We are pleased to announce that further education has been recognised today with a fresh set of New Year Honours.
Among those commended are two Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education board members, Robin Millar and Bev Robinson, along with Bhavena Patel a senior relationship manager at IfATE.
There are many others across the world of further education who have also been recognised for their contribution in a variety of different areas.
Jennifer Coupland, chief executive of IfATE, said: “We are so proud of those who have been recognised today – all of whom are well deserving of praise for their huge contribution to our skills system.
“Together they have strived to improve the quality of technical education, put employers at its heart and deliver for apprentices and people across the country.”
Robin Millar, who began his career as a music technology apprentice at the age of 24, has been made a knight for his services to music, people with disabilities, young people and to charity.
Sir Robin is a serving IfATE board member, and also chair of the board of trustees at Scope, the disability equality charity.
Beverly Robinson, who also serves as an IfATE board member alongside her role as principal and chief executive of Blackpool and The Fylde College, has been awarded a CBE for services to further education during a career in colleges spanning over 25 years.
Meanwhile Bhavena Patel, a senior relationship manager at IfATE, has been awarded an MBE to recognise her services to further education, working with employers to develop apprenticeships in a whole range of different areas, most recently the health sector.
Bhavena has worked across various government skills roles, encompassing the Learning and Skills Council, National Apprenticeship Service before joining IfATE and playing a major part in the government’s apprenticeship reform programme.