Engineering and Manufacturing Provider Validation Board

Andy is a qualified motor vehicle and motorsport engineer with a varied background in mechanical and electrical maintenance and repair having worked in the UK and across Europe. Andy started his own business specialising in electronic repair before entering education in 2010 as an engineering tutor.

Andy has been in education for 11 years where he has taught all levels. Andy is now the Head of School where his role involves the curriculum planning and resourcing of all engineering disciplines from entry-level programmes to Level 4 HNC. His area consists of around 300 Full time students and 100 apprentices on various pathways, he also manages a team of 20 staff including tutors, assessors, and technicians.

Andy works closely with their local authority in developing and advising on new qualifications required to plug gaps in the sector.

Andy is passionately involved in industry updates and keep up to date with the latest industry and educational developments; he has piloted many new courses and was involved with the apprenticeship standards trailblazers.

Andy was heavily involved with the College’s latest Ofsted inspection as one of the areas chosen for a deep dive inspection was the new engineering standards apprenticeships, this area as well as the College in general was awarded outstanding.

Recently he has working with partners to develop training for renewable technologies for multiple green steering groups including the Clean Growth Hub and Net Zero North Network.

“We will have the opportunity to support development and gain insight for our own delivery of the T-level.”

About Riverside College

Riverside College is an FE College based in the North West of England, we provide vocational qualifications and apprenticeships locally and work with national employers. We employ around 290 staff and have over 4500 students.

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Andy has worked in education for 16 years, starting as a skills assessor in the workplace before moving on lecturing full time in the Automotive sector. In this time, he took part in many steering groups for the automotive light vehicle curriculum primarily at Level 1 and Level 2.

Within his organisation he fulfilled a role as advanced practitioner for Teaching, Learning and Assessment with an additional focus on work-based learning and was part of the first no notice Ofsted inspections in 2010 and 2012 where the college was graded Outstanding on both occasions.

As of 2014, Andy has worked in the management structure and in 2016 became the Head of Faculty for Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive at Exeter College and have been fortunate to be involved with and partake in many steering groups predominantly with regards to apprenticeships and more recently the aviation sector and the move to hybrid and alternative propulsion.

Andy manages a team of almost 60 members of staff and within this provide the structure and development of curriculum areas for the teams to build and deliver. A large proportion of his time is working with our apprenticeship team where we work with many employers, we are committed to ensure that every employer feels engaged, this has led to a strong relationship not only with our SME but large organisations such as GWR.

“Becoming a Provider Board Member is vital to our organisation; we want to be part of the development of curriculum areas and be part of the wider education community in steering the future of young people and those who wish to retrain. To have a voice and be at the sharp end of development is extremely important to us.”

About Exeter College

Exeter College is an award-winning, world class college. They are Devon’s only Ofsted Outstanding Further Education college. Their vision is to shape the future by delivering excellence to realise the ambitions of our learners, city and region.

Exeter College is a large, thriving and growing tertiary college which places teaching, learning and student success as top priority. In 2021, the College was shortlisted for the coveted title of ‘FE College of the Year’ and the ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’. In 2020, five inspirational BTEC students were recognised at the prestigious Pearson BTEC Awards and the College is rated Gold under the Teaching Excellence Framework for Higher Education.

Exeter College, established in 1970, provides tertiary education for around 10,000 – 12,000 students and offers learners a variety of ways into industry or further study.

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Ashley’s role as an Assistant Principal is focused on three key responsibilities; to contribute to the strategic leadership of HSDC; to maximise financial income and efficiencies across departments and to lead outstanding provision across the curriculum areas that he is responsible for. Ashley works closely with several local, regional, and national employers as well as several local universities to plan the strategic direction of the college curriculum based on LEP priorities, labour market intelligence, local employer need and new qualification development.

Ashley has worked in Further Education for 20 years and is currently involved in a number of T Level and Transition offer steering groups.

HSDC are one of the early adopter providers for T Levels and started the delivery in 2020. Ashley is HSDC college lead on T Level implementation. He has also led on the implementation of the T Levels in Construction, Early Years, Digital, Health, and Science.

