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Staff Profiles

"Why I love working at Warrington & Vale Royal College"

College values video thumbnail

What our new staff have to say about us!

I feel supported by my managers. Even after just 3 months I feel that I have got to know people, systems and processes.”
The HR team were very responsive and supportive.”
Everyone at the college has been so welcoming and friendly - I feel like I can go to anyone if I have any questions."

Meet our staff

Andy Atkin Director Apprenticeships
Nicola Voos
Ben Brady Assistant Director

Andy Atkin, Director of Quality - STEM & Apprenticeship Delivery

"I joined the college in 2014 as a lecturer and was promoted to Curriculum Manager in 2016 and then to Director in 2020.

My current job entails providing senior leadership in my Curriculum & Apprenticeship team areas, managing an Assistant Director and a number of Curriculum Managers, developing a career-led curriculum to meet students’ and employers’ needs, working on external projects, meeting with employers, attending meetings and training, mentoring staff, completing quality-led activities, and assisting with recruitment for both students and staff.

I am currently studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership. The programme provides valuable leadership and management training, and development opportunities. Prior to joining the college, I was a bricklayer and junior site manager for 15 years, working in domestic, housing, and commercial sectors. I completed my PTLLS teaching qualification (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector), and then progressed on to do my Certificate in Education, during which time I volunteered at Accrington and Rossendale College.

I get a great sense of pride from my students and staff achievements. I joined the teaching profession so I could pass on my skills to the future generations. The college provides a good work-life balance, with excellent benefits, which includes a generous annual leave entitlement, competitive salaries, access to a free gym and free on-site parking. I love working at the college and aspire to work towards an executive management role."

Nicola Voos, Lecturer in Health & Social Care

“I joined the college in 2021. I have 20 years’ experience of working at Manchester Children's Hospital as a Health Play Specialist in areas such as medical and surgical wards, the high dependency unit, the burns unit, neurology ward and the radiology department. During this time, I also acted as a specialist lecturer at Salford University and The University of Cumbria providing a session to student nurses and student radiographers as part of the pediatric unit, teaching them communication skills and how to use therapeutic and specialised play with children and young people.

I am honoured to be a part of our students’ journey; each day brings a variety of conversations and teaching / learning activities. Students start their journey at the college and blossom from individuals that have an aim for their future and by the end of the course one step closer to their dream career, whether it be going into full time employment, doing a higher apprenticeship, or going to university.”

Ben Brady, Director for Curriculum and Quality

"Within my role at the college, I support a wide span of curriculum managers and teams in Art and Design, Performing Arts, Games, Media, E-Sports, Graphics, IT, English and Maths. My main focus is to committing to a strong and consistent learning experience across college whilst ensuring that the college stays abreast of new and emerging trends in further education.

A typical week will see me attending meetings both internally and externally, attending external events to inform strategic planning and development, supporting curriculum managers in 1-1 sessions, meeting with parents and external stakeholders, overseeing the quality of teaching and learning, timetabling, monitoring attendance, student progress, retention and achievement, and teaching. Each day is incredibly varied, and it is important to remain responsive to issues as and when they arise. I also took on the role of staff governor in 2023, which enables me to review college governance and strategic direction from a staff perspective, helping to iron out potential issues and shaping the future direction of the college.

I studied GCSEs and A Levels, and then completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Mid Cheshire College. From here I achieved a first-class BA Honours degree in Fine Art at Liverpool Hope University, followed by a PGCE in Further and Higher Education with Manchester Metropolitan University. To further deepen my knowledge of Fine Art I completed a Post Graduate qualification in Fine Art at the University of Chester.

The journey to my current position included me being curriculum manager of the Art department since 2016, before progressing to senior Curriculum Manager in 2022 and then onto Assistant Director, before being appointed to Director of Curriculum and Quality in August 2023. Prior to this I was an Art and Design Lecturer since 2007, having worked as an Associate Lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Chester, and then an Art and Design Lecturer at Mid Cheshire College and Warrington and Vale Royal College

I love working at the college as each day throws up new challenges. It is incredibly rewarding to see students develop their skills, confidence and knowledge during their time in education, and to witness their positive destinations. It is also incredibly rewarding to be outward looking, embracing best practice and innovation in order to further strengthen our provision across college. There is a strong support network at the college, where we all help each other to achieve a common goal, supporting students to reach their full potential.

My ambition is to support the college on its journey to outstanding. I also wish to continue on my own professional journey within the senior leadership team, putting my extensive further education experience into practice in an ever-changing climate."

