Meet Our Tutors
Our tutors are industry experts who can share their knowledge and expertise with you. Get to know our tutors and find out a little bit more about their background and why they love to do what they do.
of students think WLC teachers are knowledgeable
Catherine Shiel
Business LecturerI feel privileged to work in a sector that is vital in transforming lives. I always aim to provide a learning experience that goes beyond the classroom with 'real world' experiences that encourage innovation, creativity and thinking to equip learners with the skills for success in an ever-changing world.
Gary Owens
Art and Design LecturerLike all of the Art staff at West Lancashire College, I am a working artist myself. It is always a pleasure to work with like-minded creative people and to see how their skills and ideas develop over time.
Emma Forgie
Hairdressing LecturerI am a passionate, experienced educator with a wealth of knowledge and experience in industry, with Master Colour Expert status. I love being a part of students' success and creativity for the ever-growing industry, as well as helping create hairdressers of the future.
Jules Halder
Computer Science LecturerI have a degree in Web Systems Development and a First Honours Master’s Degree in Cyber Security. I got into teaching to show students that computing isn’t just about how to create Word documents or spreadsheets; it’s much more interesting! I’m here to provide students with the building blocks they need to learn a range of knowledge, skills and behaviours in computing.
Alison Barford
Hairdressing LecturerI have worked in the hairdressing industry for over 30 years, with 15+ years as a hairdressing educator. I enjoy seeing our students reach their potential and progressing in the hairdressing industry. I also enjoy developing my own skills and passing this on to students. As a lecturer, I ensure students reach their full potential and achieve their hairdressing qualifications by managing and providing an effective learning environment. Students will gain the essential knowledge, skills and confidence to prepare them to work in the hairdressing sector.
Kerri Clarke
Early Years Education LecturerI have great enthusiasm and passion for the Early Years Sector. I have a wealth of first-hand experience that can be passed down to our current students to enable them to succeed as an Early Years Practitioner.
James Gleave
Motor Vehicle LecturerI gained my Motor Vehicle qualifications at West Lancashire College and during my career, I have worked closely with BMW trained master technicians, as well as Mercedes and VW independent specialists.
Louise Curran
Art and Design LecturerAs a multi-disciplinary artist and designer with a background career in film and television costume, I offer students a relevant and realistic insight into working in creative industry. As an educator, I have experience of working with learners of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs, across a range of artistic disciplines. Effective art and design teaching offers a space which nurtures and challenges the individual and diverse creativity of every student and equips them with the technical skills and confidence to progress in their chosen specialism. I am passionate about what I do and consider it a privilege to play a role in enabling our students to realise their professional and creative potential.
Claire Procter
Beauty Therapy LecturerI have been in the Spa and Beauty industry for more than 20 years. I completed my training at Skelmersdale College and enjoyed every minute of it. My career started working on board a cruise ship as a Spa and Massage Therapist. This enabled me to travel around the world visiting many countries doing the job I love. After this I lived and worked abroad finally returning to the UK being self-employed. I have worked at West Lancashire College for 19 years and teach level 1 – 4 in beauty therapy. This is a growing and ever-changing industry where there is always new treatments and techniques to learn. Being a teacher is very rewarding especially when seeing the learners achieve their qualifications and move on to employment within our industry
Samantha Pillai
Beauty Therapy LecturerI have worked in the Beauty industry since 2001 in which I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge to pass onto our students. I joined Steiner Transocean and became a senior spa therapist on board their luxury cruise liners, before turning to teaching for the last 13 years. I have a strong passion for the beauty industry and a keen eye for detail in everything that I do
Anthony Dickinson
Bricklaying LecturerI have been a lecturer at West Lancashire College for 10 years and prior to working here, I was part of the Construction industry for more than 28 years, where I developed a broader range of knowledge and skills. I am dedicated and knowledgeable college lecturer with a passion for education and a strong commitment to student success. My extensive knowledge base allows me to provide in-depth insights and practical applications to students, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject with adept and design and develop curriculum that align with the needs of my students and the course objectives. I incorporate a variety of teaching methods, such as lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, to promote active learning and cater to diverse learning styles.
Alan Finnetty
Bricklaying LecturerI am a passionate brickwork lecturer with over 40 years of experience in construction, I have developed a broad range of knowledge and skills building large homes, hospitals, and schools with recognised construction companies. I have extensive experience as a mentor and teacher for a diverse range of students with over 15 years in education for ages ranged 16-18yrs and adult students. I have gained qualifications for tutoring brickwork at levels 1, 2 and 3 diplomas, IQA and Assessing. I have experienced, in further education, broader ranges of teaching to SEN and school groups.
Ruth Winstanley
Business LecturerI have had the privilege of working for West Lancashire College since 2004. I am the course leader for the AAT accountancy qualifications in addition to being a lecturer on the Business courses. I run my own accountancy business and hold the position of management accountant working in industry during the rest of my week. My informed knowledge and experience ensure that students receive specialist and up-to-date teaching of finance and business units. My specialisms are accounting, finance, law, and business decision making.
