Management Group
The day to day network operation of ALPHI is managed by Aspire Learning and Development.
The Aspire Learning role is to support all areas of its operation in order to create a self-developing, self-managing network.
Aspire are part of the Management Group which also includes:
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Lester Biddle, HIT Training - Chair
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Claire Middleton, University of Portsmouth - Vice Chair
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Chris Richards, Apprenticeship Manager - HSDC
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Lester Biddle
Technology Director for HIT Training Limited
Lester was one of the first ever YTS students, gaining his vocational qualifications in the work place, so fully endorses the concept of earn while you learn. This was followed up several years later, graduating from Exeter University with a Degree in Leadership, gained whilst working in the post 16 education arena. Lester started work as a Trainer/Assessor in 1997 working his way up to Area Manager and is now Technology Director for HIT Training. Lester is also a board member of the Solent LEP, a local Enterprise Advisor with CAEC and works on local community projects.
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Claire Middleton
Business Development Manager at University of Portsmouth
Claire has been an ALPHI member for over 10 years. Her background in education started with 2 years at Highbury College, followed by 8 years at Fareham College where she set up the apprenticeship team including Traineeships and managed work experience across the college, as well as a number of ESF programmes. After a move to HIT as Business Manager, she came out of apprenticeships for a year, working on an ESF project for the unemployed, however the lure of apprenticeships proved too much and she started at University of Portsmouth in September 2017, once again setting up a new team, this time in Degree Apprenticeships.
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Chris Richards
Apprenticeship Manager HSDC
Apprenticeships Manager at HSDC in Waterlooville with over 10 years’ experience in this industry. Entered the Apprenticeship sector with VT Training who later became Babcock Training. Progressed to work with two other large private training providers delivering Apprenticeships in Hospitality, Retail, Customer Service, Team Leading and Management sharing knowledge and skills from his early career in the hospitality and catering trade. In 2017 Chris moved to a GFE college where he now leads the delivery team. Chris prides himself on having a keen eye for quality and a strong knowledge of the work-based training sector. Having gained qualifications such as A1, PTLLs and IQA, this gives a true understanding of the diverse roles within the team and how to drive the department to continue a high-quality delivery to Apprentices and their Employers.
