Ben Mills, the CEO of OTE Constructions, is passionate about working in education because it allows him to inspire and nurture the next generation of professionals. He finds it incredibly fulfilling to see young people develop their skills and confidence, knowing that he is contributing to their future success. The hands-on training provided at Orchard Training & Education allows Ben to witness firsthand the growth and transformation of our learners.
For Ben, the greatest job satisfaction comes from seeing students succeed and thrive in their chosen careers. Whether it’s a young person securing an apprenticeship or a local company benefiting from their training programs, knowing that their efforts have a tangible impact on the community is immensely rewarding. Additionally, Ben is motivated by supporting professional development and continuous improvement for both himself and those around him.
One of Ben’s most significant success stories is the founding of Orchard Training & Education in 2004 by the late Kevin Mills. Despite the ups and downs of the business, they have entered 2025 more experienced and as passionate as they were when the company was established. Ben takes pride in assisting their clients, customers, and community in being the best they can be. The success of the company, their team, and the countless opportunities created within their communities stand as a testament to their dedication and commitment to making a positive impact.
Kevin, the Director of Occupational Development at OTE Constructions, finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the growth and transformation of individuals he mentors. One of his favorite aspects of the job is seeing someone progress from uncertainty and lack of knowledge to competence and proficiency through continuous learning and improvement. Kevin derives great joy from helping students achieve qualifications, especially when others doubted their potential to succeed. His dedication and belief in his students’ abilities have led to remarkable success stories.
Kevin’s dedication to fostering growth and believing in the potential of his students exemplifies the transformative impact of his work in occupational development.
Becky Mills, the Director of Operations at OTE Constructions, is passionate about providing a second chance for young people and helping them see their self-worth and believe in themselves. Her favorite aspect of working in education is the opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives, giving them the support and encouragement they need to succeed.
Becky finds immense job satisfaction in two main areas. First, she values building strong, positive working relationships with her team, regardless of hierarchy. Knowing that each team member is willing to lend a hand and support each other with the same goal of helping young people creates a sense of working alongside an extended family. This collaborative and supportive environment is something Becky deeply appreciates.
Danny, the Operations Manager at OTE Constructions, takes immense pride in his role within Operational Support. For him, ensuring that every learner who walks through their doors is equipped with the necessary tools, resources, and equipment to access their education is a deeply satisfying aspect of his daily duties.
Operations are the backbone of the company, driving efficiency and achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) for annual growth. By maintaining a well-organised and resourceful environment, Danny supports both the academic and operational success of the organisation, propelling them toward their goals and aspirations.
Tia Peacham, our Operational Support at OTE Construction, finds her role within the Operations Department incredibly rewarding. Her job involves a blend of proactive planning and reactive problem-solving, which keeps things interesting. She experiences a sense of accomplishment from resolving issues quickly and effectively, ensuring smooth operations.
Tia finds immense job satisfaction in helping vulnerable young people within the community by creating a safe environment for them to learn and grow. Establishing strong, trusting relationships with students, parents, and staff provides her with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Her best success story is still ongoing.
Josh Colling, in his role within Operational Support, finds immense satisfaction in being a part of learners’ development and helping them overcome challenges and obstacles to better themselves for the future.
His greatest job satisfaction comes from witnessing young people progress from pre-16 stages to traineeships and potentially full-time employment or apprenticeships. For Josh, all learners are success stories. However, being involved in their development from the interview stage, through the pre-apprentice program, and seeing them gain a full-time apprenticeship provides him with a real sense of achievement.
Faye Newby, part of the Operational Support team at OTE Constructions, finds immense fulfillment in her role by being at the heart of the company’s growth and evolution. Her favorite aspect of the job is witnessing the progression of learners within the construction industry—from their beginnings as apprentices to passing their qualifications and becoming skilled tradespeople.
Faye values the journey learners undertake from their first interviews through their work experience in the pre-apprenticeship program to becoming full-fledged apprentices. She has observed how some learners join the Pre-16 program with little confidence but, through the support and encouragement provided by the team, they gain self-assurance and flourish in the pre-apprenticeship program.
