Workshop Facilitators


Mike Cox 

Business Development Director, Association of Employment and Learning Providers

After 13 years in retail purchasing and supply, Mike became an assessor for apprenticeships with TBG Learning in 1999. He soon moved onto various development roles with learndirect, RNID and then LSN where he headed up the bidding and development team, helping design support programmes and research in areas including Train to Gain, Citizenship, Diplomas, Key Skills, Functional Skills and Foundation Learning. He joined AELP in February 2013.

Mike is married with 2 children and lives in rural Kent.



Karen Kelly

Karen Kelly Consultancy Services 

Karen has more than 20 years of knowledge, skills and management experience in FE. She has developed and managed apprenticeships from all relevant angles; as an employer, training provider, consultant, policy and senior manager for the Skills Funding Agency and National Apprenticeship Service. Karen works with employers, training providers, colleges and Universities to understand and implement the apprenticeship reforms, including end-point assessment and also delivers on the ETF, Future Apprenticeships programme. Karen is passionate about driving quality, progression and business growth and works with a positive and pragmatic approach to make things happen.