an extensive list of contacts. Anne is primarily responsible for the strategic direction of the Network.

Charlotte Jones

Job Titles:
  • Operations / Project Manager
Charlotte joined GMLPN in 2015 as a Level 3 Business Admin Apprentice in and is now currently undertaking the Chartered Managed Degree Apprenticeship. As well as leading on the Operations of GMLPN, Charlotte is Project Manager for the Supporting Autistic Individuals into Apprenticeships Project and the Provider Support Programme.

Daniel Wells

Daniel joined the Board in January 2022 and is Managing Director at NowSkills

Donna Graham

Job Titles:
  • Service Lead - Education and Guidance Services - Positive Steps

Hollie Walsh

Job Titles:
  • Deputy CEO - Healthy Me Healthy Communities

James Lees

Job Titles:
  • Project Coordinator / Research Support
James has worked at GMLPN since 2020. James supports with various GMLPN projects such as the Multiply Provider Support Programme, LSIF, Engaging SMEs in apprenticeships, GMLPN membership and research such as surveys and reports.

Jill Nagy

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive - Rochdale Training

John Whitby

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive - STEGTA

Jon-Paul Rimmington

Job Titles:
  • Managing Director - the Growth Company

Jonathan Bourne - Secretary

Job Titles:
  • Company Secretary
Jonathan was appointed Company Secretary to GMLPN in November 2012 and brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is CEO of Damar Training - one of the region's major training organisations in the Business/Professional Services sector.

Jonathan Lawson

Job Titles:
  • Strategic Partnerships Director - Manchester Metropolitan University

Julie Lappin

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
In January 2024, Julie assumed the role of Executive Director at GMLPN, bringing a wealth of experience to her new leadership position. Throughout her career, she has consistently showcased a dedication to providing visionary leadership, effective management, and strategic direction within diverse post-16 education and training pathways. As the Executive Director, Julie is poised to guide the GMLPN team in implementing the organization's business plan and vision. Collaborating closely with our members and partners, our overarching goal is to contribute to Greater Manchester's economic and social advancement. We aim to achieve this by actively supporting and influencing the skills system, delivering vocational and technical skills that empower individuals to realize their aspirations and enable businesses to attain sustainable growth.

Kathryn Johnston

Job Titles:
  • Senior Partnership Manager - Department Work and Pensions

Lauren Greig-Williams

Job Titles:
  • School and Partnerships Engagement Officer
Lauren joined GMLPN in 2023 having spent 2 years as a Youth Worker in alternative education. Lauren is our School Engagement and Partnerships Officer on the Apprenticeship, Support and Knowledge (ASK) Programme and the Inclusive Pathways: Autism Support.

Mark Currie - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
Mark was instrumental in establishing GMLPN and since becoming Chair in 2004, he has been the driving force in establishing the Network as a highly respected force in the skills and education eco-system in Greater Manchester. Mark is CEO of Mantra Learning, one of the largest Logistics Training Providers in the city region and its sister company The National Logistics Academy, the largest provider of logistics apprenticeships in the country. Mark also founded the forerunner to the Northern Skills Network and represents Training Providers on many local and regional advisory boards and committees.

Matthew Leigh

Job Titles:
  • Programme Manager
Matt joined GMLPN in 2010 having spent 5 years as a residential conveyancer. Matt is the apprenticeships, T Levels and careers lead at the network. He's also responsible for business development and bidding.

Melanie Nicholson

Job Titles:
  • Managing Director - LTE Group

Nikki Bardsley

Nikki has worked in the education sector for over 23 years and has an array of experiences in developing, delivering and assuring high quality training and assessments in large Training Providers. Nikki is passionate about giving everyone the opportunity to access quality educational teaching and assessment to support long term, sustainable career goals. At Kaplan, Nikki is Head of Client Solutions and Quality, developing, designing and delivering tailored assessments and qualification service solutions

Sumayya Ali

Job Titles:
  • Digital Marketing & Administration Apprentice
Sumayya joined GMLPN in 2023 as a Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprentice to support in Marketing and Communications. Covering the content creation for our GMLPN social media channels, website and regular member bulletins. Sumayya works to improve our digital presence and increase our online reach. Sumayya also supports the setup and promotion of our Provider Support Programme events and activities for members, promoting events and apprenticeships for members by creating content at member sites.

Tracey Wood

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Principal Adult Skills and Employer Engagement - the Trafford College Group