Meet The Team

I joined System People in April 2018, my first role within the company was to launch the Education Apprenticeships. This was an exciting time as we worked hard to build programmes and deliver training to the highest standards. Over the following few years we introduced new apprenticeships allowing our apprentices to progress and supporting many local schools to employ an apprentice and have the knowledge that they would be fully supported from day one.

As we grew we employed additional tutors and my role became Sector Lead. I have had the pleasure of watching the apprenticeships grow and new staff join our team, all of which are experts in their fields and share the same passion for education and supporting our apprentices to achieve their full potential.

I now have the privilege to hold the position of Head of Work Based Learning, overseeing all of our apprenticeships within Education, Logistics and Leadership and Management. Alongside this I am also the Designated Safeguarding Lead, this is an important role and with the support of the team we strive to ensure that all of our learners are safe and have access to additional support whenever it is required.

Outside of work I love to spend time with my family, eating out and relaxing with a good book. I love the countryside and wide open spaces and spend lots of time exploring the local Forestry walks with our four Springer Spaniels.

I joined System People in November 2021, originally taking up the role of Business Manager for the Education Team. Over time, my role developed and I was delighted to progress to Head of the department. My background brings together a broad range of experience, having previously worked within the education sector, as well as in the charity sector and banking and finance. This variety has given me a well-rounded perspective that I draw on daily to support both our clients and candidates.

As Head of Education Recruitment, I am responsible for the overall management of the team, ensuring that we continue to deliver an excellent service to the schools and nurseries we work with, while also supporting our growing pool of supply staff. A key part of my role involves overseeing our Safer Recruitment processes and ensuring that we maintain the very highest safeguarding standards, something that is incredibly important to me and to the schools we support. I also enjoy building strong relationships with our clients, understanding their needs and helping them find the best possible people to work in their settings.

Outside of work, I have a range of hobbies that help me relax and recharge. I am an avid reader and can often be found getting lost in a good book. I also enjoy sewing and love the creativity and focus it brings. Music plays a big part in my downtime too – I particularly enjoy going to see live bands whenever I can. I’ll also happily admit to having a soft spot for real ale, and I enjoy trying out new local brews when I get the chance. Travelling is another passion of mine, and I always look forward to foreign holidays where I can explore new places and cultures with my husband and son. These trips create wonderful memories and offer a perfect balance to my busy working life.

I’ve always had a passion for Early Years and supporting children and young people with their learning and development. Over the years, I’ve worked in nurseries and schools with a strong focus on Early Years education, SEND, and multi-agency work supporting children and their families.

This experience led me to gain adult teaching, assessor and IV qualifications, followed by a rewarding period delivering and managing Early Years and Teaching Assistant qualifications (up to degree level) with both a college and an independent training provider. I loved being part of that journey, helping learners grow in confidence and develop skills that really make a difference in this important area of work.

My role with System People has evolved over the years, I’m now proud and thoroughly enjoy being a part of our System People Apprenticeship team, this involves working closely with nurseries, schools and SEND provisions across Cumbria and beyond to meet their apprenticeship and training needs. And supporting our apprentices, helping them to find the right opportunities, and guiding them through the early stages of their career.

As Careers Lead, I attend careers events in schools, colleges, wider events, and network with local organisations to share practical advice and deliver skills sessions to help young people and adults take their next steps and plan for their futures – whether that’s into an apprenticeship, further training, or a new role. It’s a privilege to be part of those important decisions.
Outside of work, you’ll find me walking our dog (I love being outdoors!), enjoying all sorts of live music with friends & family, or you may hear me supporting either Newcastle United or Rugby matches – apparently, I’m a ‘very enthusiastic’ supporter!

I began my journey with System People in February 2009 as a Recruitment and HR Administrator, supporting a wide range of recruitment activities across the business. In 2013, I was invited to help set up our dedicated Education Supply Desk – a brand-new service at the time – and I’ve been proud to play a key role in its growth ever since. Now, as Education Recruitment Manager, I oversee daily supply and apprenticeship bookings and manage our teacher and support staff register.

Over the years, I’ve built strong, long-term relationships with schools, nurseries, and educational settings across Cumbria and beyond. I take great satisfaction in providing a responsive, personal service and am passionate about placing the right people in the right roles. Whether it’s a day-to-day supply booking, a long-term placement, or helping a newly qualified teacher get started in their career, I always aim to offer honest advice, prompt support, and a friendly, reliable approach.