Amy Yorke Resized
Chris Percival
Nicola Thorpe
Nicola Thorpe, Quality Practitioner

Amy Yorke, Business & Partnerships Manager: HSCA

“I joined the college in 2010, first as a teacher for 9 years and then progressing onto Curriculum Manager of Health & Social Care and Access to HE, before now working as a Business Centre Manager.

Before to working at the college, I achieved a degree in Psychology, followed by a PGCE in Further Education and a master’s in education. I really enjoy the diversity of my current role and working with current stakeholders, which is important for the college values of working and collaborating with others. I enjoy supporting the students with enhancement and employment opportunities and supporting the local workforce.”

Chris Percival, Lecturer in Sport

"I joined the college in July 2020 as a full time Lecturer in Sport; I am also head football coach of the college football team.

My background, before joining the college, was in coaching, mainly in the football industry, in the community and professional Academy sectors. I am a fully qualified teacher, with a first-class honours degree in sports coaching, and the FA level three (UEFA B) coaching qualification in the sport of football. I also have experience of running a coaching business, and have worked with OPTA Sports, Manchester City FC, Wigan Athletic FC and more recently Bolton Wanders FC.

I enjoy working at the college as I am passionate about ‘putting our students and customers first’. Since joining the college, I have developed new partnership links within the sports curriculum to provide our students with opportunities to work in, and contribute to, the wider community. I have developed links with Warrington Schools Partnerships, Livewire Orford Jubilee, Warrington Wolves Foundation, England Swimming, Cheshire Cricket, England FA and LTA Tennis; this has had a positive impact on our students as it has provided them with experience within the community, and voluntary and part time opportunities within these organisations. This has provided career opportunities for our students in sports coaching, the NHS, swimming teaching and lifeguarding, teaching and leisure."

Nicola Thorpe, Quality Practitioner

“I am currently the Quality Practitioner at the college and work as a part of the Quality Department ensuring that the teaching, learning and assessment across the college is of a high standard and quality.

I went to university and obtained a Primary Education degree and worked as a Primary school teacher in a variety of Primary Schools for 4 years. I began working at the college in 2009 and was a Childcare and Health and Social Care tutor within the college's Health and Social Care department. I loved teaching and enjoyed supporting all of my students to achieve their goals, but in February of 2021 when a role within the Quality department came up, I fancied a new challenge.

I love working at the college and being a par of the college community. The college is a fantastic place to work, and I always feel supported by the staff I work with and the staff around me. One of the of the college values is that we pursue excellence in all that we do, and the college enables me to do this by providing me with the support, time and encouragement to also work to my full potential. Since starting in the college in 2009 I have been able to develop my confidence and resilience, and this has been down to the support that I have received from my managers and colleagues. I truly can't imagine working anywhere else, I love it!”

Camron Guttridge Resized 2023 10 23 104620 yuoo
Patrick Veale
Nicola Jayne Wells 2023 10 27 102425 xrfa

Camron Guttridge, Learning Technologist

"I joined the college in August 2021 as the Learning Technologist. In my role at the college I support and train both staff and students with anything to do with digital technology. So, if anyone needs help with their devices or any of the college systems, I am there to help.

Prior to joining the college, I worked as a content editor, and a digital media assistant at De Montfort University, whilst completing my Film Studies degree there.

Choosing to work at the college has without doubt become one of the easiest decisions of my life. One of our college values is that ‘we put our students and customers first’. Being able to work in partnership with other dedicated people who really care about their work and the students they educate is an absolute pleasure."

Patrick Veale, MIS Systems Support Officer

"I joined the college in April 2006, and my current role is MIS Systems Support Officer. In this role I maintain and support our college systems (ProMonitor, EBS), and write and run data reports for departments across the college.

After briefly working as a Telecoms Engineer, I completed a degree in Computer Science, and joined the college as an IT Support Advisor, helping the students in the Learning Resource Centre. The role evolved over time as I supported different software, and this led me to moving to the MIS Development Team, working with the various college systems.

The college recognises that ‘people are our greatest asset’; I love the immediate team that I work with, and how we help and support each other. We also work well with the other teams in MIS, and other departments across the college."

Nicky Wells, Lecturer & Assessor in Marketing

Nicky Wells, our Multi-Channel Marketing lecturer and assessor, boasts an extensive background in the digital industry. With years of experience in the media sector and freelancing, Nicky is now committed to shaping the next generation of marketers.