Ashley is also part of the AoC T Level Strategic Leadership Group.

“Being a Provider Board Member will enable myself and colleagues to contribute towards the shaping of the T Levels in Engineering and Manufacturing. This will mean as a college we are at the forefront of T level implementation as well as ensuring our staff are as up to date and knowledgeable as possible ready for delivery in 2022.“

About HSDC

Havant and South Downs College was formed on 1st August 2017 as a result of the merger between Havant Sixth Form College and South Downs College and then became HSDC on 1st April 2019 when it merged with Alton College. The new college is the largest further education college in Hampshire, occupying three main campuses (in Waterlooville, Havant and Alton). They have approximately 5200 Full-Time students and offer provision in apprenticeships, adult education, and higher education.

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David has 16 years of experience in delivery of courses from level 1 to Level 5 at Myerscough College and University Centre, within the Motorsport Department.

Involved with strategy for delivery and design of infrastructures regarding facilities and equipment across the department.

He’s been in his current role as Head of Area for 18 months and is responsible for all aspects of curriculum formation and implementation, financial planning and Health and safety across departments.

David is also Involved with Agricultural Engineering Panel.

“Being a provider board member will give us an insight into the development of relevant T levels and an opportunity for input into various aspects that have direct influences on delivery.”

About Myerscough College

Founded in 1894 as the Lancashire County Institute of Agriculture, Myerscough College is one of the oldest further education colleges in Lancashire.

Myerscough college and University centre is a Land based College specialising in Land Based, Sport, Engineering and Science. The main Campus is just North of Preston in Lancashire with several out centres across England.

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Donna is the Operations Manager for Curriculum at CECAMM, and her responsibilities are largely in line with that of a Curriculum Manager, for selecting, facilitating and supporting students through a range of engineering specialist courses appropriate to their desired route of progression.

In Donna’s teaching role, she tends to be more involved with Project Management, CAD, Design in addition to managing the Higher Education provision for a local university, for whom CECAMM are a satellite branch.

Donna’s teaching career in engineering began in 2011, her commercial background and established career as a Design Engineer for an international electronics company were her strengths, but the real knowledge of engineering has developed since teaching it. It has allowed her to broaden her subject portfolio through both research and interaction with apprentices who bring in current practices, and real-world constraints that serve to keep her abreast of the industry as it evolves.

“Being a member of the T Level panel has given me a valuable insight into how new qualifications are developed and allowed me to voice to represent the young people of my area that will be sitting these papers moving forward. Participating as a board member allows our facility to be heard in the development of the qualification, but also have insight into the planned programme and hear the thoughts of others during the development programme”

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John completed the advanced modern apprenticeship in a small independent garage, then worked for a franchise dealership for several years as an MOT tester and quality controller.

John then spent several years working for the Ministry of Defence building military vehicles, through various promotions he went on to programme and design computer software for the military, before taking the step into education when the opportunity arose for him to become a college lecturer, a role he had wanted to do for many years.

Having been a lecturer now for five years he is also lead tutor, assessor and IQA.

He brings a large amount of motor vehicle knowledge and experience as well as some great stories which drive employability and passion to the Automotive department.

“By working in partnership with City & Guilds, we put ourselves at the forefront of new qualifications, understanding them at a level we could not hope to without being provider board members, we also influence change where necessary, to enable our learners at all levels to achieve and be successful in everything they are doing now and in the future.”

About Yeovil College

Yeovil College is an exceptionally high performing college, recognised within the top 10% of the country for achievement rates. They have the highest ambition for themselves, for their students and for their wider community, and  live and breathe a position of ‘only our best is good enough.’ With their eyes firmly on the future, they are focused on improving opportunities across South Somerset and North and West Dorset and their relentless approach is having huge impact; they are changing lives.

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Keri has been lecturing in FE since February 2015. Keri has worked within the Advanced Manufacturing industry for a subcontractor who manufactured a variety of products for a huge range of companies from SME’s on the Isle of Wight, to multi-national companies and further afield including Japan and Africa.

