Natalie Wilson Vice Principal: Curriculum and Skills, Luminate Education Group Start date: August 2024 Previous Job: Director of Client Services, Firebrand Training Interesting fact: Natalie is a proud former apprentice at Park Lane College (now part of Luminate), started her career at British Gas and progressing from level 2 through to degree level study James McIntosh Managing Director, Cogent Skills Apprenticeship Training Start date: July 2024 Previous Job: Chief Operating Officer (Director of Skills), CATCH Interesting fact: James is an avid rugby league fan – when he isn’t championing apprenticeships he can be found cheering on his beloved Hull KR, travelling home and away each week (and even as far as France) to support his team Jon Ridley Principal, Newcastle College Start date: August 2024 Previous Job: Deputy Principal, Newcastle College Interesting fact: On a Saturday and Sunday, you’ll also find Jon on the side-lines of football pitches across the North East of England coaching his son’s football team Kate Ambrosi Chief Executive, Baker Dearing Educational Trust Start date: January 2025 Previous Job: Deputy Chief Executive, Baker Dearing Educational Trust Interesting fact: Kate enjoys musical theatre and is a trustee of The BRIT School