Meet the staff

 

Management Team

Derek Freeman – Managing Director

Derek took over Milltech in 2006 after over 30 years in the retail motor industry. He is very enthusiastic about creating a team of high quality training and Management personnel to ensure that learners in Sunderland achieve a good start in their business careers.

Vivienne Burns – Quality Improvement Manager

My aim as Quality Manager is to help ensure that Milltech provides a service that meets both external and internal requirements, including legal compliance and customer expectations.

I liaise with other managers and staff to identify and maintain areas of good practice, as well as those requiring improvement. I have developed and implemented policies and procedures covering Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding, and Information, Advice and Guidance.  I joined Milltech in February 2009.

Gemma Lavery – Center Coordinator

I joined Milltech in 2000 as an apprentice and within 18 months gained my qualifications in Business Administration. During this time I was inspired by the staff at Milltech and knew that I wanted to become an NVQ assessor.

In 2004 I was given the opportunity to train as an assessor and very quickly achieved my qualifications.

I am now the Lead Verifier and responsible for the quality assurance of the training delivered at Milltech.

 

 

Business Administration/Customer Service Team

Cherie Lauder –Training Officer

My name is Cherie Lauder and I am one of the training officers for the Business Administration department. I assess Business Administration and Customer Service qualifications. I also run the Test & Interview session for potential new learners.

Stacey Robson – Training Officer

I started Milltech in June 2007 and my role has rapidly developed. I was given the opportunity to work towards a Level 3 Administration NVQ and then trained as an assessor. Since qualifying as an assessor in August 2010 I have been given a lot of support and currently training as a tutor and Internal Verifier. Milltech has given me the opportunity to develop my skills and further my career.

Jayne Wilson - Training Officer

I started working at Milltech in 2004 as a tutor.  In 2007 I was given the opportunity to complete my assessor qualification.  I now assess Business Administration and Customer Service qualifications.  I also teach level 3 Business Administration and Customer Service sessions and support apprentices with literacy and maths.

Haley Williams-Dixon - Trainee Training Officer

My name is Haley Williams-Dixon, I completed my first NVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration through Milltech as an apprentice in 2000, I found this really interesting and it helped me gain the business knowledge I needed to develop my skills.

In March 2011 I was given the chance to join Milltech as a Trainee Business Administration Training Officer. I am currently assessing Business Administration and Customer Service qualifications while working towards my qualification. 

Carole Thain – Internal Verifier/Training Officer

I have worked in the Training sector for over 10 years as an assessor, internal verifier and a trainer/tutor, delivering NVQs’ across the following areas: Customer Service, Business Administration, Management, Team Leading, Advice and Guidance. 

I joined Milltech in June 2011; my main responsibilities are to assess and verify Management and Team Leading qualifications, developing and supporting learners to achieve their qualifications and teaching apprentices to achieve their Business Administration and Customer Service Technical Certificate.

 

 

Motor Vehicle Team

Kevin Giles – Training Officer

My name is Kevin and I am the Motor Vehicle Team Leader. Overseeing all aspects of the Motor Vehicle department. I also teach level 3 technical certificate to advanced apprenticeships to develop there skills on the changing vehicle technology. Also I am the companies Health & Safety Manager, keeping up to date with all changes to do with work placements. Also I am the companies Safeguarding coordinator. 

Peter Oates - Training Officer

My name is Peter Oates, I joined Milltech in June 2011. I am a training officer and responsible for the Level 2 learners. I teach both theory and practical skills in centre and in our workshop facility. I also give support in the workplace to obtain practical evidence for the NVQ.

 

 

Excelr8

Rob Stones – Excelr8 Tutor

Responsible for tutoring Maths, English, ICT and Social Skills, Employability skill, Level 1 & 2 Key Skills and Functional Skills for Motor Vehicle Excelr8 Learning and Motor Vehicle apprentices. As well as assisting apprentices with additional learning needs.

 

 

Placement Team

Mark Askew - Placement Manager

Mark joined Milltech in April 2011 as Placement Manager having spent over 20 years in the Motor vehicle and retail sector.

Bringing retail experience to Milltech, Mark is working closely with all departments, learners and employers to ensure a comprehensive package is provided to train and develop high class apprentices across the North East.

Blanche Connolly - Telesales/Prospecting

My job role involves carrying out telesales calls to employers to inform them about apprenticeships and to discuss their interest in employing an apprentice as a member of staff.  I do a lot of research using websites and newspaper advertisements to identify new or expanding companies in the area, and work closely with the recruitment staff to match up applicants with suitable apprenticeship vacancies.

Danielle Brown – Placement Admin

I joined Milltech as an apprentice in 2003 and became an employed member of staff by Milltech itself in 2005 where I completed my NVQ’s Level 2 & 3 in Business Administration since completing my qualification I have gained a lot of knowledge and understanding.

 

 

Administration Team

Keeley Petch - Funding Co-ordinator

My name is Keeley Petch and I started with Milltech in November 2010 as Funding Co-ordinator.

My main responsibility is to ensure that government funded paperwork is completed correctly and meets all requirements for apprentices on board and that these are recorded accurately on our Management Information System.  I also create and update reports using this information for the Management Team and Skills Funding Agency.

Rachel Short- Receptionist

After leaving school in June 2011 I joined Milltech August 2011 as an apprentice receptionist. I am currently working towards gaining my Business and Administration NVQ level 2 Qualification. After completing my level 2 I will then go on to complete my NVQ level 3 in Business and Administration.

Although I have only been at Milltech for a short time I feel I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge of the Business and Administration sector.

Beth Richardson – Administrator

I am a Business & Administration apprentice and have been in placement at Milltech since November 2009. I have recently completed my NVQ Level 2 and am progressing onto my Level 3.

In Milltech I do various administration tasks such as keeping track and updating spreadsheets and Access databases, sending out marketing letters to different companies to advertise Milltech and also helping to maintain the Employer part of the CRM system.