Who’s Who
Kevin Davis
Chairman
Having led the Ladder campaigns across the West Midlands, Kevin has been at the forefront of the Ladder for the Black Country since its 2014 launch. A strong voice for promoting the apprenticeship brand, he is the Chief Executive of Walsall-based community development trust the Vine Trust Group.
A social entrepreneur, educationalist and experienced non-executive director, Kevin is a tenacious citizen-leader, who brings together partners across the private, public and third sectors in the region and across the UK.
Robert Halfon
Patron
Patron of the Ladder for the Black Country, the former Minister of State (Education) is a leading figure on schools, training and apprenticeships in the UK. He is a former Member of Parliament for Essex constituency Harlow and the villages.
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Rob Colbourne OBE
Performance Through People
Founder member of the Ladder Foundation who has played a leading role in the Ladder for the Black Country as Managing Director of award-winning private training provider PTP, which has its HQ in Walsall.
A well-respected ambassador for apprenticeships across the West Midlands, Rob is a winner of the AAC National Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Apprenticeships and represents Providers on numerous Skills Boards.
Justine Johnson
Ladder Apprenticeship Manager
Helping businesses to recruit and up-skill their workforce through apprenticeships and training, Justine is the lead facilitator for the Ladder for the Black Country.
Also integral to the Ladder for Birmingham and Ladder for Staffordshire campaigns, Justine draws upon extensive experience in business development and fundraising. Adept at matching candidates with training providers and employers, she is the “go to” person for all Ladder partners.
Stakeholders
Black Country Skills Factory
Part of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (Black Country LEP), the Skills Factory is an employer-led education & training collaboration between education establishments to deliver suitable training and upskilling.
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West Midlands Combined Authority
WMCA is made up of 18 local councils and three local enterprise partnerships (LEPs). The WMCA works to benefit everyone who lives and works in the West Midlands region, collaborating with businesses, local councils and education leaders.
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Midland News Association
Part of the National World group, the MNA reaches one million people every week in print and online. The MNA remains a leading trusted source of news and information for Staffordshire, the Black Country and Shropshire.
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