Who We Are
Eric Murphy – Managing Director
As well as managing the business, Eric has specific responsiblity for Continuing Professional Development for his team, Health and Safety and is also the lead Internal Verifier.
Eric's early career has combined plenty of practical engineering experience with periods of lecturing at several colleges in South West Wales. Eric became more closely involved with the delivery of NVQ Engineering qualifications and played an integral part in the pilot scheme to roll out an NVQ Level 4 Engineering programme across South Wales.
In 1997, Eric saw an opportunity to set up his own company to provide high-end training specifically for NVQ Engineering Qualifications. Initially he worked with two awarding bodies; City & Guilds and EMTA. Over time, companies asked if other training could be provided such as Manufacturing, Administration and Management. Professional and Technical Development was on its way moving from a one-man business to the company it is today.
Eric says; "one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of this company is helping learners to develop their confidence and abilities enabling them to progress, sometimes to very senior levels, within their profession".
Eric has an interest in property development, classic cars, history and forcing himself to use various contraptions of torture at the local gym.
John Williams – Centre Manager
John manages the daily operations at P&TD, including the ReAct programme and has responsibility for Internally Verifying many of the qualifications offered.
John has a Mechanical Engineering background, serving his apprenticeship in the industrial fan manufacturing sector prior to development in the role of Service Engineer. He has also held a range of aircraft and automotive industry engineering positions culminating in running the Engineering Office for a local manufacturing company.
He welcomed the opportunity to move across to the delivery of apprenticeship training/work based learning to ensure the continuation of Wales’s long-tradition of producing innovative design and manufacture of specialist products.
John says, ‘I like the daily interaction with learners, and it’s great to see the change in people, especially those who come via the ReAct programme, as their self-confidence grows and they can see a future for themselves again.’
Leah Davies – Centre Co-ordinator
Leah came to P&TD as an administration assistant in 2005 and became centre coordinator in 2006. Prior to P&TD, Leah worked in several different business areas and now brings her valuable work experience to her role as centre coordinator. P&TD’s commitment to Continued Professional Development was a ‘big draw’ for Leah and having completed her PGCE in Post Compulsory Education and Training, in 2010, she is currently working towards her Masters in Professional Development, Education and Training. Leah says, ‘I enjoy being constantly challenged in my role at P&TD, no day is ever the same’.
Leah is passionate about wildlife conservation. She has spent time volunteering on conservation projects in Greece (Hellenic Ornithological Society’s ‘Chameleon Project’) as well as here in Wales at WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust) and the Welsh Owl and Wildlife Sanctuary (WOWLS) and would love to do more work in this area. Leah is the designated Senior ESDGC Champion (Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship) and, as such, is responsible for promoting ESDGC and Corporate Social responsibility across P&TD, organising various awareness raising activities that learners can get involved in too.
Jeff Mauro – Assessor
Jeff is an assessor for the Funded Apprenticeship Schemes and covers Management, Business Administration, Engineering and Manufacturing apprenticeships. He also delivers ECDL and Basic IT/Media training.
Jeff has over 30 years of experience in Engineering and Manufacturing, starting out as an apprentice Toolmaker,and has worked in various engineering companies, including the Aerospace industry, where he progressed through the company working in Quality Control/Inspection and ending up as a Production Engineer working in the Design Office.
Jeff brings his enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring individuals to his role at P&TD. He believes that "it’s so rewarding to help a learner achieve their goals and to see the confidence this gives them."
Outside of work Jeff continues his interest in helping others by sitting on the Board of Governors at his local infant/junior school where he plays an active part in promoting curriculum development and improving the facilities available to the school. He has also been a regular on the sidelines most weekends supporting his sons as they played in the junior football league.
John Pilarz – Assessor
John, or JP as he is known around the office, is an assessor for the Funded Apprenticeship schemes and covers Production, Engineering and Business Administration apprenticeships. He also delivers ECDL and Management Training.
JP has over 25 years experience in Engineering. Starting as a Machinist he worked his way up to Production Manager, so has first-hand knowledge and experience of the issues facing both companies and their employees to keep their competitive edge in demanding economic times.
JP says that "the best part of my job is meeting a wide variety of people and seeing them enjoying the process of learning. It’s great when clients gain self-confidence and see the possibilities for developing their careers."
In his spare time, JP coaches St Clears under-13’s football team - something which he says keeps him on his toes!