Portal

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Work Based Learning, Andrea is a seasoned professional in the field. Holding qualifications as both an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) and an External Quality Assurer (EQA), Andrea brings a wealth of expertise and insight to her work. Her extensive tenure in the sector underscores her deep commitment and invaluable contributions to Work Based Learning.

Cate brings a diverse range of professional experiences to Portal, having served as a Primary Teacher, Secondary History & Sociology Teacher and Marketing Assistant for Drake Books.

Elfed's journey with Portal began in 2018 when he joined as a Welsh medium Management Assessor. Prior to this role, he brought a wealth of experience from his tenure as Headteacher at four different primary schools in Carmarthenshire. With a keen eye for educational excellence, Elfed is also a trained ESTYN Peer Inspector, further deepening his understanding of quality assurance and best practices in education.

Jonathan is an experienced professional with a diverse background spanning over 15 years in the education sector. His journey has taken him through various educational settings, including secondary education, adult learning, and work-based learning. Having held management positions as Lead Tutor at Caerphilly Borough General Education and Coleg Gwent, Jonathan has honed his leadership skills. Additionally, his involvement in Welsh Government project work and line management responsibilities at Portal have further enriched his professional experience and knowledge. Jonathan holds a PGCE in Secondary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Master's degree in Graphic Communication.

Melissa boasts a remarkable career spanning over 17 years within the education sector, encompassing Higher Education (HE), Further Education (FE), and Work Based Learning (WBL). With a BSc Hons degree in Business and Sustainability as a foundation, Mel has seamlessly transitioned into various management roles, including HE Curriculum Co-Ordinator, Programme Manager, and Module Leader. Mel has also earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Education, further enriching her expertise and understanding of educational principles.

Pauline brings a wealth of experience in Work Based Learning, with a background spanning various sectors including education. Her journey has seen her delve into retail and operations management, enriching her understanding of diverse work environments. As a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), Pauline demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring the quality of learning experiences. Currently pursuing Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring certification, she is dedicated to enhancing her skills in supporting and developing others.

Steve brings a diverse background in leisure and higher education to Portal, with initial career experiences spanning roles such as Manager, Lifeguard, Gym Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Multi-Sport Coach. His passion for rugby shines through as a Rugby Coach and his pursuit of a Level 3 Coaching Award makes him the perfect person to lead a team.

Professional Experience

Sports Degree. Worked in coaching, performance analysis and small business. ILM Level 5.

Life Outside Portal

“My main interest is football. I’m a Liverpool fan but have adopted Newport County as my ‘second’ team since moving to South Wales.”

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“You will never get this day back so make the most of it. I’d be lying if I said I always adhered to this, but I think it’s quite a good thing to try and live by.”

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.”

Professional Experience

Assistant Head of Literacy Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron. Deputy Head of Ysgol Gymraeg Penweddig - Learning and Teaching and Assessment. Principal of Ysgol Gyfyn Gwynllyw.

Who would be your ideal dinner party guests be?

“Owain Glyndwr –I would love to hear what fired him up to fight for Independence and what actually happened to him after he disappeared. Aneurin Bevan – what a local Welsh legend! And David Attenborough – a living legend – still influencing and informing in his 90s.”

Professional Experience: Welsh Language Lecturer. Welsh Language Development Coordinator. Account Manager. Business Development. Life Outside Portal: “My hobbies include gardening, baking and keep fit. I have cats called Moose and Meg and a dog called Nel. I’m interested in alternative medicine, wellbeing, history, and psychology.” What is the best piece of advice you have ever received: “If you truly want to change your life, you must first be willing to change your mind”

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.”

Professional Experience

Play Centre and Café General Manager
Covid Test Site Lead
Leadership Mentor

Life Outside Portal

“All Sports, All Foods, Harry Potter”

- What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

“What’s for you, never passes you by.”

Professional Experience
Joined Portal January 2023,Past 11 years working for Tui, progressed to Senior Store Manager, job role was team engagement and sales management, driving results,BA Degree in Ceramics at UWIC


Life Outside Portal

“My hobbies include travelling & DIY, My dog is called Alan, he’s a dachshund and we like to go on long walks, but not when it’s raining.”

If you were stranded on a dessert island, what 3 items would you want with you?

“If I was stranded on a desert island, I would need with me my bed, my coffee and my chocolate ”

Dania boasts over 18 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 Manager, where she has consistently excelled in driving operational excellence.

Sam boasts an impressive 18+ year tenure in the Work Based Learning sector, alongside 15 years of experience in auditing and compliance. As a staunch advocate of Apprenticeships, Sam has personally completed numerous apprenticeships and work-based learning qualifications. With a passion for fostering skills development and career advancement through apprenticeship programmes, Sam's extensive experience and commitment make her a valuable asset to Portal.

Professional Experience

3 A-Levels (A, B, B). 10 GCSE’s (A – C). Semi-Professional Footballer at Llanelli Town.

Life Outside Portal

“I have a Border Collie named Bailey.”

What is your favourite place you have ever visited?

“My favourite place I’ve ever visited is the Whitsunday Islands off the Northeast coast of Queensland, Australia. Crystal clear water, white sand beaches and plenty of sun!”