I’ve placed hundreds of teachers, teaching assistants, cover supervisors, and school office staff in settings where they’ve gone on to make a real difference. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing how those placements help both individuals and schools thrive – it’s what keeps me motivated every day.

Outside of work, I’m a big fan of eating out and love exploring new places to dine with friends and family. I also enjoy countryside walks with my cheeky Border Terrier, Rosie, who certainly keeps me on my toes!

Hi, I’m Natalie, Education Sector Lead at System People. I joined the company in September 2021 as a tutor and assessor for Early Years and Teaching Assistant apprenticeships. I bring experience in supporting learners across Levels 2 to 5 and take great pride in the work we do. Our dedicated team is passionate about sharing knowledge and experience to inspire others to pursue rewarding careers in Early Years and educational support roles.

My journey into Early Years began in 2011 when I started my own childminding business, shortly after earning an Honours Degree in Working with Children and Families. From there, I moved into a school-based Early Years setting and worked as a Teaching Assistant across both Key Stage 1 and 2. I later expanded my experience by supporting young people with additional needs in a secondary school setting as part of the Learning Support Team.

As Education Sector Lead, I am responsible for the smooth delivery of our Education Apprenticeship programmes. My focus is to ensure apprentices have a positive, enriching experience that leads to meaningful outcomes—whether that’s securing a permanent role in a nursery or school, progressing to a higher-level apprenticeship, or even advancing to university. Our strong results reflect the commitment and hard work of both our tutors and our apprentices.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and our dogs. We enjoy exploring the Lake District fells, dining out at local pubs and restaurants, and making the most of the outdoors. I’m also a big fan of paddleboarding and wild swimming in the lakes throughout the year. Travelling abroad and attending concerts are a few more of my favourite ways to unwind.

Hi, I’m Michelle, one of the Early Years Tutors here at System People. My journey into education began over a decade ago, and since then, I’ve developed a real passion for supporting children and helping others find their place in Early Years too. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of roles, including one-to-one support, Teaching Assistant, and Early Years Educator within a busy primary school setting. Each of these roles gave me valuable hands-on experience working with young children, supporting their development, and helping them reach key milestones.

In 2020, I took the next step in my own learning journey and completed my Early Years Educator qualification – right here at System People! Going through the course myself really opened my eyes to the world of Early Years education and gave me a deeper understanding of how rewarding this sector can be. My experience as a learner inspired me to want to share my own knowledge and passion with others, and I was fortunate enough to be able to join the System People team as a tutor. I now get to support others starting their own journeys, helping them build the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to thrive in their careers.

Alongside my work in Early Years, I’m also a qualified gymnastics coach and have had the privilege of delivering gymnastics sessions across a number of primary schools. This role has allowed me to support children in developing physical confidence, coordination, and teamwork, as well as helping some children represent their schools in competitions—an experience that has been hugely rewarding for both them and me.

Outside of work, life is very busy and full of energy! I love spending quality time with my husband and our three football-mad children. We’re a big football family and proud Newcastle United supporters. Most weekends you’ll find us either cheering from the sidelines at local matches or travelling to watch Newcastle play whenever we can—it’s very much a family tradition! When we’re not at football, we enjoy family days out and making the most of our time together.

I feel very proud to be part of the System People team, knowing I can play a small part in helping others begin or progress their careers in Early Years—just like I once did myself. Watching learners grow in confidence and seeing them succeed is one of the best parts of my role.

I’m Jo and have worked for System People for the last 6 years, but I’ve been supporting apprentices to achieve their Early Years qualifications for over 15 years. Before moving into teaching, I worked directly within Early Years settings, gaining hands-on experience in nurseries and childcare environments, which gave me a real understanding of the challenges and rewards that Early Years professionals face every day.

In my role as a tutor, I really enjoy being able to share my knowledge and experience with learners, but I also find it rewarding to learn from them as they bring their own experiences and ideas from their workplaces. Every learner is different, and it’s lovely to see their confidence and skills develop throughout their apprenticeship journey.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, swimming and getting out for long walks with my dog – who has become a familiar face (and occasional snoring soundtrack!) during our Zoom sessions.

Hi, I’m Shirelle, the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Tutor here at System People. I officially joined the team in April 2024, but my journey with System People actually began long before that – as a learner myself! Having completed my own apprenticeship through the company, I experienced first-hand the incredible level of support and care the team provides for its learners. When the opportunity came to return as part of the team, I knew it was exactly where I wanted to be, and I’m proud to now help others achieve their own qualifications and career goals.

