Meet the team

What do you do at MK College? 

I’m the match maker between business and teaching. I work with employers to engage with teaching colleagues to ensure our students have a learning experience that inspires them for their future careers. I help employers understand how the college can assist in the development of staff, recruitment of new talent and delivery of things they have yet to think of. 

What are your credentials/past experiences, for working in your position? 

FE is my latest career. My first was in the motor industry where I started as an apprentice in the Parts department. Being the only female on my college course and a minority in the industry worked to my advantage – I had to work harder than my colleagues to prove my worth and I did this successfully rising to be the Parts Manager of a multi-site department with a multi-million- pound turnover.

My next career was to become a parent, definitely the one I have learnt the most through and has delivered the greatest joy and challenge. To add value to this and to utilise the enhanced people skills I’d learnt as a parent I moved into developing a cross county food bank service. I am proud to say that I increased donations by over 500% and in turn this provided much needed support to challenged individuals and families.

Having appreciated the life limiting challenge not having a good education can deliver I moved into FE and Apprenticeships in particular. I believe everyone has their “something” they just need to find it. FE provides the key to unlock this and enables people to be the best they can. I know I have the best job; I get to engage with amazing people working for a wide variety of companies who are looking to ensure the future of talent coming into their organisations. 

What is your favourite thing about working at MK College? 

No two days are the same, the variety ensures I am kept agile and never bored. One day I could be speaking to a micro business, the next moment a multinational followed by a conversation with a student and then a colleague who wants to explore curriculum delivery with a large service provider. The College values its staff and attracts people who have a passion for the area they work in; whether that’s teaching, supporting colleagues and students or keeping our facilities clean and safe. I get to work with experts who love to share their passion, and, quite literally, every day is a learning day.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

Attempting to cook – not a great skill but one I am getting better at! I like researching the history of Florence Italy, so that when I next go I can walk in the steps of the Medici family. I often visit the V&A museum –there are so many different collections it’s impossible to see everything. I’m also a big kid at heart, so puzzles and everything Lego are always on the agenda. 

Want to know more about working with MK College?

What do you do at MK College? 

I help employers to work in partnership with MK College and develop their talent pipelines for the future by helping them to access apprenticeships, offer industry placements/work experience for 
students, attend careers fairs/networking events, deliver presentations, attend curriculum development forums and become sponsors. 

I work with specific curriculum areas of the college to ensure all students have access to opportunities that enhance their skills, employability and career prospects. 

What are your credentials/past experiences, for working in your position? 

I’ve worked in further education and apprenticeship provision for more than 15 years and also have experience working with young people not in education, employment or training, and careers education. I’ve also worked in local authority (Luton Borough Council) within the employer engagement team. I’m a collaborative worker and my strengths are in employer engagement and customer service. I’m proud of the relationships I’m able to form with employers and the service we provide here at MK College. 

What is your favourite thing about working at MK College? 

There is a genuine spirit of co-operation and common goals in my team. We share ideas and work together to make them happen. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

I like spending time with my friends and family, particularly when it involves food and drink! 

Want to know more about working with MK College?

What do you do at MK College? 

My role is to oversee the day-to-day running of the team and work closely with students, curriculum areas and employers to ensure our students are being offered meaningful placements that will support them to build skills and knowledge in their chosen industry, enhance their employability skills and enable them to reach their full potential.

What are your credentials/past experiences, for working in your position? 

I have been with the for six years. I started as a work placement coordinator then progressed on to Senior Placement Coordinator and stayed in this post for three years before becoming Deputy Head of the team.

Previously, I worked in Special Needs Education for many years.

What is your favourite thing about working at MK College? 

I am passionate about helping our young adults on their journey of building up their skill set and knowledge in their chosen industry and becoming inspired and motivated about their future pathway.

MK College has a very supportive caring culture, and everyone is passionate about what they do.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

In my spare time I enjoy gardening, seeing my family and friends and I am soon to become a Nanny to a Granddaughter which is going to keep me very busy!!

Want to know more about working with MK College?

What do you do at MK College? 

I am the first point of contact for construction employers based in our region who are considering developing their staff or recruiting new talent.  It’s my job to explain the process of employing an apprentice and help employers to understand the requirements needed for an apprentice to complete their training.  I give guidance on current funding available to them via the Government and CITB levy and ensure they receive the best possible experience whilst partnering with MK College.

What are your credentials/past experiences, for working in your position? 

Over the years I have gained a wealth of experience working with organisations of all sizes across many sectors within the UK.  I have worked in Business Development for over 30 years with six years in further education and apprenticeships. 

I am passionate about helping individuals gain the best possible start with their career and helping individuals who have chosen to change their career path. Professionalism, communication and retention are at the heart of everything I do and I’m proud to still work with individuals and organisations years after we first met, many of which I now call my friends. 

What is your favourite thing about working at MK College? 

