Thomas Burton

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT THOMAS BURTON

Thomas Burton has developed his career in education, skills, and workforce development, with extensive experience across further education, higher education, and apprenticeships. His background combines operational leadership, teaching, assessment, and governance, giving him a detailed understanding of how policy and practice come together to support learners and employers.Thomas began his career in industry, holding leadership positions that involved managing people, projects, and logistics in high-pressure settings. A significant example was his role as Culinary Leader at the London 2012 Olympic Games, where he managed operations across two sites, coordinating large teams and delivering consistently under global scrutiny. This experience shaped his skills in planning, resource management, and stakeholder coordination, which have since underpinned his work in education.In further education, he worked directly with learners as a College Tutor and Work-Based Assessor, supporting apprentices to achieve qualifications and develop in their roles. These positions gave him first-hand insight into the challenges faced by apprentices and the importance of meaningful collaboration with employers. He later took on responsibilities in quality assurance and governance, serving as an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) Director and as a College Governor. These roles broadened his perspective, developing his expertise in compliance, assessment integrity, and institutional oversight.Currently, Thomas is Head of Apprenticeships at York St John University, where he leads the development and delivery of degree-level apprenticeship programmes. His role spans programme design, regulatory compliance, and employer engagement, ensuring that apprenticeships combine academic standards with real-world application. He also acts as Ofsted Nominee for the university, overseeing inspection readiness and quality assurance processes, and working with staff across the institution to embed a culture of compliance and improvement.Thomas has contributed to sector-wide activity, including chairing committees and engaging in policy discussions around apprenticeships. He has worked with national partners to share practice, shape guidance, and support the ongoing development of degree apprenticeships within the wider technical education system. His career has also included international projects in the US and India, which have informed his approach to programme design and highlighted the importance of adaptability and global perspectives in workforce development.