Before moving into my role as a tutor, I worked as a Teaching Assistant across a wide variety of schools, gaining valuable hands-on experience with different age groups, abilities, and classroom settings. This practical classroom experience has really helped me understand the challenges and rewards our learners face and allows me to bring real-world examples into my teaching.

Originally from South Africa, my move to the UK brought not only a new chapter in my own career, but also the chance to experience and understand a very different education system. I believe that bringing a global perspective has really helped me support my learners in a way that combines both practical experience and fresh insight.

Outside of work, life is full of fun and adventure with my football-mad little boy! We love spending time together, whether that’s cheering on his football matches, exploring new places, or making special family memories. Travelling is a particular passion of ours, and we’re always looking for our next adventure.

I’m a Recruitment Coordinator here at System People, and I’m one of the first people our apprentices speak to when they begin their journey with us. My role involves guiding potential apprentices right from the start, helping them navigate the application process, carrying out eligibility checks, and supporting them through interviews to give them the best possible chance of securing their ideal apprenticeship. I work closely with both our candidates and employers to make sure we match the right people with the right opportunities, setting everyone up for success.

As well as working with apprentices, I also support our busy supply team, helping schools and nurseries to find the staff they need. This means that if you’re looking for supply work, you might see my name pop up as part of the process too! I enjoy the variety that comes with working across both apprenticeship recruitment and supply staffing – no two days are ever the same, and it’s always rewarding to help people find the right role to suit their skills and ambitions.

One of the best parts of my job is being able to see people progress, whether that’s watching an apprentice grow in confidence and secure their first placement, or seeing supply staff build strong, long-term relationships with the schools and nurseries they support. Knowing that I’ve played a small part in helping people take positive steps in their careers is something I find really fulfilling.

Outside of work, I’m a keen reader and always enjoy getting lost in a good book whenever I have some downtime. I also have a miniature dachshund called Chilli who keeps me busy and certainly knows how to keep me on my toes! He’s very much part of the family and brings a lot of fun and laughter to my day-to-day life.

With over 20 years’ experience in Early Years and Education, I’ve worked across nurseries, schools, colleges and training providers. I hold qualifications in Early Years, Assessing, Teaching and Coaching, and have taught a wide range of courses from Early Years to Teaching Assistant qualifications. I’ve also supported teachers as a Teaching & Learning Coach and Mentor, helping to develop outstanding teaching practice.

After a period running my own Early Years businesses and raising my two children, I returned to FE in 2024 to join System People. I now teach and have developed the new Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant course, which I’m proud to deliver to our first cohort.

Outside of work, I enjoy family days out, watching my children play football, and cheering on Manchester City and Stockport County.

I joined System People in January 2022, originally as a maths tutor, but now teach both maths and English as the Functional Skills Sector Lead. I deliver English and maths Functional Skills and also develop online materials in maths and English for independent study.

I have had a varied career in Education, teaching all ages from 5 to 65 in a variety of settings. After graduating in 1988, I taught as a Primary School teacher in Cambridge before emigrating to Glasgow where I worked as a teacher in the Scottish Education system for 16 years. Whilst there I became an IT and maths specialist and moved back to England to work in a Middle School as Head of IT. I began working in the adult sector, initially teaching IT, then Employability. After a spell in Middle and Secondary Schools I ended up working in the prison sector before joining System People based in the county of my birth.

In my role I enjoy working with a variety of people in a many roles. I find it rewarding to work with some who have had a negative experience of education in the past and seeing them succeed and progress. I believe no one is ever too old or not good enough to develop new skills and keep learning.

I am married with two grown up children. I enjoy gardening, the outdoors and going to long walks. I support my wife to run a charity working with the homeless in Newcastle.

I joined the team with a background in education, finance, and recruitment. I previously worked as a School Business Manager, so I understand first-hand the day-to-day challenges schools face and how important it is to have reliable and high-quality supply staff in place.

Before working in education, I spent several years in the finance sector, including roles as a Purchase Ledger Manager and overseeing contracts—making sure projects stayed on budget and delivered the right results. I’ve also worked in recruitment within the new homes industry, which gave me great experience in building strong client and candidate relationships.

In my role here, I focus on working with secondary schools across Cumbria and Lancashire, helping them find the right staff while supporting our candidates to find roles they love.

Outside of work, I can usually be found exploring the Lake District or Northumberland with my partner and our two boys. We enjoy finding new walks and beaches—and trying out different places to eat along the way! I’ve recently (and reluctantly!) taken up thrill-seeking at theme parks and water parks to try and keep up with my teenagers!