Helen joined TICA in August 2022 and works across both TICA and ACAD, leading on learning, quality and overall site management. She sits on various boards, oversees staff recruitment and plays a key role in maintaining high standards across apprenticeship programmes and training initiatives, ensuring everything delivered is of genuine value to learners and the wider industry.

No two days are the same. From strategic oversight to operational leadership, Helen focuses on quality, consistency and continuous improvement. She particularly values the variety of the role and the opportunity to see the direct impact of the organisation’s work across two specialist sectors. She believes strongly in TICA’s culture of collaboration and shared purpose.

With a background in Further Education as both a teacher and senior manager, Helen brings extensive experience in curriculum, leadership and quality assurance. She is driven, passionate and focused on delivering results, with a strong work ethic that underpins her approach.

Outside of work, she keeps active and enjoys travelling with her partner and daughter whenever possible. She is also a trained yoga teacher and once played violin at the Albert Hall as part of a school orchestra.

Since joining TICA in October 2018, Dan has overseen the delivery of the Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, leading a team of Assessors and supporting apprentices throughout their training journey.

He focuses on planning, scheduling and maintaining high delivery standards, guiding Level 3 apprentices through their projects and preparing all learners for their End Point Assessments. With hands-on experience as a Rope Access Insulator, he brings strong practical knowledge and advanced fabrication skills to the workshop.

Outside of work, Dan is most proud of being a dad and spends his spare time exploring new places and experiences with his children. Earlier in his career, he managed a scuba diving centre in Thailand, leading trips around Koh Phangan after travelling through India and working in South Africa.

Gareth is approaching two years with TICA, working as an Assessor across both the workshop and classroom. His role includes teaching, supporting learners on practical tasks and marking work to ensure standards are met.

He is passionate about helping apprentices become the best version of themselves as skilled insulators. With experience both teaching and working on site in a range of roles, Gareth brings valuable industry knowledge and real-world insight to the training environment.

Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym, DJing and spending time with his family. Earlier in his career, he travelled extensively, visiting 25 countries, worked as a fully trained bodyguard and has had some extraordinary experiences overseas.

Alex has been with TICA for 18 months and no two days look the same. One minute he could be invigilating exams, the next supporting apprentices with IT systems, all while keeping the workshop safe, organised and running smoothly. He also oversees site IT, ensuring devices are up to date and compliant with Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.

With a degree in IT and experience in team management, Alex brings strong technical knowledge and a practical approach to keeping both systems and apprentices in check. He enjoys the variety of the role, as it never becomes monotonous.

Outside of work, he’s into PC building and modding, all for the end goal of playing The Sims.

Lynne has been with TICA for 19 years, reaching 20 this January. She works closely with the delivery team, overseeing the apprenticeship journey from recruitment through to End Point Assessment. As Designated Safeguarding Lead, she supports learners throughout their training and coordinates school and college taster events to raise awareness of the trade and encourage new apprentices into the industry.

Her days are varied but always begin with a cup of vanilla chai tea. From preparing inductions and liaising with employers to supporting learners and ensuring compliance with current DfE requirements alongside her colleague Liz, Lynne plays a key role in keeping everything on track. A natural people person and excellent listener, she brings empathy and energy to both apprentices and the wider team.

Outside of work, Lynne loves good food, dancing and performing on stage. She has a passion for vintage fashion, particularly 1950s dresses and quirky shoes, and enjoys geocaching as her slightly geeky guilty pleasure. Winter is her favourite time of year, especially Christmas, complete with a different festive outfit for every day in December and cosy evenings with her two springer spaniels.

Sophie has been with TICA for two years and delivers Wider Development and Functional Skills sessions to apprentices. She also works alongside Lynne, Liz, Carol and Nicola as part of the wellbeing team, supporting learners throughout their apprenticeship journey.

Her day typically begins with a Wider Development session, followed by Functional Skills teaching and afternoon 1-1s with learners. She also books trips and visitors, and marks work to ensure learners stay on track. Sophie enjoys the variety of her role and values the opportunity to get to know learners individually, helping to identify how best to support them both personally and professionally.