During her time in FE, she has progressed from a lecturer to now, Curriculum lead/senior lecturer for the Engineering department. This has allowed her time to participate in mentoring programmes to support new and existing staff as well as joining T-Level boards to support the change.

As Curriculum Lead for the Engineering department her main role and responsibility is to support the Curriculum Manager with selecting, facilitating, and supporting planning, delivery, and students across a range of engineering specialist courses and qualifications to ultimately support their chosen progression routes.

Keri’s main area of lecturing is mechanical engineering that she can deliver across a range of levels with her specialism being advanced manufacture (CNC), but she also lectures in other areas such as communication, commercial aspects, traditional machining methods, hand skills, fabrication, and project work.

“Becoming a part of the provider board will greatly benefit our college by giving us the opportunity to have insight into and support the development of the programmes and potentially help implement changes. Communication is key and being involved is imperative for improving the future for everyone.”

About CECAMM and Isle of Wright College

Centre of Excellence for Composites Advance Manufacture & Marine, is the engineering arm of the Isle of Wight College offering specialised education and training, based in Whippingham. The centre creates a world-class workforce and help to assure sustainable long term economic success for local people and the island as a whole. Since opening, they have had two GOLD and one Bronze BTEC National Award winners and have seen a growing investment in their apprenticeship program. They offer a range of programs offering the opportunity of "Engineering for All" and have been lucky enough this year to secure additional funds to support adult learners.

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Mitch is the Head of Engineering at Leeds City College and has worked in the FE sector for over 20 years, FE plays a vital role in communities; offering opportunities for those who live there, as well as supporting the local economy and tackling inner city poverty.

The department delivers to  approximately 900 learners, ranging from full-time, part-time and apprentices. As Head of School, it is important that Mitch engages and works closely with local employers, and attends several steering groups around the region to ensure they offer valid courses and that learners are equipped to meet the needs of local employment opportunities.

Mitch is currently working with stakeholders to address the automation and robotics skills gap at FE level, engaging and getting the support from local businesses in setting this up enables Leeds City College to drive the skills and opportunities for both individuals and employers.

Mitch has also been involved in other boards such as UTC Leeds and West Yorkshire Manufacturing Alliance.

“As one of the main and largest providers, being a board member would enable us to contribute and support the developments of the T Levels. These qualifications will have many implications on the sector and as such it is vital that all perspectives are looked at and considered, from employers, colleges, and young people. It will allow our organisation to not only help with the implementation of the T levels but also with the growth and success of them as qualifications.”

About Leeds City College

Leeds City College is one of the largest further education institutions in the country with more than 20,000 students and is one of the biggest providers of apprenticeships regionally. The courses at Leeds City College cover almost all subject areas and include full-time and part-time academic and vocational qualifications at multiple levels for pre-16, post-16, and 19+ (adults) options.

From apprenticeships to A levels, Leeds City College’s qualifications ensure every student can take steps towards success. The college aims to continually meet the needs of local employers and prides itself on excellent facilities including: an air cabin simulator, creative studios, professional kitchens, on-site gyms, laboratories, garages, workshops, makeup studios, salons, childcare facilities and more.

Additionally, the college boasts a portfolio of impressive industry links on local, regional, national, and international scales. The schools and departments within the college focus on building relationships with employer organisations, unions, chambers of commerce, awarding bodies and the local enterprise partnership.

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Neil has over thirty years of teaching experience and over that time has delivered a wide range of Engineering and Design based qualifications at both KS4 and KS5 for most of the examination boards.

Neil completed a four-year apprenticeship in Toolmaking, working for three different manufacturers. He continued with his day-release training for a further three years at a Technology College to complete both an ONC and then an HNC in Engineering. Over the first ten years of his working life, he worked for a wide range of engineering companies manufacturing photocopiers, manual and automated transmissions for heavy goods vehicles, television manufacture and a tube bending company, specialising in metal tubes for super heaters for several offshore companies. Job roles followed in Production Engineering and then in quality control, progressing to Senior Quality Control Engineer. This wide variety of experience has given him a great insight into a wide range of careers in Engineering.

