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.

Working to upskill the region

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.

 

Find out more

Robert Halfon MP

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. 

Rob Colbourne

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.

Justine Johnson

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.

Find out more

Black Country Skills Factory

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.

Find out more

West Midlands Combined Authority

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.

Find out more

Midland News Association
Ladder for Black Country

Essex Terrace, Intown
Walsall, West Midlands WS1 1SQ

Skip to content