Nicky is passionate about leveraging her expertise to educate our students. She exposes them to real-life scenarios and hands-on experiences to prepare them for thechallenges they may encounter in the workforce. "At the college, everyone is supportive, sharing the same goal of ensuring our students' success."

Andy Atkin Director Apprenticeships

Andy Atkin, Director of Quality - STEM & Apprenticeship Delivery

"I joined the college in 2014 as a lecturer and was promoted to Curriculum Manager in 2016 and then to Director in 2020.

My current job entails providing senior leadership in my Curriculum & Apprenticeship team areas, managing an Assistant Director and a number of Curriculum Managers, developing a career-led curriculum to meet students’ and employers’ needs, working on external projects, meeting with employers, attending meetings and training, mentoring staff, completing quality-led activities, and assisting with recruitment for both students and staff.

I am currently studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership. The programme provides valuable leadership and management training, and development opportunities. Prior to joining the college, I was a bricklayer and junior site manager for 15 years, working in domestic, housing, and commercial sectors. I completed my PTLLS teaching qualification (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector), and then progressed on to do my Certificate in Education, during which time I volunteered at Accrington and Rossendale College.

I get a great sense of pride from my students and staff achievements. I joined the teaching profession so I could pass on my skills to the future generations. The college provides a good work-life balance, with excellent benefits, which includes a generous annual leave entitlement, competitive salaries, access to a free gym and free on-site parking. I love working at the college and aspire to work towards an executive management role."

Nicola Voos

Nicola Voos, Lecturer in Health & Social Care

“I joined the college in 2021. I have 20 years’ experience of working at Manchester Children's Hospital as a Health Play Specialist in areas such as medical and surgical wards, the high dependency unit, the burns unit, neurology ward and the radiology department. During this time, I also acted as a specialist lecturer at Salford University and The University of Cumbria providing a session to student nurses and student radiographers as part of the pediatric unit, teaching them communication skills and how to use therapeutic and specialised play with children and young people.

I am honoured to be a part of our students’ journey; each day brings a variety of conversations and teaching / learning activities. Students start their journey at the college and blossom from individuals that have an aim for their future and by the end of the course one step closer to their dream career, whether it be going into full time employment, doing a higher apprenticeship, or going to university.”

Ben Brady Assistant Director

Ben Brady, Director for Curriculum and Quality

"Within my role at the college, I support a wide span of curriculum managers and teams in Art and Design, Performing Arts, Games, Media, E-Sports, Graphics, IT, English and Maths. My main focus is to committing to a strong and consistent learning experience across college whilst ensuring that the college stays abreast of new and emerging trends in further education.

A typical week will see me attending meetings both internally and externally, attending external events to inform strategic planning and development, supporting curriculum managers in 1-1 sessions, meeting with parents and external stakeholders, overseeing the quality of teaching and learning, timetabling, monitoring attendance, student progress, retention and achievement, and teaching. Each day is incredibly varied, and it is important to remain responsive to issues as and when they arise. I also took on the role of staff governor in 2023, which enables me to review college governance and strategic direction from a staff perspective, helping to iron out potential issues and shaping the future direction of the college.

I studied GCSEs and A Levels, and then completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Mid Cheshire College. From here I achieved a first-class BA Honours degree in Fine Art at Liverpool Hope University, followed by a PGCE in Further and Higher Education with Manchester Metropolitan University. To further deepen my knowledge of Fine Art I completed a Post Graduate qualification in Fine Art at the University of Chester.

The journey to my current position included me being curriculum manager of the Art department since 2016, before progressing to senior Curriculum Manager in 2022 and then onto Assistant Director, before being appointed to Director of Curriculum and Quality in August 2023. Prior to this I was an Art and Design Lecturer since 2007, having worked as an Associate Lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Chester, and then an Art and Design Lecturer at Mid Cheshire College and Warrington and Vale Royal College

I love working at the college as each day throws up new challenges. It is incredibly rewarding to see students develop their skills, confidence and knowledge during their time in education, and to witness their positive destinations. It is also incredibly rewarding to be outward looking, embracing best practice and innovation in order to further strengthen our provision across college. There is a strong support network at the college, where we all help each other to achieve a common goal, supporting students to reach their full potential.

My ambition is to support the college on its journey to outstanding. I also wish to continue on my own professional journey within the senior leadership team, putting my extensive further education experience into practice in an ever-changing climate."

