Paul Drew

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT PAUL DREW

The UK apprenticeship and digital skills landscape required modernisation—greater quality, stronger employer impact, and innovative delivery models to meet rapidly evolving workforce needs within IT, Marketing and AI. My focus is on culture to drive success and rapid growthI set out to build, scale, and lead high-performing apprenticeship organisations that deliver outstanding learner outcomes, support employer growth, and set new standards across the sectorI started Apprentify in 2018, scaling it from a bedroom start-up into a group of specialist apprenticeship & funded training providersAs shareholder Managing Director & CEO, held full accountability for strategy, growth, financial performance, quality, and organisational culture. Designed and implemented cutting-edge digital & AI learning models and technology-led delivery, improving learner engagement and employer ROIBuilt and led senior leadership teams, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaborationLed organisations through start-up, scale-up, and turnaround phases, ensuring compliance, sustainability, and high performanceOversaw employer partnerships nationwide, helping UK businesses attract, develop, and retain digital talentThe ResultsAchieved an Outstanding OFSTED rating, positioning the group as a leading force in apprenticeship deliveryDoubled DPG\'s income and introduced new revenue streams which lead to an exit & sale in 2018 after two years at the helmEnabled thousands of apprentices to progress into successful digital and professional careersTook Group income from zero in 2018 through covid and to £15m in 2024. In 2021 generated investment from PE and banking acquiring 4 businesses in 3 years.Drove sustainable growth, strong governance, and long-term organisational resilienceMy las position was as Apprenticeships Director at JBC Training, providing strategic leadership and executive oversight to drive growth, quality, and innovation across apprenticeship programmes.Governance & Social Impact:Alongside my executive leadership, I contribute at board level to education and social impact organisations- Governor, Alpha Academies Trust- Non-Executive Director, United Endeavour Multi Academy Trust- Chairperson, Friends for Leisure (supporting disabled children and young people)These roles involve oversight of safeguarding, leadership effectiveness, learning outcomes, and organisational performance, contributing to stronger systems that support children, families, and communities.