Meet the Team

Nicola joined Derwentside College in 2017 having over 8 years of experience within Education and Training.  Nicola's background has seen her work across both the public and private sector, advising and supporting employers to maximise on their training potential. 

Nicola's passion lies in apprenticeships and she works with large employers across the region to transform businesses by offering a range of recruitment and training solutions. 

Nicola is focused on the consistent delivery of quality service and excellence and this is supported by the wealth of knowledge she has gained whilst in her role in funding, delivery and operational practices within the Business Development Team.

Alex joined Derwentside College in 2019 having worked in business development roles in the further education sector since leaving university in 2009. 

Alex has worked across awarding bodies, membership organisations and private training providers, successfully negotiating strategic partnerships for skills delivery using a range of funding streams.

With a particular focus on the Adult Education Budget, Alex works in partnership with employers, Jobcentre Plus and other stakeholders to provide opportunities for unemployed people to move into sustainable, meaningful employment.

Stephanie has extensive knowledge of the Education and Training sector and has worked at Derwentside College since 1997. 

Stephanie has a wide knowledge of a number of vocational areas.  Stephanie works primarily with a number of large Public Sector employers including the NHS. 

Stephanie works to recruit new apprentices, whilst identifying training opportunities for existing staff to enable the use of Apprenticeships and training to strengthen the employer’s workforce.

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.

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. 

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. 

Bethany joined Derwentside College in 2019 as an apprentice, having previously worked within the NHS after qualifying as a Podiatrist.  Bethany decided to have a change of career and found that an apprenticeship was the best route to achieve a recognised qualification and be able to gain experience within a different sector of work.

Bethany’s role is to support the recruitment of apprentices across all occupational areas by working with both apprentices and companies to ensure all vacancy requirements are fulfilled.  Bethany helps support with the Adult Education Programmes, communicating with applicants and working in partnership with JCP.  Bethany deals with a large volume of applications and enquiries on a daily basis.

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.