As the Employment and Skills Manager for SEMLEP, Paul is responsible for working with partners to develop a range of initiatives that support skills enhancement for young people and adults, including apprenticeships, with the aim of producing a skilled and adaptable workforce, supporting existing employers and future growth in the area.
Paul heads a team of Enterprise Coordinators who are developing a network of business leaders, schools/colleges and careers education providers all working collaboratively to facilitate stable, quality, inspirational and relevant careers guidance for young people aged 11 to 19. The aim is to ensure young people leave education with the relevant skills, knowledge, appropriate qualifications and attitudes needed by employers.
With a degree in engineering, Paul has previously held the position of Managing Director for Desoutter, part of the Atlas Copco group and ran his own company. Following an experience of volunteering for Young Enterprise as a business adviser, helping young people develop their skills and potential, Paul joined the charity which lead to positions within SEMLEP and The Careers and Enterprise Company before re-joining SEMLEP in his current role.