Who's Who?                                             

Stephen Tilsley – EAL Chairman

EAL Chairman Stephen Tilsley has a depth of experience in developing vocational skills for industry. A former engineering apprentice with the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Stephen was a key figure in establishing Metsec plc in the 1980s and became Managing Director in 2000. During his tenure, he set up the company’s apprentice training school to retain and grow its craft and technical skills base, introducing a culture of continuous improvement in product quality, customer service and sustainability across all Metsec businesses.

Stephen progressed from his own apprentice training to gain an MA in Engineering from Jesus College Cambridge and an MBA from Manchester Business School. As non-executive Chairman of Metskill from 1999 to 2009, he joined a committed board of employers to represent the 470,000-strong workforce in the UK metals industry. Their work has been instrumental in encouraging the growth of shop-floor training by developing industry-led products, ensuring high standards of delivery and offering up-skilling solutions to improve business performance. As chairman, Stephen focused attention on measuring business benefits, engaging a wide network of companies, and recognising the achievements of employers and employees in vocational training.

Ann Watson - Managing Director

Ann Watson is managing director of EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL), the leading awarding body for engineering vocational qualifications. With a first class honours degree in business studies and a Chartered Institute of Marketing diploma, Ann has a strong marketing background.  Prior to her current appointment in 2005, she held key positions with EAL for seven years, including that of marketing manager and subsequently product manager.  Bringing new business opportunities and increasing the organisation’s strategic marketing and product focus are among her achievements in the role. Ann’s earlier career was spent in marketing and communications roles within engineering and training organisations, providing her with an excellent background for her present function. As managing director, Ann aims, through continuous improvement, to build on EAL’s strong performance and expanding portfolio to further increase the strength of its market position.  In 2007, EAL celebrated Ann's success as managing director at the prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) Yorkshire and Humber Director of the Year awards. Ann was nominated in the Young Director category.  She was one of three finalists and the only female nominee.