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. 

Louise has been with TICA for 13 years, beginning her career in August 2012 as a Business Administration Apprentice. Since then, she has progressed through a range of roles including Apprentice Training Administrator, Systems & Data, and Asbestos Training, before stepping into her current position as Head of Compliance in 2024.

She oversees compliance across a wide range of areas, including apprenticeship funding rules, skill card schemes, CITB ATO requirements and membership compliance. With experience across multiple departments, Louise brings a well-rounded understanding of how the organisation connects, supporting teams with clear guidance on regulatory processes and standards. She enjoys the variety and challenge of the role and values being a trusted point of contact for compliance queries.

Outside of work, Louise is very family-oriented and enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She also likes to unwind with a good book and is a keen LEGO builder, particularly the Botanical Collection and F1 cars, reflecting her interest in Formula 1. Earlier in her career, she worked as a hairdresser, and she can also knit and crochet.

Alex joined TICA in 2024 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.

Kev joined TICA in 2013 and leads on curriculum planning, quality and operational delivery. His role involves supporting staff and learners, managing curriculum standards and working closely with employers to ensure training remains relevant and high quality.

With 15 years of prior experience in insulation application and supervision, Kev combines strong technical knowledge with strategic leadership. He enjoys making a positive impact by shaping programmes that help learners succeed and supporting staff to deliver at a high standard.

Outside of work, Kev enjoys riding his motorcycle, particularly in the summer when longer days give him the chance to unwind and explore.

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.

Blake joined TICA in May 2026 as Head of Education and Skills. In his role, he is focused on understanding the wider business, supporting the development of training provision, and helping ensure TICA continues to meet the changing needs of employers and the industry. His days currently involve discussions with colleagues, meetings across the organisation, and reviewing operational and training data.

He brings a wealth of experience in developing training companies and supporting employers through skills development, strategy, and business growth. Blake also has strong knowledge of the Department for Education and OFSTED, helping align training delivery with industry and workforce needs.

Outside of work, Blake has a strong passion for music and DJs both in the UK and Portugal. He also enjoys spending time with his family and is already teaching his seven-year-old daughter how to DJ, while hoping his youngest daughter will eventually follow in her sister’s footsteps once she gets through the teething stage.

Liz joined TICA in 2018 and is a key part of the busy delivery team. She supports the induction process for apprentices, helping to organise sessions, collate materials and ensure all information is accurately recorded across the relevant systems.

She also liaises with employers and learners regarding accommodation, timetables and attendance, carrying out a wide range of tasks to help the apprenticeship experience run smoothly. Liz enjoys supporting both colleagues and learners by providing high-level administrative support that keeps everything on track.

Outside of work, she likes to stay active through walking and spending time with her family. She also enjoys exploring different wines, particularly at the end of the week.

Carol joined TICA in July 2019, initially as Responsible Officer for IETTL. She now teaches Level 3 Wider Development and supports apprentices at Levels 2 and 3 with pastoral reviews and preparation for their End Point Assessment. She also contributes to quality assurance activity, including learning walks, lesson observations and delivering staff training, such as safeguarding.

Her role is varied, from 1-1 support and progress reviews to session planning, marking and feedback. Carol particularly values the flexibility of her position and the positive culture at TICA, which she feels sets it apart.

With a career in Further Education spanning back to 1987, progressing from part-time teaching to Director level, she brings extensive experience in teaching, learning and business development. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Buyer for Fenwick in Newcastle and York.

Outside of work, Carol enjoys walking in Northumberland and the Lake District, going to the gym and swimming. She loves cooking, especially spicy food, listening to music and reading. A fun fact: she could drive a car at eleven years old, although that is a long story.

Sophie joined TICA in 2023 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.