Gary Disley
Carpentry and Joinery LecturerI started work in the construction industry when I left school as a joiner /carpenter, I completed a three-year apprenticeship where I achieved my city and guilds qualifications followed by my advanced city and guilds. I have worked in the industry since working on various contracts throughout the country. I started education as an onsite assessor working with apprentices on site helping them to achieve their NVQ qualifications and I later moved into full time teaching and have done so for the last fourteen years, teaching full time students and apprentices up to level three.
Aron Hartley
Computer Science LecturerPrior to teaching at West Lancashire College, I obtained my Honours Degree and Masters Degree in computing specialising in Games Programming and Visual Computing. I am a lecturer for the BTEC Level 2 and 3 Computing Course, which utilises my specialisms very well. With plenty of programming units to teach and a game specialised unit, I can plan lessons around my own knowledge and pass these on to learners that want to know more. I want to share my passion for programming and computing with students who aren’t sure about computing and think it to be too technical, but I want to highlight to them that with practice and commitment, it can be engaging and fun.
Mell Watkins
Early Years Education LecturerI have worked at West Lancashire college since March 2010 and I’ve been a part of the Early Years and Education sector for many years. I gain great satisfaction in teaching our students and equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to succeed and reach their full potential. I feel privileged to be able to meet such wonderful students and be part of their learning journey, it is incredible to observe how they grow and develop into competent Early Years and Education practitioners.
Trevor Wells
Electrical LecturerI moved into teaching in 2009 and have worked at West Lancashire College since then, delivering Level 2 and Level 3 courses to wonderful students, as well as Level 3 Apprenticeships.
Mike Ashcroft
Engineering LecturerI am a time served engineer with over 22 years industry experience, working, across Aerospace, Automotive, Oil and Gas and Glass manufacturing sectors. Passionate about getting students to the best possible destinations, I actively interact with local industry to create the best opportunities for our learners. I use my own broad range of experience and industry knowledge to bring learning into a real-life context, sparking interest in students and take pride in developing the next generation of Engineers
Gareth Lloyd
Engineering LecturerI have worked at West Lancashire College since 2021. I have delivered engineering subjects such as CAD, CNC and Design to BTEC L3 Extended Diploma Full time students and also L3 Apprentices. I also delivered CAD/CAM and Engineering Project to HNC/D students. Prior to teaching, I was a time served skills toolmaker, which involved machining techniques including Milling, Turning and Cylindrical/Surface grinding. I also worked extensively on the manufacture, maintenance and modification of Power Press tools.
Suzanne Gibson
Health and Social Care LecturerI teach on the Level 2 and 3 Health and Social Care programmes and as an experienced teacher, my passion lies in enabling all students to develop an appreciation for health, nutrition and its key role in a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy teaching Health and Social Care and find it really rewarding when our students work hard to progress to positive destinations, such as employment in care settings and university to study a wide range of courses. I am part of a small but highly effective and hardworking team who strive to enable our students to do well and progress and meet their full potential. We offer a caring and nurturing teaching environment for our learners.
Mike Cooney
Public Services LecturerI have a wealth of educational experience at West Lancashire College. I have helped hundreds of students gain experience on the course, in order to achieve their goals in the Fire, Police or Armed Forces. I have extensive Mountain Rescue and Outdoor Activity knowledge, as well as being Expedition Leader qualified. I teach across all Public Services courses, specialising in Outdoor Activities, navigation, search and rescue skills; along with law and legal system, leadership and teamwork activities and how Public Services deal with major incidents, such as terrorism, health diseases and flooding.
Ryan Smith
Public Services LecturerI’ve had the pleasure of working at West Lancashire College for over 10 years, after studying my degree in Sports Coaching and playing semi-professional sport. I thoroughly enjoy organising an array of trips and visits for the students to succeed and develop in both practical environments, as well as in the classroom. With my key links to employers in the Public Services industry, I can offer our students a variety of knowledge and introduce them to their potential future role.
Jonathon Marlow
Public Services LecturerI have worked at West Lancashire College for over 10 years, teaching on a variety of programmes and now, I teach Level 2 and Level 3 Public Services. I have a passion to help young people reach their potential and aim to develop their skills and qualities to move onto further education or employment. I like to encourage learners to develop their teamwork, communication and leadership skills, as well as offer further support to learners through enrichment activities, gym sessions and work experience.
Caroline Stewart
Sports LecturerI began working at West Lancashire College in 2013 after completing my PGCE placement here. Having been involved in sports for over 25 years, my passion for the subject continues to grow with my focus now on physiology, personal training and sports therapy. Working with young adults who share my passion is what I enjoy the most about working here. Seeing our students achieve and progress makes it all worth while!
Robert Boardman
Sports LecturerHaving worked through my PGCE in further education this academic year, I have recently gained my first job as a teacher in Sports at West Lancashire College. Being a teacher has always been my biggest passion and career goal ever since I can remember. My favourite part of teaching is working alongside students to achieve their own personal goals and seeing that ‘light bulb’ moment when they have worked so hard on a topic they struggle with. I am very excited to my first full year in teaching and inspiring the younger generation to pursue their career goals.
