How it works

Wendy Buffham

Recruitment and Business Development Lead

Previously, Wendy worked for a Further Education College for 16 years, building networks and relations with businesses to enhance learning opportunities for students across all funding streams.  In her role at United Learning, Wendy’s knowledge across sectors enables her to make meaningful contributions to support apprentices and employers through the recruitment and onboarding process.  Wendy is qualified in Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance and is passionate in supporting individuals to achieve their career goals.

Kyle Bestley

Teaching Assistant Programme Lead

Kyle has a strong background within the Education and Sports Coaching sector, working within mainstream Primary Schools and a Secondary SEND school. On top of this, he has spent three years within Training Provider delivering across several different standards in the apprenticeship sector.

One of Kyle’s most memorable professional achievements is his support of an apprentice who faced numerous barriers to learning. This apprentice was awarded Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year.

Jill Measures

HR Support Programme Lead

Jill is an experienced HR and Learning & Development manager and practitioner who has worked in both private and public sectors for over 37 years, with roles at a senior level specialising in both HR and more recently in Learning and Development and OD.  

She is also an experienced line manager and has led, supported and coached teams throughout her career.  

In her role at United Learning, Jill supports employees through HR and Learning & Development apprenticeships at all levels.  

Sarah Philpot

Early Years Educator Programme Lead

Sarah has over a decade of experience in primary education; she started her career as a primary school teacher, before specialising in Early Years. She has worked as a Head of Early Years in an inner-city London school, leading all aspects of staff training, curriculum development and parental engagement.   

In her role at United Learning, Sarah works as Programme Lead for the Early Years Educator Apprenticeship and an Early Years Curriculum Writer, bringing her knowledge and passion with her in these roles.   

Wayne Goss

School Sports Coach Programme Lead

Wayne has been coaching sport for over 25 years and is also a qualified Further Education Tutor specialising in Sports Apprenticeships.

Over the last 10 years he has worked as a Coach Developer for the Football Association delivering FA level 1 & current UEFA qualifications. Wayne has coached within Northampton Towns Academy in the Foundation and Youth Development Phases and is involved in grassroots sport coaching for his local village club.

Diane Abbott

Business Administrator

Diane started her career within Retail working with stores across the UK and Germany.

She then worked as a Regional Trainer and Internal Quality Assurer for an Apprenticeship training provider for 20 years, focusing on assessment and staff support.

Diane joined United Learning as a Business Administrator in July 2024.

In her spare time, Diane is an avid baker and loves home decorating and creative craft projects.

Hannah Pacey

Skills Programme Lead

Hannah began her career as a trainee Early Years Teacher, becoming a qualified Early Years Professional within three years. She then worked as an Early Years Development Consultant for the National Childminding Association, supporting over 220 childminders in Lincolnshire with registration, curriculum, and Ofsted preparation. Hannah also served as an Early Years Adviser for a large nursery chain and has spent the last 12 years supporting Apprenticeship programs in Early Years and Teaching Assistant courses. She is a passionate advocate for Early Years Education, dedicated to providing an exciting learning journey for her learners.

Nikky Makanjuola

Functional Skills Tutor

Oyenike Makanjuola obtained her B.Sc in Bowen University, Nigeria in 2011 and obtained her M.Sc at the University of Huddersfield in 2014. She has over seven years’ experience in the education industry in both higher education and further education. Prior to starting with the United Learning, she has worked with University of Huddersfield, Milton Keynes College and has been an Ambassador for the Society of Chemical Industry.

Emma Theobald

English Functional Skills Tutor

Emma has taught English for 20 years and is now the English Fuctional Skills Tutor at United Learning. She loves the challenge of working with people who need to brush up on their skills and loves seeing her learners be proud of their writing and thinking about how language is used around them.

Tina Thomas

IT Programme Lead

Tina has a strong background in IT and Computer Science education, with experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and industry engagement. She has worked with the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) and DfE, leading initiatives to expand access to IT and computing, particularly for underrepresented groups and to bridge the gender divide within the IT sector.

As IT Apprenticeship Lead at United Learning, Tina is dedicated to supporting apprentices in building successful careers in IT and digital industries. She works closely with educators and employers to ensure high-quality training, helping apprentices develop the skills needed for the modern workforce.

As a Computer Science graduate who is passionate about the evolving world of technology, Tina is enthusiastic about developing new approaches to learning and preparing apprentices for the ever-changing IT landscape.