Jenny Johnston is Chair of the West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and People and Culture Manager at KMF, a Staffordshire-based engineering firm. Through KMF’s dedicated in-house apprenticeship program, Jenny is passionate about developing and nurturing talent via apprenticeships. As Chair of the West Midlands Apprentice Ambassador Network, she shares updates, best practice, and supports apprentices and employers in promoting the value of apprenticeships. Demonstrating her commitment further, Jenny completed her own Level 7 Senior Leader apprenticeship earlier this year, gaining a distinction, giving her first-hand experience of the challenges and rewards of completing such a program. A seasoned judge in apprenticeship awards, she has a keen eye for excellence.
Kevin Davis is Chair and co-founder of the Ladder Apprenticeship Foundation, which for more than ten years has championed the creation of over 10,000 apprenticeships across the Black Country and wider region. Through awareness campaigns, awards and its Ladder Skills Academy at Millennium Point, the Foundation continues to promote apprenticeships as a powerful route to skills, aspiration and opportunity.
Alongside his work with the Ladder Foundation, Kevin is Chief Executive of the Vine Trust Group and Chair and co-founder of The Mercian Trust, a multi-academy trust of 12 schools educating more than 10,000 young people. He is an Independent Non-Executive Member of the Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull Integrated Care Board and a Non-Executive Director of Black Country Housing Group. Kevin is also a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands.
Anna Morrison CBE is the founder and Director of Amazing Apprenticeships, a leading organisation working with young people, parents and carers, government, educators and major employers to champion apprenticeships and technical education. Under her leadership, the organisation has supported millions of individuals to understand and navigate the different options. With nearly 30 years’ experience, Anna is a recognised national figure committed to widening opportunity for diverse and disadvantaged young people. She is a respected speaker and contributor to research, policy and national forums, holding prominent roles with many charities and research bodies. Her contributions have earned high recognition, including a CBE awarded in 2019.
James Norris is Head of Skills and Employability at Walsall Council, leading the strategic development of skills, employment and workforce initiatives across the borough. With over 17 years’ experience in further education and public service, he previously spent 14 years at Walsall College as Assistant Principal, overseeing adult skills, apprenticeships, community learning and employer engagement. James chairs the Walsall Employment and Skills Board and serves as a Board Director for the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP). He also represents Walsall Council on regional skills groups and brings valuable commercial experience from senior industry leadership and business ownership.
Ian became the City Council’s Director of City Economy and Partnerships in March 2024, following his role as Director of Visitor Experience and Communications. He leads corporate communications, city events, arts and culture, digital, external funding, skills and employment business growth and City Investment. He is a Wolverhampton City Centre BID Board director, chairs the city’s cultural compact and sits on the City’s Destination Management Board. Previously, he served with Staffordshire Police from 1998 to 2014, rising to Head of Communications working on major national incident and the 2012 Olympics communication operation. He holds degrees and diplomas in international politics, history, public relations, and marketing
David Tomalin is the Delivery Manager for Strategic Key Accounts at WMCA who helps very large employers with their skills and training needs, helping to support their recruitment aims and providing a bridge into the Combined Authority for support in other areas that may impact our region and its citizens.
David has had an extensive sales career at BT Plc, trained and qualified in consultative sales techniques and has subsequently worked for a range of training providers and business support organisations including Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Birmingham City University and GBSLEP Growth Hub amongst others. He has also run his own business and has a clear understanding of how businesses work, innovate and scale.
Raj Kandola is Deputy CEO at the GBCC supporting on the strategic and operational leadership of the organisation.
Previously Raj was Director of External Affairs leading on the organisation’s research, campaigning, stakeholder engagement and media & communications activity, together with managing the organisation’s Patronage scheme.
Raj is a member of the UCB Business School Advisory Board and a trustee of the charity United by 2022.