Nicola Mills, in her role within Operational Support, works directly with the CEO of the company. Her responsibilities include organising and assisting with the day-to-day operations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Nicola derives great job satisfaction from supporting the operations of the company. She finds joy in being a pivotal part of the team, contributing to the overall success and growth of the organisation.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Nicola’s job is being involved in watching young people thrive and progress to adulthood. She takes pride in seeing the positive impact the company has on the lives of these young individuals.
Len Worby, a Business Development Coordinator, enjoys the unique aspect of his role where every day brings new challenges.
He finds great joy in working with young people and witnessing their success and determination to achieve their goals. Len derives the most job satisfaction from helping people, whether it be members of staff, employers, or learners.
He values giving people his time and listening to them, making a significant difference in their lives. Len has many success stories, but he believes that if he can make even a small positive impact on the people he meets and change their lives for the better, each one of those moments counts as a success story, no matter how small.
Becky Glen, the Business Development Coordinator at OTE Constructions, is known for her passion for her job and her love for engaging in conversations. She is dedicated to the vision at Orchard Training and enjoys telling employers about the ways they can support the growth of their businesses through work experience, apprenticeships, and upskilling current staff members. Becky’s enthusiasm for building good relationships and supporting business development is evident in her daily interactions.
For Becky, seeing young people achieve their goals, both big and small, is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that her efforts have made a difference in their lives brings her immense job satisfaction. She takes pride in witnessing their progression and the confidence they gain along the way.
Wayne, an Occupational Development Coach at OTE Constructions, is deeply passionate about nurturing individuals’ growth and development.
The greatest pride comes from learners transforming from seedlings into strong, resilient trees, flourishing in their newfound skills and knowledge. Wayne finds immense satisfaction in guiding learners through their educational journey and seeing them successfully pass their end exams.
Wayne’s dedication and belief in learner plays a crucial role in their remarkable transformation, highlighting the profound impact of their work in occupational development.
Brad Palmer, an Occupational Development Coach at OTE Constructions, holds a deep passion for teaching and guiding his students. One of his most cherished experiences is his first bricklaying EPA (End-Point Assessment). The nerves he felt reminded him of the intensity of becoming a parent. The relief and pride he experienced when all his students passed, with two even achieving distinctions, made the moment even more special and memorable.
For Brad, the greatest job satisfaction comes from witnessing the transformation of students. Seeing young learners start fresh from school and leave as young adults with a solid foundation for their future brings him immense joy and fulfillment. He takes pride in being a part of their journey, helping them grow and succeed.
Mike Beecher, an Occupational Development Coach at OTE Constructions, is driven by a profound passion for changing the lives of young people, especially those who have been given up on by others. His favorite aspect of teaching is making a meaningful difference in the lives of these individuals, providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed.
Mike finds immense job satisfaction in seeing and hearing from former learners and apprentices who have gone on to do well in life. Witnessing their success and knowing that he played a role in their achievements brings him great joy and fulfillment.
Steve Dobson, an Occupational Development Coach, takes pride in being actively engaged with the development of Pre-16 students’ skills.
He finds great satisfaction when these young learners achieve a Level 1 Certificate in bricklaying and then move on to more challenging Level 2 work under his guidance.
Considering that some of these students do not even know what a brick trowel is called at the beginning of their journey, seeing them progress is incredibly rewarding.
Steve doesn’t single out any specific success story because he believes that all his learners are equally successful if they truly want to achieve a trade and skill in bricklaying.
Angie, a Functional Skills Coach at OTE Constructions, finds great joy in her role by helping learners develop the skills they need to achieve at a level that matches their abilities.
Her favorite aspect of teaching is witnessing this development, as it allows her to tailor her support to meet each learner’s unique needs.
Angie derives immense job satisfaction from seeing learners gain confidence in their own abilities, as she understands that a lack of confidence can often be a significant barrier to learning.
Adam Simpson, an Occupational Development Coach, finds his favorite aspect of teaching to be helping young learners grow in confidence and develop career paths.
He takes great pride in training, teaching, and engaging with learners who start off shy, lacking confidence, and unskilled. Watching them grow throughout the academic year, make friends, and gain a range of skills that he has taught them is incredibly rewarding for him.
The most job satisfaction for Adam comes from seeing and hearing young learners talk about their future and the career paths in the trade he has taught them. When a student leaves at the end of the academic year with their qualification, shakes his hand, and thanks him for his help, it brings him immense joy.
