Meet the Team

Carol joined the team at Derwentside College in March 2024.  With a background in Sales, Business Development and Territory Management across a variety of industry sectors including publishing, manufacturing, membership organisations, and events. 

Carol is passionate about working with employers to upskill and transform businesses through funded training routes.  With a focus on Adult Education, and recruitment, Carol partners and engages with a variety of businesses across the region.

Paula has been at Derwentside College since 2008 and has a wide knowledge of the Education and Training Sector with experience in a number of vocational areas.

Paula’s primary responsibility within the Business Development Team is working within the care sector, having developed strategic partnerships with many different care companies which have been extremely beneficial to their business.  This includes all aspects of care from complex needs, residential care and homecare care.

Paula works closely with employers to help with practical solutions to upskill the care workforce by creating strong and lasting relationships through offering exemplary levels of customer service.

As an Early Years Practitioner, Julia joined Derwentside College in 2016 with 15 years experience in Further and Higher Education, having taught and assessed students of all ages. 

Julia’s background in Early Years helps her recognise the challenges and identify the support employers need for staff working in childcare settings. 

Working across all areas of childcare, from nursery schools to educational establishments, Julia forges successful partnerships with local authorities’ children’s services teams on behalf of Derwentside College

Laurren joined Derwentswide College in November 2023 as a Business Development Consultant. 

Laurren’s background is in Sales and Marketing in a wide range of different sectors from software development, dentistry and within the fitness industry ensuring they successfully grow.  Working with clients and businesses, providing the most suitable product for them, as well as account management and marketing within these different sectors.

Laurren is account managing existing clients within the Engineering and PBS sectors, along side building a rapport, as well as a focus on engaging with new businesses and creating excellent customer service.

Laura joined Derwentside college in June 2024, after working 8 years at a national independent training provider.  Laura's background is hospitality and following this, ventured into the world of learning and development.  She started her role as a trainer accessor, focusing on Hospitality and Management NVQs and Apprenticeships.

After 2 years as a training accessor, Laura moved into the role of business development, here she support businesses with workforce development, understanding apprenticeships, and the funding guidelines.  She has worked with a variety of organisations and has development commercial and bespoke training needs for employers. 

Laura is very keen to develop our client base, and to continue our high level of customer service with existing clients. 

Nadine Joined Derwentside College in October 2023 having worked in other Business Development roles within the construction and education sectors.  Nadine has experience of various funding streams including Apprenticeships, Adult Education Budget and Digital Bootcamps giving her the knowledge and transferable skills required for her new role. 

Nadine was looking for her next challenge when she joined the Business Development Team at Derwentside College and is keen to support employers with their training needs.  Nadine is focussed on engaging with new employers and managing existing relationships within the Construction Sector.

Will joined the team at Derwentside College in April 2024 after spending the last four years working within welfare to work employability programmes supporting individuals across Tees Valley with securing employment and upskilling with adult education courses. 

He also networked closely with employers to support with their recruitment needs and upskilling work forces.

Will also spent 2 years living 'Down Under' in Australia, working for a non-for-profit charity organisation raising awareness for domestic violence for woman and children. 

Kate joined Derwentside College in January 2025 as a Learner Recruitment Consultant, following over five years’ experience working as a Wedding & Events Executive. In this role, she was responsible for engaging new learners into the college’s adult learning provision, including recruitment academies and online learning, ensuring a smooth and seamless journey from initial enquiry through to enrolment.

Through her strong commitment to building partnerships and identifying opportunities for growth, Kate progressed into the role of Business Development Consultant. In her current position, she leads on employer engagement and the development of new business opportunities to support the continued growth of the college.

Kate works closely with local businesses and key stakeholders to understand workforce needs, promote the college’s training and development offer, and create tailored solutions that add value for both employers and learners.

Kayleigh joined Derwentside College in January 2025 having worked in Retail Management for 15 years.

Kayleigh supported with staff training, new store openings and recruitment, as well as managing successful stores.  After gaining this valuable experience in retail management, Kayleigh wanted to transition into a role that would allow her to use her skills in a different way while making a positive impact on individuals’ lives.

Kayleigh proactively engages with new learners and supports them through the enrolment process to drive successful outcomes.

Bethany joined Derwentside College in 2019 as an apprentice, achieving a Level 3 qualification in Business Administration.  Before joining the college, Bethany worked as a qualified Podiatrist in the NHS.

In her current role, Bethany oversees the recruitment team, which includes two Recruitment/Administration Officers and two Learner Recruitment Consultants.  The team plays a key role in supporting learners across adult education and apprenticeship programmes.

Pauline joined Derwentside College in 2023 as a Recruitment Officer having previously worked in the Leisure Industry in a Customer Service and Receptionist role.  Pauline decided to have a change of career and felt recruitment was a new and challenging sector where she could develop and build her existing skills.

Pauline’s role is to support the Lead Recruitment Officer working with both apprentices and companies to ensure all vacancy requirements are fulfilled and provide support with the Adult Education Programmes, communicating with applicants and working in partnership with JCP.