Matthew Smallwood
Experienced Training Manager and senior education leader
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About
Experienced Training Manager and senior education leader with 30+ years across apprenticeship delivery, engineering, FE, and manufacturing. Strong track record in quality assurance, compliance, curriculum leadership, and team development. Expert in SAR/QIP, Ofsted readiness, safeguarding, and organisational improvement. Proven ability to raise achievement, strengthen systems, and lead high‑performing teams.
Experience
Training Manager - ALTRAD EMPLOYMENT SERVICES LTD
(2019-01)
Strategic leadership of apprenticeship and training provision, driving quality, compliance and learner success.
- Lead development and implementation of SAR and QIP
- Manage inductions, reviews, disciplinaries and improvement plans
- Monitor performance, retention and achievement data
- Oversee QA processes: file audits, observations, learner voice and compliance checks
- Lead instructor and management meetings, quality reviews and audit preparation
- Manage external audits, including Matrix and awarding bodies
- Organisation Ofsted Nominee
- Designated Safeguarding Lead and Prevent trainer
- Mental Health First Aider and Wellbeing Champion
- Develop learner personal development, welfare programmes and committees
General Manager - MARCHES CENTRE OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2018-01 - 2019-12)
- Led apprenticeship and commercial programme delivery
- Managed staff performance, budgets and resources
- Oversaw quality assurance and operational effectiveness
Senior Assistant Headteacher / Acting Deputy Headteacher / Assistant Headteacher / Director of Engineering - WEDNESFIELD HIGH SPECIALIST ENGINEERING ACADEMY
(2008-01 - 2018-12)
- Leadership of curriculum, assessment, data, STEM and employer engagement
- Drove quality improvement and strategic development across engineering and technology
Assistant Head of Technology - PARKFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
(2007-01 - 2008-12)
Teacher of Technology / Maths - HEALTH PARK BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE COLLEGE
(2002-01 - 2007-12)
Managing Director - CENTRELESS PRECISION GRINDING LTD
(1999-01 - 2003-12)
- Business, finance, quality and workforce management
Foreman / Operator - CENTRELESS GRINDING (MIDLANDS) COMPANY LTD
(1988-01 - 1999-12)
- Production, quality and staff supervision
Education
BEng (Hons) - Mechanical Engineering - University of Central England
Level 3 Certificate - Assessing Vocational Achievement (TAQA) - City & Guilds
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) (2003)
Level 2 - Counselling Skills
Level 2 - Mental Health First Aid & Advocacy
NC/CNC - Part Programming - City & Guilds
Certificate - Computer Aided Draughting & Design (AutoCAD) - City & Guilds
