Jennifer Coupland
Jennifer Coupland joined CILEX as Chief Executive Officer in September 2025, and was most recently Pro Vice-Chancellor, Skills, at London South Bank University. Prior to that she was CEO of IfATE for six years. At IfATE she was responsible for setting quality standards in apprenticeships and technical qualifications for careers across the economy, including the […]
Fay Granville
Fay Granville is Director of Business Development within Pearson plc’s Enterprise Learning & Skills division, leading growth across apprenticeships, workforce development, and employer-led learning. With more than 20 years’ experience in vocational education, training, assessment, and workforce transformation, Fay is deeply passionate about the difference apprenticeships can make to learners’ lives. She believes high-quality learning […]
Robert Nitsch
Rob is a passionate advocate of skills-based training and technical education becoming the CEO of FAB in August 2024. Previously the Director of Skills Delivery at IfATE he was responsible for the development of employer-led qualifications and apprenticeships. Rob commissioned the introduction of over 700 apprenticeships, 22 T-Levels, 250 HTQs and 200 Level 3 qualifications, working […]
Rt. Hon. Robert Halfon
Robert Halfon was appointed Minister of State at the Department for Education on 26 October 2022. He was previously Minister of State (Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills) at the Department for Education from 17 July 2016 to 12 June 2017. Robert was elected Conservative MP for Harlow on 6 May 2010. He was Co-Chairman and […]
Jon Hornagold
Jon joined The 5 % Club in October as the Head of Operations & Project Management Office following 4 ½ years as Apprenticeship Manager at Amey. Following a 24 year military career, culminating in MoD and NATO staff work. Jon started his second career in the L&D/Talent space as a trainer/designer/associate in a number of […]
Santina Ajdari-Bunting
Santina Bunting stands out as a multi-award winning trailblazer. She was the only one out of 150 students to embark on an apprenticeship journey after GCSEs. She completed her Level 3 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship at Arup in two years. Now a qualified Technician with the Institute of Civil Engineers, Santina is in her third year […]
Lindsay Conroy
Lindsay has been a passionate advocate for apprenticeships throughout her 20-year career in the sector. Beginning her own journey as an apprentice, she has since gone on to lead at provider, national, and policy level, with a focus on widening participation and creating real parity of esteem between technical and academic pathways. As Chief Executive […]
Kirsty Marsh-Hyde
Kirsty is National Lead for Apprenticeships in the NHS and has worked in the field directly for 14 years. In this time, she has supported employers to make the most of the myriad opportunities that the apprenticeship agenda brings, resulting in approximately 25,000 apprenticeships in the sector year on year. She was part of the […]
Natalie Wilson
With over 20 years’ experience, Natalie brings significant expertise and experience of vocational pathways. Beginning her career as an apprentice with British Gas, Natalie experienced first-hand how apprenticeships can transform lives – a belief that continues to drive her work today. Throughout her career, Natalie has held senior roles across further education colleges, independent training […]
Kieren Buxton
With over a decade of experience spanning apprenticeships, skills, and early careers, Kieren brings a deep understanding and passion for vocational pathways. Having entered the workforce through an apprenticeship and currently completing a degree apprenticeship to further upskill, they are a true advocate of lifelong learning. With seven years in management, Kieren has also played […]