Amy Yorke Resized

Amy Yorke, Buisness Centre Manager: HSCA

“I joined the college in 2010, first as a teacher for 9 years and then progressing onto Curriculum Manager of Health & Social Care and Access to HE, before now working as a Business Centre Manager.

Before to working at the college, I achieved a degree in Psychology, followed by a PGCE in Further Education and a master’s in education. I really enjoy the diversity of my current role and working with current stakeholders, which is important for the college values of working and collaborating with others. I enjoy supporting the students with enhancement and employment opportunities and supporting the local workforce.”

Chris Percival

Chris Percival, Lecturer in Sport

"I joined the college in July 2020 as a full time Lecturer in Sport; I am also head football coach of the college football team.

My background, before joining the college, was in coaching, mainly in the football industry, in the community and professional Academy sectors. I am a fully qualified teacher, with a first-class honours degree in sports coaching, and the FA level three (UEFA B) coaching qualification in the sport of football. I also have experience of running a coaching business, and have worked with OPTA Sports, Manchester City FC, Wigan Athletic FC and more recently Bolton Wanders FC.

I enjoy working at the college as I am passionate about ‘putting our students and customers first’. Since joining the college, I have developed new partnership links within the sports curriculum to provide our students with opportunities to work in, and contribute to, the wider community. I have developed links with Warrington Schools Partnerships, Livewire Orford Jubilee, Warrington Wolves Foundation, England Swimming, Cheshire Cricket, England FA and LTA Tennis; this has had a positive impact on our students as it has provided them with experience within the community, and voluntary and part time opportunities within these organisations. This has provided career opportunities for our students in sports coaching, the NHS, swimming teaching and lifeguarding, teaching and leisure."

Camron Guttridge Resized 2023 10 23 104620 yuoo

Camron Guttridge, Learning Technologist

"I joined the college in August 2021 as the Learning Technologist. In my role at the college I support and train both staff and students with anything to do with digital technology. So, if anyone needs help with their devices or any of the college systems, I am there to help.

Prior to joining the college, I worked as a content editor, and a digital media assistant at De Montfort University, whilst completing my Film Studies degree there.

Choosing to work at the college has without doubt become one of the easiest decisions of my life. One of our college values is that ‘we put our students and customers first’. Being able to work in partnership with other dedicated people who really care about their work and the students they educate is an absolute pleasure."

Nicola Thorpe

Nicola Thorpe, Quality Practitioner

“I am currently the Quality Practitioner at the college and work as a part of the Quality Department ensuring that the teaching, learning and assessment across the college is of a high standard and quality.

I went to university and obtained a Primary Education degree and worked as a Primary school teacher in a variety of Primary Schools for 4 years. I began working at the college in 2009 and was a Childcare and Health and Social Care tutor within the college's Health and Social Care department. I loved teaching and enjoyed supporting all of my students to achieve their goals, but in February of 2021 when a role within the Quality department came up, I fancied a new challenge.

I love working at the college and being a par of the college community. The college is a fantastic place to work, and I always feel supported by the staff I work with and the staff around me. One of the of the college values is that we pursue excellence in all that we do, and the college enables me to do this by providing me with the support, time and encouragement to also work to my full potential. Since starting in the college in 2009 I have been able to develop my confidence and resilience, and this has been down to the support that I have received from my managers and colleagues. I truly can't imagine working anywhere else, I love it!”

Patrick Veale

Patrick Veale, MIS Systems Support Officer

"I joined the college in April 2006, and my current role is MIS Systems Support Officer. In this role I maintain and support our college systems (ProMonitor, EBS), and write and run data reports for departments across the college.

After briefly working as a Telecoms Engineer, I completed a degree in Computer Science, and joined the college as an IT Support Advisor, helping the students in the Learning Resource Centre. The role evolved over time as I supported different software, and this led me to moving to the MIS Development Team, working with the various college systems.

The college recognises that ‘people are our greatest asset’; I love the immediate team that I work with, and how we help and support each other. We also work well with the other teams in MIS, and other departments across the college."

Nicola Jayne Wells 2023 10 27 102425 xrfa

Nicky Wells, Lecturer & Assessor in Marketing

Nicky Wells, our Multi-Channel Marketing lecturer and assessor, boasts an extensive background in the digital industry. With years of experience in the media sector and freelancing, Nicky is now committed to shaping the next generation of marketers.

Nicky is passionate about leveraging her expertise to educate our students. She exposes them to real-life scenarios and hands-on experiences to prepare them for thechallenges they may encounter in the workforce. "At the college, everyone is supportive, sharing the same goal of ensuring our students' success."