Matthew Smallwood

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.

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

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