A qualified teacher, she holds a Level 3 Assessor Award, Level 3 in Education and Training, Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties and a BA in Children, Young People and Families. She brings organisation, empathy and a supportive approach to the team.

Outside of work, Sophie loves spending time outdoors with her daughter, exploring and splashing in muddy puddles. She also enjoys getting lost in a good book. Autumn is her favourite season, with crisp air, changing leaves and cosy evenings with hot chocolate and a good read.

Nicola joined TICA eight months ago as an Apprenticeship Quality Coach. She completes reviews with every learner, helping them monitor progress, set targets and achieve their goals throughout their apprenticeship.

She spends much of her time speaking with apprentices and employers, discussing next steps and supporting learners to move forward with confidence. Nicola particularly enjoys celebrating learners’ progression and success, while helping them overcome any barriers along the way.

With 20 years’ experience working in education, including with SEN learners, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a consistently positive mindset to the team.

Outside of work, she enjoys walking and spending time with her family. She describes herself as an open book, wearing her heart on her sleeve, and you will often hear her laugh before you see her. Autumn is her favourite season, especially watching the trees change and listening to the rain.

Chris has been with TICA for four years as Technical Director. There is no typical day in his role, with his time fairly evenly split between being out and about meeting people and working at his desk.

He particularly enjoys promoting the great work the thermal insulation industry does to wider stakeholders across construction, and collaborating with TICA members and partners to improve standards throughout the sector.

With 15 years’ experience in thermal insulation and over 25 years across the wider construction and energy sectors, Chris brings a broad perspective and a collaborative approach that benefits both members and the industry as a whole.

Outside of work, he enjoys reading and cooking, plays guitar to what he describes as a mediocre level, and occasionally attempts a bit of songwriting. He is also a long-suffering Wolves supporter.

Jenny has been with TICA for 17 years and serves as Finance & Administration Manager, overseeing key operational and financial functions that support the smooth running of the organisation.

Her role is dynamic, with no two days the same. She thrives on data analysis and problem-solving, bringing a strong understanding of operational processes, compliance and financial accuracy. Jenny is passionate about supporting her team and ensuring finance and administration contribute effectively to the wider organisation.

Outside of work, she enjoys baking and is an enthusiastic supporter of water polo. She is also trained to Grade 6 in ballet, although she admits she may not be ready to perform these days. 

Jill has been with TICA for nearly three years and works across membership, communications, events and ACAD activity. Her role is varied and fast-paced, from coordinating major events and managing sponsor relationships to planning ACAD training and audits, updating CRM systems and supporting membership engagement.

No two days look the same. She works closely with colleagues, venues, sponsors and suppliers to ensure everything runs smoothly, whether that’s an Annual Lunch for 250 guests or a small visit to TICA House. Jill thrives on variation, problem solving and bringing people together, enjoying the collaboration and seeing the tangible results of a successful event or a satisfied member.

She brings strong event coordination, organisation and communication skills to the team, along with the ability to multitask and stay calm when things get busy.

Outside of work, Jill loves travelling and aims to visit at least two new countries each year, immersing herself in local food and culture. She enjoys long walks with her dog, spending time with family and friends, and working creatively with a local pub on new ideas and events. A self-confessed soft touch for animals, she has rescued everything from stray pets abroad to injured wildlife.

Nisha has been with TICA for a year and a half and works as part of the compliance team, supporting day-to-day tasks and resolving queries across the organisation. Her role involves ensuring processes are followed correctly and that issues are handled efficiently and accurately.

She enjoys the variety of new challenges each day brings, particularly when they require problem-solving and careful attention to procedure. Nisha is hardworking and focused, with a practical and process-driven approach. She combines strong communication skills with solid IT capability, enabling her to work effectively across systems and with colleagues at all levels. As a CIPD-qualified professional, she values building positive, professional relationships and contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Outside of work, Nisha enjoys dance, music and travelling.