International Women’s Day 2026 invites us to reflect on this year’s global theme: Give to Gain, a reminder that when we give, we all gain. Through generosity, collaboration and shared purpose, we collectively help forge gender equality. Giving isn’t subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, communities rise with them.
Across Greater Manchester’s skills and education landscape, the women of GMLPN embody the spirit of Give to Gain every day, through leadership, partnership, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives through skills.
Today, we’re proud to celebrate the women who power GMLPN.
Who We Are — GMLPN’s Mission
Established in 2001, the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network has supported its diverse membership for almost 25 years — one of the largest provider networks in the country.
Our members include; Independent Training Providers, FE Colleges, Community Providers, Universities, Awarding Organisations, Local Authorities and Key sector partners.
Together, our network plays a vital role in supporting residents, businesses and communities through high‑quality provision including Apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, T Levels, AEB, and Pre‑Employment Programmes.
Through strong regional partnerships, we work to align the needs of employers, individuals and providers to deliver long‑term, meaningful impact across Greater Manchester.
Spotlight: Core Team
Charlotte Jones — Head of Operations
Our Head of Operations, Charlotte leads both strategic and day‑to‑day delivery across the network.
Over her 11 years with GMLPN, beginning as an apprentice and completing THREE apprenticeships including a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, Charlotte exemplifies lifelong learning in action. She is focused on strengthening regional partnerships and ensuring high‑quality delivery across all areas of GMLPN’s work.
Chloe Forrest — Partnership Manager
Chloe joined GMLPN after 18 years within an Apprenticeship Training Provider, having begun her own career journey as a 16‑year‑old apprentice. She now builds and nurtures relationships with providers, employers and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and ensure the network continues to meet member needs.
Hannah Bolsher — Network Coordinator
Hannah brings experience across business engagement, partnership development and skills support, previously at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. She plays a key role in coordinating network activity, supporting members, and driving communication that helps organisations connect, collaborate and thrive.
Strategic Leadership
Nikki Bardsley — Board Member
With over 23 years in the sector, Nikki has deep expertise in designing, delivering and assuring high‑quality training and assessment. As Head of Client Solutions & Quality at Kaplan, she is committed to ensuring learners of all backgrounds can access opportunities to progress and succeed.
Tracey Wood — Board Member
As Chief Commercial Officer at Trafford & Stockport College Group, Tracey oversees employer engagement, commercial growth and strategic partnerships. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive growth and strengthening Greater Manchester’s skills ecosystem.
Advisory Expertise
Jill Nagy — Chief Executive, Rochdale Training
With decades of experience supporting employers and learners, Jill leads an organisation widely recognised for high‑quality training, innovation and community impact.
Melanie Nicholson — Managing Director, LTE Group
Melanie brings extensive leadership experience across education and training, guiding organisational strategy and supporting impactful programmes across the region.
Donna Graham — Service Lead, Positive Steps
Donna provides expertise in education, careers guidance and learner support, ensuring high‑quality pathways for young people and adults across Greater Manchester.
Collective Impact
Through their combined leadership, insight and dedication, these women help shape a stronger, more connected and more inclusive skills system across the region. Their work ensures thousands of learners, including women and girls, each year can access life‑changing education, training and employment opportunities.
Spotlight: Women recognised at the GM Skills Awards
We are also proud to highlight a selection of outstanding women recognised at the GM Skills Awards 2025:
Apprentice of the Year (Level 4–7) — Winner
• Niamh Clarke, PwC (Kaplan)
Apprentice of the Year (Level 4–7) — Highly Commended
• Grace Ormesher‑Southall, Sellafield Ltd (Wigan & Leigh College)
16–19 Learner of the Year — Winner
• Kelsie Fitzsimmons, Wigan & Leigh College
Adult Learner of the Year — Highly Commended
• Michelle Crowther, Mantra Learning
Unsung Hero of the Year — Highly Commended
• Catherine Perkins, The Manchester College
Outstanding Innovation of the Year — Highly Commended
• Funding Futures
These individuals represent ambition, resilience, and the transformative power of skills.
This International Women’s Day, we ask:
What will YOU Give to Gain gender equality?
Whether through advocacy, mentoring, resources, visibility or opportunity, every act of giving helps build a fairer, more inclusive system for all.
GMLPN is proud to champion the women who lead, inspire and empower across Greater Manchester’s skills landscape, today and every day.
The GMLPN Team
