OBE awarded to SEMLEP Further Education Ambassador

Dr Julie Mills OBE

SEMLEP Board Member, Dr Julie Mills, Chief Executive and Principal of MK College, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for helping establish greater links between education and business.

The award reflects the significant contribution Julie has made to the Further Education sector over a 30-year career.

Julie has worked to achieve significant advances in Further Education and recently has been driving the plans for an Institute of Technology at Bletchley Park, which will support around 1,000 students per year to develop key digital skills.

Julie believes that developing the right skills for the future workforce should be a key priority for all local businesses. She has worked to improve and develop the skills pathways into employment, including the education and opportunities offered to ex-offenders.

After hearing the news, Dr Julie Mills OBE commented:

"I am honoured to receive this award. It is recognition of the importance of Further Education and testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and collaboration within the region as well as the fantastic support from SEMLEP and other partners as we continue our mission to Transform Lives through Learning. To be rewarded for doing a job I love is a wonderful surprise"

Hilary Chipping, Chief Executive of SEMLEP, congratulated Julie on her award, saying:

“SEMLEP was delighted to support Julie’s nomination to be awarded an OBE award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Julie’s contribution to the further education sector has made a hugely positive impact within the South East Midlands. This is excellent news and thoroughly well deserved.”

Julie has also recently been appointed Chair of SEMLEP’s new Skills Advisory Panel, working to establish a better understanding between businesses, sectors and educators.

The South East Midland’s Growing People plan and #GrowingTalent campaign prioritises actions to enhance engagement between local businesses and education and training providers to develop a talent pipeline of people with the skills and attributes needed by local employers.