Neil developed a real interest in learning during his ONC and HNC years, so to continue this he enrolled on a teaching degree and soon successfully completed a Bachelor of Education degree. He has worked in five secondary schools, all in the North East of England. He has held a number of leaderships posts, mainly as Head of Technology or in Engineering Faculties. This has enabled him to gain valuable experience of planning a faculties curriculum and a clear understanding of examination course demands and the needed successful delivery of content.

He has been a Senior Leader at UTC South Durham for the last five years and was integral in its start up in September 2016. His Faculty currently deliver twelve different Engineering/Design based courses with over 400 student entries. Neil is the T Level Lead at the UTC, overseeing its implementation and development, ready for delivery to students starting September 2022.

Neil is also currently on the T Level Transition Programme panel for Engineering and Manufacturing, which is a joint activity by the Department for Education and Association of Colleges, to review the programme components and content.

He is also the T Level Lead for Engineering and Manufacturing on the North East LEP.

“Being a Board Member will give me a real insight into the course content and structure, so important to successful delivery to students. It will enable me to have an input into the assessment process, to make sure students are well prepared for their next steps on any career path. It is important that the subject knowledge we include, and the practical skills being taught through the specification, do reflect the skills for jobs needed for both local and national industries.”

About UTC South Durham

University Technical College (UTC) South Durham, is a state-funded, purpose-built Sixth Form and school for 14-19 year olds. It currently has 380 students across both KS4 and KS5, with over 95% of students studying at least one Engineering or Design based course.

The UTC was founded by three partners, Hitachi Rail, Gestamp Tallent and Sunderland University. It is supported and guided by another 150 industry and business partners who develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the world of work and enable students to see how their learning applies to industry.

UTC South Durham specialises in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths), with a focus on engineering and advanced manufacturing. The UTC exists to provide students with an excellent academic and technical education, enhances core skills and facilitates a series of career and professional experiences. UTC South Durham makes students career and life ready.

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Noel completed a Toolmaking apprenticeship in Injection moulding. After Noel’s apprenticeship he moved into the design office using AutoCAD to design plastic injection mould tooling.

After leaving the company where he completed his apprenticeship, he secured a position as foreman for a gravity piston die manufacturer. During his time there he implemented Lean Manufacturing initiatives and helped to bring in ISO9001 accreditation.

Noel started in education in 2009 after 17 years in manufacturing, he completed his teacher training in 2013 with a Level 5 Diploma in Lifelong teaching, he is also a qualified assessor.

Noel has designed and taught curricula based on BTEC and Apprenticeship standards. During his first teaching role at Reading College, he was a contributor for Professor Bill Lucas’ paper on ‘Engineering Habits of Mind’ where he looked at improving learner’s creative thinking skills through 10-minute starter activities over a twelve-week period.

Noel has worked as a PDM for the ECITB developing qualification specifications such as Diploma in Maintaining Engineering Construction Plant and Systems SCQF Level 7.

As the Engineering Coordinator for The Henley college, his role is to build on the great work that the engineering department has been doing by improving the employer engagement, introducing new courses such as Higher Nationals, T Levels, and apprenticeships to the department.

“Being a Provider Board Member will help us to improve our provision through networking and collaboration with other providers. It should allow us to gain valuable insight into how qualifications are delivered within different providers and areas.”

About The Henley College

In 2017 The Henley College celebrated 30 years of teaching and learning excellence, although their origins can be traced back to King James I Grammar School, founded in 1604. These foundations closely reflect the academic and vocational traditions that remain at the forefront of today's offering.

Since its creation in 1987, the College has continued to serve as the sixth form of choice for their four local partner schools. However, thanks to their leading reputation and the quality of their courses, they are now home to nearly 2,000 full-time students from over 100 schools across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

Over the last 4 years the engineering department has grown from cohorts of 40 students per year to 81 in 2020. They are looking to improve their provision by adding Higher Nationals, T Levels and apprenticeships over the next few years.

