New appointments at The Via Partnership

The new academic year has seen three new colleagues join Via to strengthen its business operations and provision to clients.

John Barlow recently joined the Via Partnership to head up its training division as operations manager (Via Training). With a proven track record in the field of education and training, John will be managing the team, growing Via Training’s provision and building the brand whilst leading on quality management.

John has a commercial background in the visitor economy and holds a variety of positions with several leading awarding organisations. Prior to arriving at Via, John’s Further and Higher Education background and PhD in Education saw him with a number of high profile organisations to develop curriculum and business models that support sustainability and employability.

September saw the appointment of Gareth Nixon as operations manager (business development) at the Via Partnership. Gareth’s remit is to enhance and expand existing business support services, including work with schools and colleges; and developing and implementing growth opportunities for the organisation.

Gareth has over 20 years’ experience working in the careers information, advice and guidance sector including employment as a careers adviser and development manager. Gareth arrives from the Manchester Growth Company where his team was responsible for delivering training and providing labour market information to schools, colleges and advisers. He also secured funding for the implementation of the Inspiring IAG careers quality award and for the Career Point project to improve the provision of careers work across the region.

Ann Guerrero-Sanchez has joined the Via Training team this month as a trainer/assessor specialising in the delivery of apprenticeships, qualifications and short courses in the health and social care sector. Ann brings to Via over ten year’s experience working within offender learning delivering accredited programmes to detainees. Her previous employment saw her hold the position of North West champion for health and social care; a lead position offering information, guidance and support to employers and colleagues working in the sector.