Portal

With more than 25 years of dedicated experience in Work Based Learning, Andrea offers invaluable expertise in all aspects of apprenticeships including performance and quality. Her long-standing presence in the sector speaks volumes about her dedication and insight which includes working as a qualified EQA and being a member of the CIPD.

Since joining Portal in 2017, Cate has drawn on her diverse education-related experience, progressing from Leadership Assessor to Leadership IQA. She is currently completing a coaching qualification. Her background includes roles as a Youth Worker, Marketing Assistant for the Welsh Oxford Reading Tree scheme, Secondary History and Sociology teacher, Primary Welsh teacher, and Advisory Teacher for Early Years in Wrexham.

Elfed joined Portal in 2018, bringing with him a wealth of leadership experience from his time as Headteacher for 15 years at primary schools across Carmarthenshire. A passionate advocate for educational excellence, Elfed is also a trained ESTYN Peer Inspector - adding a sharp eye for quality assurance and best practice to the team as management assessor and TAQA qualified IQA.

Jonathan brings over 15 years of experience in the education sector, spanning secondary education, adult learning, and work-based learning. With a PGCE and a master’s in graphic communication, he has held leadership roles as at Caerphilly Borough General Education and Coleg Gwent and has contributed to Welsh Government project work. At Portal, Jonathan continues to strengthen his expertise through line management responsibilities.

Melissa boasts a remarkable career spanning over 20 years within education , encompassing HE, FE, and Work Based Learning. With a degree Business and Management as a foundation, Melissa has seamlessly transitioned into various management roles, including HE Curriculum Co-Ordinator, Programme Manager, and Module Leader. Melissa has also earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Education, further enriching her expertise, and understanding of educational principles.

Pauline brings extensive experience in Work-Based Learning, underpinned by a diverse career across education, retail, and operations management. A qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), she’s committed to upholding excellence in learning and assessment. Having successfully completed her Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring qualification, now working on her Level 7 ILM, Pauline continues to build on her passion for supporting others to grow and succeed.

With a background in sport, Jake brings hands-on experience from the world of coaching, performance analysis, and small business management. His career journey has blended practical expertise with a strong focus on development and performance. Backed by an ILM Level 5 qualification, Jake combines analytical thinking and leadership skills to support learners in achieving their full potential.

Professional Experience Ysgol Gyfun Y Cymer. Football Coaching and Performance at University of Glamorgan. Cardiff City FC Foundation. Life Outside Portal “I enjoy spending time with the family, walking the dog, holidays abroad, watching and playing sports (football) and playing poker.” What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? “Failure is a bruise not a tattoo.”

Elan brings extensive leadership experience from Welsh-medium education, having progressed from Assistant Head of Literacy at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron to Deputy Head at Ysgol Gymraeg Penweddig. She also served as Principal of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, and now brings her passion for learning and strategic leadership to her role at Portal, supporting the development of others across the education sector.

With a strong foundation in language and communication, Deborah has built a dynamic career across both education and business. From delivering impactful sessions as a Welsh Language Lecturer to driving strategy as a Welsh Language Development Coordinator, she has championed the Welsh language throughout. Now at Portal, Deborah blends her educational expertise and commercial knowledge to mentor learners and promote bilingualism in the workplace.

Professional Experience

Graduated from Bangor University with a Law Degree LLB in 2011. Joined HSBC after graduating becoming a branch manager after five years and doing several managerial roles over the 11 years with the bank.

Life Outside Portal

“I have two dogs, a Malamute husky cross called Nala and a Springador called Coco. In my spare time I enjoy taking the dogs out and spending time with my family and friends.”

What would be your theme song?

“If I had a theme song it would be ‘You are never fully dressed without a smile’ from the musical Annie.”

George draws on a diverse leadership background, from managing a busy play centre and café to a major COVID‑19 test site, he now uses his skills to mentor emerging leaders within his role. With hands‑on experience and a passion for coaching, George equips learners with the confidence and skills to succeed and manage effectively.

Sian joined Portal in January 2023, bringing 11 years of leadership and performance management experience from her time at TUI. Her strengths in coaching and team development align perfectly with her role supporting future managers. With a BA in Ceramics from UWIC, she brings a creative edge to her professional approach.

Dania boasts over 20 years of invaluable experience in Work Based Learning, demonstrating proficiency across various roles. Her journey includes positions as an Assessor, Operations Manager, and now Compliance & Conformance Manager, where she has consistently excelled in driving operational excellence.

