It’s hard to believe that I have now been part of the SEATS journey for two years. Looking back, those two years have flown by, and I honestly don’t know where to begin because so much has happened in such a short space of time.
When I joined SEATS, I was at a significant point in both my professional and personal life. I had just welcomed my second daughter into the world and was making the move from the public sector into a privately funded organisation. The thought of leaving something familiar was daunting, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. However, I had a feeling that this was the right opportunity at the right time. Something was telling me to take that leap of faith.
Looking back now, I am incredibly grateful that I did.
I joined SEATS during its early stages, when our primary focus was supporting organisations with advanced technical training. As we started working with employers across different sectors, it quickly became apparent that businesses weren’t just looking for training providers. They were looking for trusted partners. They wanted impartial advice, guidance and support across the wider skills landscape, particularly around apprenticeships, workforce development and training opportunities.
As SEATS has grown, my role has evolved alongside it. What started as helping organisations access technical training has developed into supporting businesses with a much broader range of workforce development needs. Every conversation is different, every organisation has its own challenges and goals, and that’s one of the things I love most about what I do.
The last two years have been an incredibly positive journey, both professionally and personally. I’ve had the privilege of building fantastic relationships with businesses, training providers, stakeholders and partners who all share the same ambition of helping people and organisations succeed. I’ve attended some incredible events, met inspiring individuals, and had networking opportunities that have broadened my perspective and strengthened those connections even further.
What continues to motivate me every day is the opportunity to genuinely help people.
There is so much happening in the world of skills, training and apprenticeships, and it can often feel complex and overwhelming for employers to navigate. Being able to support organisations in finding the right solutions, making informed decisions and maximising available opportunities is hugely rewarding. For me, people have always been the priority. Whether it’s helping a business develop its workforce, supporting someone onto a training programme, or guiding an employer through their apprenticeship strategy, knowing that you’re making a positive difference is what makes this role so fulfilling.
Over the past two years, we’ve seen some amazing outcomes. We’ve helped organisations save money and maximise investment in skills and training. We’ve supported employers in developing talent pipelines and futureproofing their workforce. Most importantly, we’ve seen learners grow in confidence, build resilience, achieve qualifications, secure promotions and take the next steps in their careers.
Those success stories never get old.
Every learner who progresses, every organisation that benefits, and every challenge that we help solve reminds me why I took that leap two years ago.
As proud as I am of what we’ve achieved so far, it feels like we’re only just getting started. There is so much excitement around what lies ahead for SEATS, and with a busy and ambitious year on the horizon, I genuinely can’t wait to see what the future holds.
If the last two years have taught me anything, it’s that when you surround yourself with passionate people, focus on helping others and embrace opportunities for growth, incredible things can happen.
Here’s to the next chapter of the SEATS journey. I can’t wait to be part of it.