Carol Reid
Clinical Educator for Health T LevelsI am an accomplished educator with a passion for inspiring young minds and fostering a love for learning. With over 15 years of teaching experience, I am honoured to have made a significant impact in the lives of countless students. I began my career as a Registered General Nurse, with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field. Within that time, I have developed a strong foundation in medical knowledge and nursing skills. Throughout my career, I have worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and long-term care facilities. My areas of expertise including medical-surgical nursing. I have cared for patients with diverse medical conditions, providing them with personalised and holistic care. As a new member of the Health and Social Care team at West Lancashire College, I am delighted to be teaching on the Level 2 and Level 3 courses, as well as being the Clinical Educator for Health T Levels.
Daniel Rawlinson
Barbering LecturerI decided to set into the Barbering industry after a stint of working as a Hairdressing in 2000 as the industry was taking off. I began to work in men's grooming in a well-known Liverpool shop called Voodoo, in their shaving department and it was from there, that I embarked on education. I went to Southport College for my Level 2 and Berry College for my Level 3 in 2009, for 2 years where I completed my assessments. Once I was qualified as a teacher, I was head hunted to work in India and Sri Lanka for various brands. Afterwards, I came to West Lancashire College in 2019 to teach barbering full time here.
Katie Hampson
Inclusive Learning LecturerAs a college lecturer at West Lancashire College, I coordinate and design outstanding curriculum for learners with special educational needs (SEN) and behaviour, emotional and social difficulties (BESD). I hold a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education and Training from Edge Hill University, and I have over 15 years of experience within the education sector. My core competencies include specialist education, empathy, teamwork, communication and organisational skills, adaptability, flexibility, and management. In my current role, I deliver quality knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) to enhance and support individual learning outcomes. I create strong intent, implementation, and impact for maximum success of all learners, embedding Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. I work with colleagues and local communities to ensure a positive and inclusive learning environment. I am passionate about helping learners overcome their challenges and achieve their potential. I am a member of the 'Institute of Leadership and Management', bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the team, and I coach and mentor aspiring leaders within the NCG Leadership hub.
Tina Vos
Coordinator and Tutor for Inclusive learners and Supported InternsWithin my time at West Lancashire College, I have participated in a variety of roles to ensure that I am equipped with as much knowledge about the college as possible. I currently work in the Inclusive Learning team and provide support for the Supported Internship Programme. I develop our students skills and knowledge to enable them to progress into the world of work or voluntary work within the local community. I am also a trained first aider and Mental Health first aider.
Diane Moran
Towards Independence Course LeaderI have been working for West Lancashire College for 18 years, predominantly teaching in the Inclusive Learning department. What inspires me everyday is the progress that the learners make and the impact that this has on them when they are at home, out in the community, and for some at work . Its great to receive such positive feedback about this from learners themselves, together with their parents/carers.
Matthew Jankowski
Maths LecturerI have loved maths since I was young and have always had a keen interest in helping others to see the beauty of solving a difficult problem. This is what brought me in to teaching and I have enjoyed it every day since. My favourite part of the job is seeing the "lightbulb" moments that students get when they finally understand a topic that has been eluding them. I like to keep my lessons light-hearted to balance out people's perceptions about Mathematics.
John Togher
English LecturerI am the course leader for English GCSE, having worked at West Lancashire College for 14 years. I am a published writer and love to help young people develop an understanding of the way language works, not just for their GCSE exams, but for everyday life whether it be in person or online. I'm also passionate about opening up young people's creativity and giving them the tools to better communicate.
Andrew Dowd
Maths LecturerI have worked at West Lancashire College since 2022. I’ve had an interest in numbers and patterns from an early age and that led me to getting a Masters from Lancaster University in Maths. I’ve been teaching Maths for more than 10 years. I get a great feeling when I know I’ve helped learners on their journey to develop their numeracy and problem solving skills and gain qualifications.
Megan Hall
Early Years Education LecturerI joined West Lancashire College in August 2024, with a strong passion to teach after being influenced by my own growing up. I studied Primary Education Early Years with QTS at Edge Hill University and specialised in Early Years. I embarked on a range of modules from birth to 7 year olds, as well as a SEND placement.
Isabel Egan
Social Sciences LecturerI am a dedicated and passionate educator, currently in my first year of teaching Social Sciences, including Psychology, Criminology and Sociology. I aim to inspire students to think critically about the world around them. I am thrilled to be teaching at West Lancashire College and look forward to contributing to the academic and personal growth of students during their time at the college.
Stephen Foord
Electrical LecturerWith over 21 years of experience running my own business, I'm delighted to now be part of the teaching staff at West Lancashire College. I bring a wealth of practical knowledge and industry expertise to the classroom. I hold multiple qualifications in electrical, mechanical, and information technology fields and I'm also a Chartered IT Professional. With my diverse background, I can provide students with a well-rounded, real-world perspective on electrical engineering and related disciplines.