As a former business owner, and having worked with residents, stakeholders, training providers and employers in the skills and employment space for nearly 20 years, I have extensive knowledge of both employers and skills landscapes including apprenticeships. I have mainly worked in strategic management roles involving collaboration and partnership working, however also directly with residents helping them to reduce barriers, build skills, gain qualifications, find meaningful employment and progress within the workforce to reach their full potential. I am passionate about continual professional development for all and achieved my own distinction in a Level 5 Apprenticeship - ILM Diploma for Leaders and Managers/ Operations Department Manager, which I started at the age of 40!

Currently I am an Employment and Skills Manager for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, managing a team of Employment and Skills Officers supporting businesses of all sizes in the region with solution focused options, employer incentives and funding to find the talent they need, build future pipelines, retain/ develop existing staff including with apprenticeships and other training, and build progression pathways from within allowing entry level positions to become available. I specialise in developing, implementing, and overseeing our special projects including Funded Paid Internships (for both 18-21-year-olds and 22+), Digital Badging for accrediting essential skills, Talent Hive innovative recruitment system, Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Apprenticeships Age Grants/ Support Packages and Higher Technical Qualifications Grants. Currently I am also developing our Good Work Charter with employers and stakeholders who have shared ambitions for supporting residents and employers in our region and encouraging economy and growth.

Experienced manager with significance experience of commercial development in sales, marketing and HR. Most recently focused on delivery within the engineering and manufacturing sector but with a background in HR management and a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD experienced in a range of public and private sectors including start up businesses.
Skilled in strategic planning, implementation and delivery, negotiation, HR consulting, talent development, coaching and executive search.
A management professional with a BA Hons in Business Management from Sheffield Hallam University, qualified to operate and analyse psychometric tests and committed to ongoing personal and professional development.

Andrew Pakes is the Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Peterborough, serving since the 2024 General Election. He is passionate about apprenticeships and creating opportunities for young people. Andrew is Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships bringing together MPs and Peers to raise the profile of skills in Westminster, with Government and with employers.

He is also Chair of the APPG on the Future of Work and is interested in how digital technology and AI will transform jobs and training. Before entering Parliament, Andrew was the Deputy General Secretary of Prospect union representing a diverse membership across science, technology and engineering jobs.

Andrew is a member of Advisor Board for the London AI Campus (an initiative by Camden Council and Google), and an Associated Fellow at the ESRC-funded Digital Futures At Work Research Centre. He is also a former member of the OECD’s Expert Panel on AI,

Christopher has worked for Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings) Ltd and its subsidiaries since 1983. He is a Board Member of Cambridge Ahead and of the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, Chairman of the Regional Employer Engagement Group and a Member of the Cambridgeshire County Forum.
Christopher is Trustee of the DG Marshall of Cambridge Trust and the Sir Michael Marshall Charitable Trust. He is a Member of Anglian Learning (a multi-academy trust) and a Member of the Joint Assembly of the Greater Cambridge Partnership and a Vice-President (and former Chairman) of the Air League Trust. Christopher is also a member of the Campaign Board for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
Christopher is Chairman of the British American Committee for RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath. He is a Vice-President of the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, Chairman of No. 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets and a member of Commandant Air Cadet’s Industry Forum. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry and a Freeman of the City of London. Christopher is also a Patron of the Viva Arts & Community Group.
Christopher was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire in 2021.

Mark Brear is the founder and director of EML Electrical Contractors and a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, skills development, and creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers.

Beginning his own career as an apprentice, Mark understands first-hand the impact that quality training and support can have on an individual’s career journey. Since establishing EML Electrical Contractors in Peterborough in 2017, he has grown the business from a ‘man and van’ operation into a successful organisation delivering services for commercial, industrial, and local authority clients.

A strong believer in investing in future talent, Mark has placed apprenticeships at the heart of his business, developing training opportunities, supporting apprentices through their career progression, and building relationships with local education providers. He also actively promotes the value of apprenticeships across the wider engineering sector, encouraging businesses to invest in skills and nurture emerging talent.

Mark’s commitment to championing apprenticeships was recognised when he was named the winner of the 2026 Apprentice Ambassador Award. His experience as an employer, mentor, and advocate provides valuable insight into recognising the achievements of apprentices, employers, and training providers.