Professional Experience

10 GCSE’s (A-C)
2 A Level’s (A-C)
5 years administration experience in Civil Service (MOJ Port Talbot)

Life Outside Portal

“Playing, watching, or anything football!
1 Cat named Beau.
Previous pets include 3 budgies, 2 hamsters and 5 Guinea pigs”

Who would be your ideal dinner party guests be (choose 3)?

“Freddie Mercury
Jack Black
Gareth Bale
All would have some stories!”

Gwawr's journey with Portal began in 2010, marking a significant transition after over fifteen years of dedicated teaching experience in large secondary schools. Throughout her tenure in the classroom, she held pivotal roles such as Assistant Head, Head of Department, and Key Skills Coordinator. 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.

Professional Experience

Education sector working for Service Schools Education in Germany. Managed a Foundation Phase setting in London. Roles within the Work Based Learning Sector; assessing, quality assurance and delivering training within the Public Service sector.

Life Outside Portal

“My hobbies include walking, reading, cooking, and I enjoy socialising over a lovely meal and going to concerts. I am also interested in alternative therapies like reflexology, reiki, acupuncture and gardening.”

Who is your favourite actor?

“Tom Hardy.”

Professional Experience

Apprenticeship at 16. FE Lecturer In hairdressing and barbering at 23. Roles over the past 10 years Head of Apprenticeship and Operations Director and still only 33

Life Outside Portal

“I have two dogs named Lola Pugs and Lottie Do Da.”

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

“Always ask yourself what’s the right thing to do, is my first closely followed by Sometimes the best thing to do is to just do nothing.”

Professional Experience

Senior Finance Officer. Finance Assistant. Trained with ACT Training in Accounting and Finance and studied for my AAT Qualifications. Area Manager for a marketing company.

Life Outside Portal

“I enjoy reading and visiting historical places.”

Where is your favourite place in Wales?

“Snowdonia.”

Professional Experience

People and Development Manager. People and Development Officer. Learning and Development Manager. Various roles of HR, Learning and Development, Quality and Assessment.

Life Outside Portal

“I am a busy working mum, with two children, my husband and one cat. I enjoy food and wine (white wine in particular).

What is your favourite quote?

“The cave you fear to enter, holds the treasure you seek- Joseph Campbell.”

Professional Experience

Experience in Further Education sector. Achieved Teaching Certificate in Post Compulsory Education. Achieved BA (Hons) in Education & Training. Head of School for Hair & Beauty therapies and various delivery routes. MA in Leadership & Management. Faculty Director.

Life Outside Portal

“My hobbies include keeping fit and going to the gym. I am a profound shopper, love fashion and interior design. Family plays a big part in my life especially my grandson.”

Where is your favourite place in Wales?

“The Gower. I regularly have some short stays in the Kings Head Pub in Llangennith. They welcome dogs so we can have a nice weekend away together and do some amazing walks.”

Professional Experience

Work based learning since 1996. Assessed and verified in Retail, Customer Service, Business Admin and Management. Worked in Quality and Operational Roles.

Life Outside Portal

“I’m interested in a variety of music genres (particularly 1980’s) and going to live shows. I enjoy walking as long as there is a cuppa and a cake at the other end! My favourite way to spend time is with my family and my 4 year old son, Arthur.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

“Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself or the other piece of advice which resonates when on a diet you only need to remember t simple words – no thank you!”

Professional Experience

Worked in cross-sector Leadership and Management roles for over 20 years. Education and Training organisations for 15 years. Executive coach and mentor and HPL in Strategic Leadership

Life Outside Portal

“I enjoy being outdoors particularly near the sea. I like a personal challenge and I am interested in minimalism.”

If you could live anywhere on this planet, where would you choose to live?

“Porthcurno, Cornwall”

Josh joined Portal in 2019, having previously worked for several training providers from across the UK. He has 15 years of experience in a work-based learning context, and he has held a number of positions within the sector. His experience extends to a number of industries including management, hospitality, IT, and sports development. Josh has a keen interest in sport, particularly football, where he volunteers as a youth coach and currently runs a senior side in Cardiff.

Professional Experience

16 years’ experience in work-based. Experience as IQA and Lead IQA in routes including Management, Business Administration, Digital Learning Design, and Essential Skills. Qualified Assessor and IQA. Completing Level 7 Leadership and Management.

Life Outside Portal

“I enjoy finding different walks to take with my dog. I also love rugby and manage a kids rugby team.”

Where is your favourite place in Wales?

“My favourite place in Wales is Parrog in Newport.”

Professional Experience

Employed in Work Based Learning since 2002 in both Assessor and Business Development roles. Msc Information & Communication Management University of Northumbria.

What would be your specialist subject on Mastermind?

“I have actually given this some thought! Liverpool Football Club, Blackadder, Father Ted or Star Wars.”

Professional Experience

FAW C licence. Football Coach. Learning & Development. Coaching & Mentoring

Live Outside Portal

“I love Football, films, family, and history.”

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

“I would love to have met Malcom X. He stood up and said no, we shall not be oppressed as everyone should be equal. In his own words: I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such.”

Professional Experience Worked front of house in industries including Manufacturing and Private Health Care. Moved into the Training environment in a Receptionist role. Worked in Admin and Sales.