With over 18 years of experience in the Work-Based Learning sector and an additional 15 years in auditing and compliance, Sam brings a wealth of expertise and insight to her role at Portal. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, and as a graduate of multiple Apprenticeships herself, Sam is deeply committed to empowering individuals through skills development and career progression.

Keane's professional journey is marked by both academic achievement and sporting excellence as a current dedicated semi-professional footballer for Goytre United and formerly Llanelli Town. Alongside this, Keane has completed his Level 3 qualification in Business Administration and is currently learning to speak Welsh, demonstrating a unique blend of skills and drive, allowing him to thrive in his role at Portal.

Achieving 10 GCSEs (A-C) and 2 A-Levels (A-C), Thomas brings 8 years of valuable administrative experience from his time within the Civil Service at MOJ Port Talbot. Recently completing his Level 3 Business Administration qualification, he continues to strengthen his skills and is a well-rounded asset to the Quality team.

A driving force at Portal since 2010, Gwawr transitioned from 15+ years in secondary leadership, to a dynamic leader as Managing Director. Driven by her passion for educational excellence, Gwawr is committed to facilitating improvement across all teaching domains, catering to learners of diverse abilities. Her vision for Portal is to ensure equal quality of training provision in both English and Welsh, fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all learners.

From shaping young learners in Germany's Service Schools to leading a London Foundation Phase, Jan's diverse skillset has allowed her to drive excellence as Director of Quality. Her experience in assessing, ensuring quality, and delivering impactful training within Public Services underpins her commitment to maintaining exceptional standards within Portal.

From apprentice at 16 to FE Lecturer at 23, Clare's journey showcases a story of rapid growth and determination within the Work Based Learning sector. With over a decade spent leading apprenticeships and now directing operations, her experience and drive are undeniable – all before turning 34!

Building a solid foundation in Accounting and Finance and completing her AAT qualifications through ACT Training, Sue brings a robust financial skillset to the team. Her previous experience as an Area Manager for a marketing company and her recent completion of the ILM Level 5 adds a valuable layer of strategic thinking and results-driven focus to her financial management.

Driving talent development and well-being initiatives as a People and Development Manager, Sarah's professional journey includes impactful roles as Learning and Development Manager and People and Development Officer, built upon a strong foundation in HR, quality assurance, and assessment. She brings a holistic approach to cultivating a thriving workforce at Portal.

A dedicated professional with a strong foundation in Further Education, including experience working with partnership schools, higher education institutions, and universities. Alison holds a BA (Hons) in Education & Training and a Teaching Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education. Her journey includes shaping the future of Hair & Beauty Therapies as Head of School, culminating in strategic leadership as a Faculty Director, where she managed diverse delivery routes and business objectives. Her expertise is underpinned by an MA in Leadership & Management.

Marking a decade of dedication at Portal, Dawn has been a cornerstone of work-based learning since 1996. Her extensive experience spans assessing and verifying qualifications in Retail, Customer Service, Business Admin, and Management, coupled with valuable insights gained from both Quality and Operational roles.

Bringing over 20 years of cross-sector leadership and management expertise to Portal, Jo has dedicated 15 years of her career to the Education and Training landscape.

Joining Portal in 2019, Josh's 15 years in various UK training providers have equipped him with a broad understanding of work-based learning, ranging from management to sports. His leadership skills are further honed by his volunteer work coaching youth and managing a senior football team in Cardiff.

With 16 years’ experience in work-based learning, Kim is a qualified Assessor and IQA, with Lead IQA experience across Management, Business Administration, Digital Learning Design, and Essential Skills. Kim has also achieved her ILM Level 7 Leadership and Management qualification, further strengthening her skills and expertise.

For over 20 years, Phil has built a successful career in the Work-Based Learning sector, thriving in both Assessor and Business Development roles. His strategic mindset, shaped by a BSc in Information & Communication Management from the University of Northumbria, perfectly positions him as Portal’s Business Relations Lead, where he drives meaningful partnerships and supports growth through strong industry connections.

A seasoned Work-Based Learning professional since 2002, Shawn brings a wealth of experience across Assessor and Business Development roles. His passion for growth and mentoring extends beyond the workplace - most recently recognised through his selection as a mentor for the Football Association of Wales' PAWB programme.

With a diverse background ranging from Manufacturing to Private Healthcare, Jane brings valuable customer service experience to the team. Having transitioned into the training sector in a receptionist role, Jane has since developed a strong skill set in admin and sales, supporting both learners and teams with efficiency and professionalism.