Emma leads Plymouth's Skills and Post 16 agenda, working with employers, education providers and partners to create opportunities that help local people develop skills, access training and progress into employment.

 

Since joining the Skills and Post-16 team in 2015, she has established the award-winning Building Plymouth Skills Partnership and led the creation of Skills Launchpad Plymouth, the city's one-stop shop for skills, careers, training and jobs support; and sector-based skills partnerships Caring Plymouth and Welcoming Plymouth, which champion workforce development across the health and social care, and visitor economy sectors.

 

Emma is also a passionate advocate for Plymouth's Armed Forces community. She works closely with military stakeholders to support service leavers, veterans and military families into civilian careers and training opportunities.

 

Key skills and expertise

• Strategic skills leadership

• Partnership and stakeholder engagement

• Workforce and sector development

 

Professional highlights

• MBE for services to skills in 2026

• Winner of Inspirational Leader in the West Country Women Awards 2022

• 30+ years' experience in skills, education and business engagement.

Jo oversees the operational delivery of Skills Launchpad Plymouth, leading service performance, partnership coordination, engagement activity and continuous improvement to ensure residents can access high-quality support into education, employment and training. Since joining the Skills and Post-16 team in 2021 as Youth Hub Coordinator, she has played a key role in the growth and development of the service, helping to shape responsive, inclusive support for young people, adults and employers across the city.

 

With more than 15 years' experience across education, skills and local government, Jo brings expertise in programme delivery, information, advice and guidance, stakeholder engagement, marketing and communications. She is passionate about creating opportunities, building strong partnerships and developing services that make a positive difference to local communities.

 

Key skills and expertise

• Youth engagement

• Marketing and communications

• Programme management

 

Professional highlights

• Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Frontline Manager of the Year Finalist 2023

• Level 4 certified information, advice and guidance practitioner

• Master of Arts (MA) in Public Relations

Morven joined the Skills and Post 16 team in 2022 and plays a key role in delivering Building Plymouth, the city's award-winning construction and built environment skills partnership. With over 15 years' experience in training, apprenticeships and further education, she works closely with employers, schools, colleges and industry partners to strengthen the future workforce and promote the 180+ careers available across this booming sector.

 

Leading on school engagement, employment and skills plans, and employer networking, Morven coordinates many of Building Plymouth's flagship activities, including careers events, industry showcases, future workforce initiatives and the BPART networking programme. Passionate about connecting people with opportunities, she champions apprenticeships, skills development and industry collaboration to help create a strong pipeline of talent for Plymouth's construction and built environment sector.

 

Key skills and expertise

• Construction workforce development and future skills planning

• Employer engagement, apprenticeships and industry partnerships

• School engagement, careers inspiration and talent pipeline development

 

Professional highlights

• 15+ years' experience in training, apprenticeships and further education

• Safeguarding trained and trauma-informed practitioner

• Level 2 Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Practitioner

Jack joined the Skills and Post-16 team in 2022 and plays a key role in delivering Caring Plymouth, the city's health and care skills partnership. Working closely with Plymouth City Council commissioners, employers, training providers and sector partners, he champions careers across health, social care and wellbeing, helping to address workforce challenges and support recruitment and retention across the sector.

 

Drawing on extensive experience gained through roles in maternity services, dementia care and post-16 education, Jack brings a strong understanding of both frontline care and workforce development. He leads the delivery of flagship sector events, careers campaigns and recruitment initiatives, while developing resources and marketing materials that showcase the rewarding and varied opportunities available across health and care. Passionate about changing perceptions of the sector, Jack is committed to helping people build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to start or progress a meaningful career in care.

 

Key skills and expertise

• Health and social care workforce development and sector engagement

• Employer partnerships, recruitment and retention initiatives

• Careers promotion, events, campaigns and progression pathways

 

Professional highlights

• Extensive experience across health and social care, education and workforce development

• Former Health and Social Care Lecturer and Assessor

• Safeguarding trained and trauma-informed practitioner

Gareth joined the Skills and Post-16 team in 2024 to support the delivery of Building Plymouth, the city's award-winning construction and built environment skills partnership. Working closely with employers, training providers and industry partners, he connects job seekers, career changers and local residents with live vacancies, training opportunities, apprenticeships and sector career pathways.

 

With a strong background in recruitment, employability, training and assessment, Gareth is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and progress into sustainable employment. Prior to joining the team, he established employability support services for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol dependency through Shekinah and Harbour. Alongside his role with Building Plymouth, Gareth works in residential care, supporting children and young people with a wide range of needs and experiences.

