The new head of the organisation representing the UK’s technical awarding bodies has said he “can’t wait” to get started in his new job.

Tom Bewick worked as a political adviser to the New Labour government from 1997-2004 working in the areas of youth and post-secondary education and training policies. 

He is president of the Transatlantic Apprenticeship Exchange Forum (TAEF), which promotes UK apprenticeship providers stateside and also co-founder of US-based Franklin Apprenticeships, where he is a board director. Mr Bewick is currently a Labour and Co-operative councillor on Brighton and Hove City Council.

‘Passionate about leading’

Bewick said he was “delighted” with his new job, adding: “Without good qualifications, people can’t get the rewards they deserve and our society will not succeed.

“Throughout my career, I have been passionate about leading and representing organisations committed to growing a highly-skilled and qualified workforce. The fact is that strong qualifications, assessment and awarding organisations are the engine room of a 21st-century economy.

“I will be unrelenting in putting forward the positive case, representing FAB members’ interests, and explaining why the public should listen to what is a fantastically comprehensive and diverse industry. I’m proud to represent a sector that provides so many individuals, employers and communities with the means to succeed up and down the land.”

Twenty-five-year career

Commenting on the appointment, the chair of FAB, Paul Eeles said Mr Bewick was chosen following a “robust and comprehensive recruitment process”.

“The board decided on a candidate that brought the strongest possible experience in lobbying and policy influencing of the skills and qualifications agenda. Tom has an exemplary track record of building solid representative industry organisations and working with government.

“He has influenced skills policy spanning a 25-year career both in the United Kingdom and internationally, most recently in the United States. I’m really looking forward to working with Tom over the coming months as we strive to put the value of our qualifications and assessment organisations at the heart of the UK’s rapidly evolving technical education, skills and apprenticeship systems.”

He said the board thanked John McNamara for his leadership of FAB on an interim basis after Stephen Wright left the organisation in December.

Want to keep up with the latest education news and opinion? Follow Tes FE news on Twitter, like us on Facebook and follow us on LinkedIn