David Barlow MBE

David is in his fifth year as Chair of the Electrical Standards and Governance Group which oversees the Electrical Apprenticeships in England. He has also been appointed Chair of the Building Services and Construction T Level Board and has spent over 40 years championing young people and apprenticeships.

Founder of Clifford College in South Cheshire, which offers training in electrical engineering and health and safety, David has developed apprenticeships nationwide leading to roles as engineers and managers in a mixture of classroom and handson education.

Clifford College has trained more than 150 apprentices across several employers. The college is one of the largest in the country and carries out teaching in six skill centres. David said: “I have worked with our colleges to expand the opportunities for young people and I have been able to help may obtain their goals over the years. I am determined that there should be more avenues for youngsters to develop their future, especially after the pandemic.”

On his time studying at the University he said: “In 1964 whilst I was at Chester Grammar School, the University of Liverpool was the flagship university in the North West. It was a lifelong dream to study there and I was pleased when I achieved that goal. I enjoyed the camaraderie with the other students and the tutors whilst at the University.”

David was awarded an MBE for his contribution to apprenticeships and his efforts to encourage other businesses to give young people a chance and is a member of a senior leadership group for the Secretary of State for Education.