New VTCT CEO pledges to develop employer-led education

The Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT)’s new chief executive has promised to develop more bespoke qualifications that meet the needs of employers when he takes on the role next year. 

Alan Woods OBE has been appointed to succeed Dr Stephen Vickers as VTCT chief executive from January 1, 2016.

Woods has been with University of Law (ULaw) for the past 18 months, developing new apprenticeship schemes and partnerships with further education and sixth form colleges.

Prior to that he was group chief executive of Skills for Justice, a Sector Skills Council licensed by the Government to work with employers on skills and apprenticeships. From January, he will lead VTCT, a Government-approved awarding organisation that develops vocational qualifications for discilines including beauty therapy, complementary therapy, hairdressing and hospitality.

VTCT chair Chris Laws said: "Alan's appointment is a key next stage for us as we engage with new employers and potential partners.”

Woods added: “I am particularly looking forward to leading, with a great set of staff colleagues at VTCT, on new areas of work including online assessments; working with employers to engage with new, higher and more bespoke qualifications; new partnerships with education providers and centres to develop outstanding technical centres of excellence, particularly within hair and beauty therapy, and to support the ambition of our employers to support the apprenticeship revolution that is sweeping the UK.”