Graham is Chief Executive of NOCN group: an international and UK based education and skills charity that works with employers to support them to develop their workforces, support individuals to obtain skills and qualifications skills to gain employment and advance their careers or undertake further education and finally to support governments with consultancy and research in order to establish and operate apprenticeship, vocational and technical skills programmes aimed at improving economic performance and productivity.

Graham has many years of senior management experience in industry in a number of economic sectors, both in the UK and internationally.  These sectors include broadcasting, construction, environmental and sustainability, engineering, facilities management, financial services, science, technology and utilities.

He has been involved in the UK Government’s reform of apprenticeships and technical education as well as developing several Trailblazer apprenticeship standards including degree apprenticeships. This has now resulted in NOCN introducing degree apprenticeships to other parts of the World.

In addition, he has a wealth of management and development training experience which he has used to lead several organisations through periods of major change.

He joined NOCN as Managing Director in 2011. Prior to that Graham worked on management development, workforce training, employment and skills development in industry, government and also on employment and skills programme for the construction of the London Olympics.  He has also worked in government on skills and apprenticeship policies.

Graham is the President of the British Association of Construction Heads (BACH) and Chair of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) Construction and Clean Energy Sector Forum.

Recently he has authored a major publication on “Greening of the UK’s Skills”.

His work on developing the skills of adults and young people includes time in India, Middle-East, Southern Africa and ASEAN as well as parts of Europe.

David Lord  is currently Head of Division, Construction and Engineering at Burnley College.

With over two decades of dedication to the educational sector, David Lord has built a career rooted in craftsmanship, leadership, and learner success. Beginning as a part-time teacher in carpentry and joinery, David’s passion for vocational education quickly propelled him through roles as Programme Leader and Curriculum Manager for Sixth Form education.

For the past ten years, David has served as Head of Construction at Burnley College, where he now also leads the Engineering department. His leadership is defined by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the transformative power of education. David is deeply motivated by the moments when learners realise their potential — a testament to the rewarding nature of the Further Education sector.

A champion of practical learning and strategic development, David continues to shape the future of technical education, ensuring that students not only gain skills but also the confidence to thrive in their chosen careers.

Geoff is the Director of Construction and Engineering at South Staffordshire College, and National Vice Chair of the British Association of Construction Heads. With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry and extensive leadership roles across Further Education, Geoff brings deep expertise in curriculum innovation, quality assurance, and strategic workforce development.

He has led large multi-campus teams, driven green skills initiatives, and contributed to national programmes such as GSAP and Surrey’s LARA pilot. A Fellow of the Institute of Carpenters and Ofqual subject matter specialist, Geoff is passionate about aligning education with industry needs and shaping the future of vocational training.

Ian is an Ofsted Inspector. He is a qualified teacher with experience as a senior manager in a further education corporation as Director of Faculty, Director of Curriculum, Director of Estates and was the Senior Designated Person for Child Protection. He has expertise in Engineering and Construction. He has experience ranging from curriculum design to resourcing and had direct responsibility for apprenticeships and a merchant navy centre.

Ian is a Chartered Engineer, a Chartered Marine Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. He has been an external examiner for a number of Higher Education Institutions and the Army.

Ian Billyard was the Principal & CEO of Leeds College of Building, the only specialist Further Education College for the Construction & Built Environment Sector in the UK, up until his retirement on 31st December 2018.  At this time Ian had been Principal for nearly sixteen years.  Prior to becoming Principal he was Deputy Principal at LCB, Head of Faculty, Head of Department and lecturer at a number of Further Education Colleges in England.

During his time as Principal Ian was a member of one of the Dfe/IfA groups involved in developing the new T Level qualifications for England and a member of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership being involved in the publication “Educating the North”. Additionally, Ian was a Council member with CGLI, a Board Member of the Construction Cross-Industry Apprenticeship Task Force; Board Member of the Yorkshire Builders’ Federation (YBF); Director and Chair of the West Yorkshire College Consortium; FE representative on the Leeds City Region LEP Employment & Skills Panel; Chair of the Leeds City Region Skills Network; Member of the FMB Area Board (Yorkshire & Trent) and Member of the NFB North East Region Executive Board and member of the FMB National Training Group.  He is also a member of various local, regional and national groups supporting education and training.

Prior to his move into the Further Education sector Ian trained as a building surveyor, initially with English China Clays in the South West, subsequently he worked for contracting companies and a Local Authority, also in the South West.

Post retirement Ian has been keen to maintain involvement in the sector and has maintained/taken on a number of roles, including; Fellow and Council member with CGLI; Board Member of the Yorkshire Builders’ Federation (YBF) and a Director of BACH (British Association of Construction Head) Ltd.