 

This experience has strengthened his expertise in safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, relationship building and responding calmly to challenging situations. His person-centred approach, combined with extensive employer networks, enables him to connect individuals with opportunities and support them to achieve their career goals.

 

Key skills and expertise

• Employer engagement, workforce development and recruitment support.

• Construction careers, apprenticeships, training pathways and sector insight.

• Person-centred employability support, career guidance and action planning.

• Partnership working across employers, training providers and support services.

• Trauma-informed support for young people and adults facing barriers to work.

 

Professional highlights

• Qualified in Residential Childcare and Social Care with Children and Families, with extensive experience supporting children, young people and families.

• Safeguarding, Prevent and trauma-informed practitioner, with a Level 2 Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) qualification.

• Currently studying towards a CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resource Management, complemented by a Level 3 qualification in Anger Management.

Dan joined the Skills and Post-16 team in 2025, bringing experience from a varied career across the hospitality, customer service and adult social care sectors. After completing a contract championing opportunities in health, social care and childcare, Dan is currently leading Plymouth's Tourism, Hospitality and Retail sector work, supporting local jobseekers to access training, employment and career development opportunities in the sector while helping employers address workforce challenges, attract talent and develop future skills pipelines.

 

Drawing on his experience across multiple sectors, Dan has a strong understanding of the recruitment, retention and workforce development challenges facing employers. He works closely with businesses, training providers, sector partners and community organisations to promote career opportunities, support skills development and connect people with rewarding careers in the city.

 

Dan's previous work within adult social care gives him a broad perspective on workforce needs and the importance of supporting people at all stages of their career journey. Passionate about helping individuals achieve their potential, he provides practical guidance and personalised support to job seekers, career changers and those looking to progress in work. His cross-sector experience enables him to champion opportunities with authenticity, enthusiasm and a strong understanding of the skills needed to succeed.

 

Key skills and expertise

• Workforce development across health, care and customer-facing sectors

• Employer engagement and partnership working

• Employability support, progression planning and career transitions

 

Professional highlights

• Experience across hospitality, customer service and adult social care sectors

• Strong understanding of recruitment, workforce and skills challenges facing employers

• Safeguarding trained and trauma-informed practitioner

• Level 2 Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Practitioner

Katie joined the Skills and Post-16 team in July 2025 as Youth Hub Coordinator, bringing a unique blend of higher education, creative industry and youth engagement experience. As a former Lecturer in Interior Design and Styling, she worked across all three years of a BA degree programme, designing and delivering modules, assessing student work, providing pastoral support and contributing to student recruitment, retention and progression.

 

Passionate about helping young people achieve their potential, Katie combines her educational background with a creative, person-centred approach to support young people aged 16 to 24. She helps individuals build confidence, explore opportunities and take positive steps into education, training and employment, ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey.

 

Key skills and expertise

• Youth engagement

• Information, advice and guidance practitioner

• Teaching and learning

 

Professional highlights

• Mental Health First Aider

• Safeguarding trained and trauma-informed practitioner

• Level 3 Award in Education and Training (PTLLS)  and Master of Arts (MA) in Textiles

Sandra joined the Skills and Post-16 team in June 2026 as Youth Hub Coordinator, bringing extensive experience supporting young people to overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve positive outcomes.

 

Drawing on her background supporting care-experienced young people, a mentor and youth support practitioner, Sandra is passionate about helping young people recognise their strengths, explore opportunities and take successful next steps into education, training and employment. Her supportive, trauma-informed approach ensures young people feel listened to, empowered and encouraged throughout their journey, particularly those facing additional challenges or requiring extra support.

 

Key skills and expertise

• Youth engagement, mentoring and advocacy

• Information, advice and guidance practitioner

• Confidence building, employability and progression support

 

Professional highlights:

• Level 3 Apprenticeship in Children and Young People's Workforce

• Safeguarding trained and trauma-informed practitioner

• Barnardo's volunteer and King's Trust mentor

Catherine joined the Skills and Post-16 team in November 2025 and is the engine behind the team. Catherine supports with host duties at Cobourg House, social media and website content, data management, finance, as well as with our flagship events.

 

Key skills and expertise

• Customer service and conflict resolution

• Organisation and proactivity

• Communication and team working

 

Professional highlights

• Apprentice of the Year finalist for Plymouth City Council’s STAR Awards 2026

• Level 2 certified in Safeguarding and Prevent

• Working towards Level 3 Business Admin apprenticeship