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Richard started his career as a geography teacher several years ago. During this time, he has also taught business studies as well as more recently engineering, particularly sustainable engineering.

Living in Norfolk sustainable engineering is a huge interest to Richard, especially the renewable areas and the cross over into geography. Throughout his career he has been involved in various areas, such as being an examiner as well as a Subject Expert for Geography for Ofqual.

Richard’s present role as Director of Sixth Form involves him in the strategic and day-to-day running of a Sixth Form with over 300 students. As part of the school’s Senior Leadership Team, he has an input into whole school policy on various aspects of both pastoral and teaching and learning. One of Richard’s main areas of interest throughout his career has been developing high quality vocational provision, so he is looking forward to the challenge of overseeing the setting up of the Engineering T Level which we aim to start in 2022.

“Being involved in the Provider Board is a really privileged position, allowing me access to the latest drafts of specifications and teaching and learning materials.  It enables me to interact with other providers who are likely to be delivering the Engineering T Level as well as an insight into these new qualifications.  Linked with this is the opportunity to have an input into how they are rolled out and will work in smaller, non-college-based providers, such as school Sixth Forms and Sixth Form Colleges”.

About Hellesdon High School & Sixth form

Hellesdon High School & Sixth Form is a large, mixed comprehensive in North Norwich. They provide high-quality academic and vocational education to over 1500 students, with 300 in the Sixth Form. Hellesdon serves a mixed social area within Norwich and has good local links to other providers and employers.

Their well-established Sixth Form Centre provides a wide range of courses, delivered by experienced, supportive staff, so every student can find course to suit them.

As well as an excellent track record in achieving fantastic exam results, their staff take great care in supporting students to be ready, confident and equipped to take their next chosen step.

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After successfully completing his apprenticeship and working for many years as a qualified technician and MOT Tester at a local garage, Rob took the decision to work for a well-known South West College as an Apprentice Assessor.

Apprenticeships have always been a qualification route Rob has been passionate about. This passion has now seen him work for two national training companies before accepting his current role as Motor Vehicle Coordinator at Yeovil College.

He brings a wealth of industry experience and a detailed knowledge of qualification requirements to the Automotive department.

In his current role as the Curriculum Area Manager for Automotive Engineering, Rob manages a team of Study Programme Managers to deliver outcomes set by the organisation, to find and win new business and deliver strategic targets which are in line with the business needs and direction.

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Dr Steve Grice began his engineering career studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Aston University, he then went on to do a PhD studying Photonics, also at Aston. A stint in the industry was then followed by a return to Aston, working on a post-doctoral project in Biomedical Engineering for the British Heart Foundation. It was from here that Steve moved into the Further Education sector, joining Bournville College in 2012 as a Lecturer in Engineering to establish their engineering department, becoming Assistant Curriculum Manager of Engineering in September 2014.

Since August 2017, Steve has been Head of the School of Engineering at South and City College Birmingham where he manages a team of 20 staff, comprising of lecturers and technicians, delivering engineering programmes across two campuses at SCCB.

“As a member of the T Level development allows us, as a Provider, to have direct input in shaping future qualifications that we will be delivering.”

About South & City College Birmingham

South and City College Birmingham is a vocational college which offers students part time, full time, and Apprenticeship courses from Level 1 to higher education in a range of subjects. One of the largest colleges in the region with eight campuses across the city of Birmingham.

They are committed to ensuring students have the relevant skills, qualifications and experience required for their future, whether that is to seek employment or continue their education at college or university.

They have exceptional facilities which they continue to invest in, including a purpose-built construction centre and engineering centre, hair and beauty salons which are open to the public, a fine-dining restaurant run by students, music and sound recording rooms, an industry standard auditorium and much more.

The college is actively involved in the community, with local businesses and has excellent links with industry; this not only allows them to provide excellent opportunities for their students to gain work experience placements, apprenticeships, and job opportunities but for the college to help employers ensure they have skilled workforce needed for the future.

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