Degree Coach

Please explain your job role

The main aim is to support the learners and provide information, advice and guidance. Rather than teaching, it is to give them support to be able to reflect and learn from their own progress, and to help them recognise the opportunities and how to take them. In addition, it is to support the preparation for End Point Assessment and ensure the learners meet the compliance elements and targets.

What inspired you to work in education?

Even from school, I wanted to work in education, but I fell into the technology sector as a late teenager which was much more financially competitive. However, I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity later on and have been in education for about 12 years now. I enjoy meeting all the different personalities, cultures, and characters that I get to interact with daily, and to go through the journey with them to a successful outcome.

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had doing your current role?

Every single success story is memorable and thankfully, they all have been. Its particularly memorable when a learner has had more challenges than usual, but I am still able to support them so they are able to get to the end of the programme with a positive outcome.

Whilst it might be hard to remember a time when you weren’t dedicating your life to the BPP Education Group, please tell us about the most interesting job you have had? 

I was one of a team of 4 project managers that designed and implemented the IT Infrastructure for the London Olympics. I spent 3 years working on it, and actually got to run 2 of the venues for the Games during the Olympics and Paralympics.

What would be your ultimate meal? 

I have been lucky enough to travel all over the world, and to try many weird , wonderful, and extremely tasty food. Whilst genuine Mexican food features highly, I think the best dish I ever had (and I have had it a few times now ) is Crespelle alla Fiorentina – an Italian dish of spinach, ricotta in a type of thin pancake, baked in a dish with bechamel sauce and cheese.

What’s your favourite TV show or movie of all time? 

The Big Lebowski – I always liked the Cohen Brothers work, and this film has so many layers. Every time I see it, I spot something new. The casting is sublime, and the characters so different and absurd. It still makes me laugh. The Dude Abides.

If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you pick and why? 

To be honest, reality TV isn’t my thing , and it isn’t “real” as such. I don’t think I would fit very well in any of them. But the one that might be for me, would be Traitors. It seems to have more substance to it, and more depth.

If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job? 

If I couldn’t be a rock star, then a studio recording engineer, or live sound tech . I have played music all my life and have been in bands for coming up 40 years.

What do you like to do with your weekends? 

Unfortunately, I can no longer play rugby but I do watch it on TV. In the summer I play cricket for my local club. I can also be found playing my guitars, sometimes a gig with the band, and the domestic things like shopping. Cinema features whenever we can manage it, but as my wife requires subtitles for the more complex scripts, we are watching more and more on the streaming services that provide this.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

There is a long list, but we spent a 5 nights in Arctic Finland in February 2024 looking for the Northern Lights. And they were spectacular. Which is just as well, as it was -31c.

Apprenticeship Coach 

Please explain your job role

I support apprentices in developing the technical skills and professional behaviors they need to succeed in the ICT industry. My role involves guiding learners through complex concepts, helping them apply knowledge in real-world projects, and ensuring they meet the standards required for their apprenticeship.

I act as a mentor and coach—providing structure, feedback, and encouragement—while keeping everything aligned with industry best practices. In short, I help turn potential into performance by making sure apprentices are confident, competent, and ready for the next step in their careers.

What inspired you to work in education?

I’ve always been passionate about helping people reach their potential. Before working in ICT, I was involved in fitness education, where I saw firsthand how guidance and encouragement could transform someone’s confidence and future. That experience taught me the value of supporting learners through challenges and celebrating their achievements.

What inspires me now is the same principle—helping individuals take the next step in their careers. Seeing someone progress, gain new skills, and open doors to opportunities is incredibly rewarding, and that’s what drives me to do what I do every day.

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had doing your current role?

One of the most rewarding experiences was working with a learner who faced significant mental health challenges and, from day one, believed she wouldn’t be able to pass her EPA interview. It took consistent support, confidence-building, and navigating many ups and downs throughout her apprenticeship.

Watching her grow in resilience and skill—and ultimately achieve a distinction—was an incredible reminder of why I do this job. Seeing that transformation was truly inspiring.

Whilst it might be hard to remember a time when you weren’t dedicating your life to the BPP Education Group, please tell us about the most interesting job you have had? 

Before joining BPP, I ran my own business as a personal trainer for many years. I’ve always believed in the principle that “we are what we eat”—though I’ll admit, I’ve had my fair share of cheat days!

What really inspired me was the journey: watching someone transform, whether it was through weight loss or building strength. Interestingly, that principle is exactly the same in education. Supporting learners through challenges and seeing them achieve their goals—whether it’s a fitness milestone or earning a distinction—brings the same sense of pride and fulfillment.

Different tools, same mission: helping people reach their potential and thankfully, no burpees required in apprenticeships.

What would be your ultimate meal? 

I have a real taste for Persian cuisine—it’s full of rich flavors and vibrant spices. But with friends and family in Morocco and Israel, my dream meal would be a mix of all three: Moroccan tagine, Israeli salads, and Persian saffron rice with crispy tahdig.

Basically, if it involves saffron, slow-cooked lamb, and a table big enough for everyone, I’m happy. Just don’t ask me to choose between tahdig and fresh pita—that’s a decision I’m not prepared to make.

What’s your favourite TV show or movie of all time? 

I had to think about this one, but as I grew up, I really enjoyed reading fantasy books. So, I’d have to say the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The storytelling, the world-building, and the epic journey really stuck with me—and it stayed very true to the original books, which I appreciate. I’m just not a fan of those Hollywood over-produced movies that lose the heart of the story. Lord of the Rings got it right.

If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you pick and why? 

Honestly, I’ve been subjected to plenty of reality TV thanks to my partner—while she sits like a potato enjoying every episode! If I had to choose, I’d probably go for something like The Apprentice (fitting, right?) because at least it’s about skills, strategy, and a bit of business sense. Plus, I’d rather negotiate a deal than eat bugs in the jungle!

If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job? 

That’s a tough one—and a really powerful question because it made me stop and think. Back in my heyday, I wanted to be a DJ, and I’m definitely not materialistic enough to aim for something like being a footballer.

These days, I think I’d love to be a dog trainer. It’s not just about helping the dog—it’s about helping the family too, creating harmony and understanding. Plus, the loyalty you get from a pet is something truly special. Knowing you’re building that bond and improving lives on both ends of the lead would be incredibly rewarding. And the bonus? I’d get to spend most of my time outdoors.

What do you like to do with your weekends? 

I’m quite active and have an energetic dog, so I really enjoy spending time outdoors. Working from home makes getting outside my release—it’s a great way to reset after a busy week. My dog doesn’t always agree, though; she’s not the most sociable with other dogs, so every walk feels like a diplomatic mission! Still, fresh air and open spaces are my go-to for a perfect weekend.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done was solo traveling to Africa to help build wells in villages and teach maths and English to young people in schools. It was challenging, rewarding, and completely life-changing.

Come to think of it, teaching English back then isn’t too dissimilar to what I do now—supporting people on their learning journey and helping them unlock opportunities. Different setting, same purpose: trying to make a positive impact, that pretty much sums me up.