I work alongside an amazing team of passionate colleagues who strive to match talented individuals with great employers.  I really enjoy helping employers find apprentices by identifying candidates from our large pool of construction students or support them to create their apprenticeship vacancy and promoting it through our free recruitment service. It is immensely rewarding to see our apprentices succeed in completing their training and to watch them forge their future careers.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

I’m a true petrol head and I’ve loved cars and motorsport for as long as I can remember, especially Lotus.  I can often be seen at car club events in the UK and Europe or attending track days up and down the country.  In 2019 my wife and I along with four other like-minded friends embarked on a road trip across Europe which took us through 9 countries crossing the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and down to the Mediterranean.  It was a bucket list moment, and I am keen to do a similar trip in the future but this time through Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and along the Amalfi coast.  I think my wife might need some convincing though, she just managed to get through the last 3500 miles!

Want to know more about working with MK College?

What do you do at MK College? 

The short version is to give the opportunity for companies to upskill their workforce to become more effective and efficient!

But the long version is to be the first and a friendly point of contact for employers based in and around Milton Keynes who are considering Apprenticeships to help them understand which pathway is the most suitable to ensure it meets the needs of the company’s vision and future.

Specialising in AAT, Engineering and Business Administration, I will explain the process from advertising to enrolment of each area and offer guidance to any Government incentive that is available. Irrespective of the company size, you’ll receive the same, high standard of service from me.

What are your credentials/past experiences, for working in your position? 

For about 20 years, I have been working in roles that support people into better opportunities. Teaching ICT to 14 – 16-year-olds who have been excluded from mainstream education. Managing Welfare to Work contracts over four counties. Delivering Employability Sessions and supporting 1000’s of people from all backgrounds into tangible Work Experience. Offering Information, Advice and Guidance to 100’s of companies about Apprenticeships.

Supporting people into the world of work and supporting companies from one person to 20,000 people about the changing labour market, has been a prominent part of my life and I’ve relished the challenges that it brings.

What is your favourite thing about working at MK College? 

Being able to walk into our Business Centre at Chaffron Way, knowing that I make a difference and have a team to back me up. It sounds cheesy but working at MK College and being able to say that I am extremely fortunate to be given great opportunities to make a difference without restrictions. Is really something to be proud of.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

My dream was to become a professional golfer, but two things stood in my way. My beautiful family and the fact I’m average at golf! I still like to play golf though and spend quality time with my family whilst exploring all the great things that MK has to offer.

Want to know more about working with MK College?

What do you do at MK College? 

As Employer Engagement Manager, I identify, develop, and manage relationships with key decision makers in the local business sectors. I work collaboratively with the Curriculum areas and Apprenticeship team to generate apprenticeships, industry placements, work experience and commercial training opportunities. I also provide intelligence to inform curriculum development and contribute to improving workforce development solutions that meet employers’ skills needs activities.

What are your credentials/past experiences, for working in your position? 

My career has been predominantly customer facing whilst also building relationships with local employers and agencies. In all my roles I have been required to develop and maintain relationships with new and existing clients and candidates while also managing the expectations of both parties.

I started my career after graduating as a fundraising coordinator for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. I then moved into recruitment and worked as Recruitment Consultant for Hays. During this time, I developed an eagerness to support my local community and moved into welfare to work.

I then joined MK College in the work experience team and then had the privilege to work on a contract funded by Milton Keynes council as Programme Manger supporting residents of MK back into work or further training or education.

What is your favourite thing about working at MK College? 

Working with fantastic colleagues with a wealth of knowledge. I have been given the opportunity to progress and continue my journey of professional development in a supportive environment.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time at the stables, horse riding and walking my dog. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and like to try new activities.

Want to know more about working with MK College?

What do you do at MK College? 

Working within the Employer Engagement Team, I am responsible for promoting our Apprenticeship offer to new and existing customers. It involves a lot of telesales/networking and fact finding on the local companies and sending out the appropriate College marketing. I also liaise with other departments within the College, promoting other invaluable services such as Distance Learning, Multiply, Pathways and our Employer Lead Forums.

I am also responsible for training of staff on the College CRM system and making sure that it is used to its full potential to maximise its efficiency and effectiveness.

I play a pivotal role ensuring that all customers are given up to date information of all the great courses that MK College provide whilst supporting the Employer Engagement Team with marketing and networking events.

What are your credentials/past experiences, for working in your position? 

My background is sales from recruitment and business development in various industries, promoting their services or selling a product, as well as working in education with schools and academies, which all involved building relationships with potential customers.

What is your favourite thing about working at MK College? 

I enjoy my job, because it’s very varied and working not only with the engagement team but also other departments as I’m meeting and working with colleagues within the College. It’s good to get to know them and learn what other departments do. Plus, finding new customers and telling them all the great things that MK College can support them with. Many whom I would never engage if I didn’t work in sales.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 

I’m a cinema buff. To Kill a Mockingbird, Shawshank Redemption, The Departed, No Country for Old Men and so many more. I love traveling, especially city breaks with a lot of history and good restaurants and good local beer.

Want to know more about working with MK College?