WHAT IS THE
APPRENTICESHIP AMBASSADOR NETWORK?
The work of the AAN is linked to the strategic objectives of the Apprenticeship Reform Programme - Benefits Realisation Strategy, which are:
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To create more quality apprenticeships;
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To meet the skills needs of employers;
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To create progression for apprentices;
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To widen participation and social mobility in apprenticeships.
The Ambassador Network is here not only to promote Apprenticeships but to share best practice, provide support and to mentor businesses that are keen to employ an apprentice or introduce Apprenticeships to their current workforce.
OUR
PARTNERS
Bev is the person to go to for all things Apprentice Extra Card. She spends her time supporting employers and training providers in making sure that the apprentices they work with have access to the Apprentice Extra Card.
Bev also spends a lot of time working to improve the offer of the card and therefore trying to improve the experience of thousands of apprentices across the UK. She is currently working on trying to improve the public transport offer to apprentices.
OUR
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

Ixion Holdings
Martin Johnson, Head of Service - Learning and Skills National Accounts
Martin started his career as a Marketing Executive at Post Office Headquarters in London, before a love of health and fitness drew him into the Army to follow his dream of becoming an Army Physical Training Instructor which he achieved. Martin served in the Army (and latterly as an instructor with the Ministry of Defence MoD) for 20 years which took him to several locations around the world – some nicer than others! During his final role for the MoD, which was at the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) in Colchester, Martin gained a passion for education and led to him setting up an accredited fitness qualifications delivery centre within MCTC to educate and support Soldiers who were being discharged from the Forces.
Martin left MCTC to start a new career as a contract operations manager with a company specialising in Apprenticeships for Army Personnel, managing apprenticeship provision to Soldiers across the UK, Germany, Cyprus and Brunei. Martin left this role in 2018 to take up a new challenge with the Ofsted Grade 1 training provider Ixion Holdings where he holds his current position of Head of Service for Learning and Skills National Accounts where he is responsible for all employer and stakeholder engagement nationally.
Martin is a keen cyclist and triathlete and loves all things relating to the Tour de France.
Katherine Bassey
Katherine Bassey, Executive Coach & Facilitator
Katherine is an EMCC accredited executive coach, coaching supervisor and team facilitator. She has over 30 years of experience in leadership and organisational development in the public and third sectors. As former Head of Staff Engagement and Innovation for UNISON, she led a wide range of initiatives, including apprenticeship programmes. Katherine continues to work with organisations and individuals who embrace opportunities for cultural change and fresh thinking. She particularly enjoys working with organisations who are looking to build their internal coaching and mentoring capacity to support apprentices and integrate learning arising from apprenticeship programmes.
A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management, Katherine also judges for the CIPD’s People Management awards, Engage Awards and volunteers with Engage for Success, chairing forums to share best practice in employee engagement.
After completing her MA in Human Resource Management at the University of Westminster, Katherine’s work has been strongly influenced by her training and practice in internal and external coaching, coaching supervision, Time to Think facilitation, mindfulness and workplace mediation. She also uses a range of psychometrics designed to promote understanding of difference and to promote team cohesion – supporting compassion, collaboration and creativity at work.

London South Bank University
Sammy Shummo, Group Director of Apprenticeships
Since joining the education sector in 2006, Sammy has worked in business engagement working with employers and their staff and apprentices. He started in the further education sector where he gained good understanding, knowledge and experience of the skills and training landscape. Sammy has been in London South Bank University since 2018 and is responsible for supporting businesses to navigate the apprenticeship system and support them to meet organisational skills requirements and fill their talent pipeline.
Sammy also works closely with a number of key business functions with responsibility for the identification of skills gaps and addressing them through the most appropriate model. He is a strong believer in the apprenticeship system and the potential for increased social mobility and opportunities that apprenticeships provide.