Mike Cox, Webinar Chair Business Development Director, Association of Employment and Learning Providers   After 13 years in retail purchasing and supply, Mike became an assessor for apprenticeships with TBG Learning in 1999. He soon moved onto various development roles with learndirect, RNID and then LSN where he headed up the bidding and development team, helping design support programmes and research in areas including Train to Gain, Citizenship, Diplomas, Key Skills, Functional Skills and Foundation Learning. He joined AELP in February 2013. Mike is married with 2 children and lives in rural Kent.

Simon Ashworth Chief Policy Officer, Association of Employment and Learning Providers Simon has worked for a number of training providers across a number of business functions, including quality, curriculum development, supply chain management and direct delivery. During his time at JHP Training (now Learndirect) Simon was responsible for the development and national rollout of a number of new apprenticeship programmes along with the successful development and deployment of one of the twelve original ATAs in Logistics. Following on from working at JHP, Simon spent three years at the Digital Youth Academy (DYA). The DYA was an innovative and entrepreneurial start up training provider specialising in leading on the development of Social Media and Digital Marketing curriculum. Whilst at DYA Simon worked with the likes of Pearson, City & Guilds and the Tech Partnership in developing new standards and associated e-learning materials. In October 2015, Simon joined Babington Group as Head of New Products and Services, launching Babington Group’s own ATA (Babington Apprenticeships Ltd) and was instrumental in the sale of the business from Bridges Ventures to new owners RJD Partners in April 2016. Post sale Simon formally joined the Babington Group Executive Team and took on the role of Director of New Products and Services. Simon was leading on the Apprenticeship Reforms, working on a number of different Employer Trailblazer Groups, engaging with and mobilising a number of levy paying employers in readiness for May 2017. Simon joined AELP in January 2017.