James Llewellyn
Assistant Principal: International
James serves as the Assistant Principal: International, where he leads the strategic and operational aspects of the International department and its expansive portfolio including its overseas offices and faculty. In his role, he is responsible for the overall leadership and management of international initiatives and opportunities, enhancing the college’s global presence and partnerships.
With nearly two decades at NPTC Group of Colleges, James has worked as Engineering Apprentice, Technician, Instructor, Lecturer, Principal Lecturer, Deputy Head of School, Head of International and Director of Worldwide Operations prior to his appointment to the Senior Management team at the College. This breadth of experience has resulted in a profound comprehension of the Further and Higher Education sector, with a strong focus on Skills development and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
James is also an appointed Export Champion for The Department and Business and Trade / UK Government where he represents Education and trade for the United Kingdom and Wales. He is also a Director of UKs No. 1 English Language School, LSI Portsmouth that’s wholly owned by the NPTC Group of Colleges. Vice Chair of the World TVET League that’s supported by the Ministry of Education in China, where he represents the United Kingdom. NPTC Groups representative and Alliance board member for Education Together UK, a Latin America, and the Caribbean Consortium/Alliance, Led by NPTC Group of Colleges.
Furthermore, James is a fluent Welsh speaker and an alumnus of the University of Glamorgan, where he graduated in Mechanical Engineering. His journey also includes the completion of an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering/Manufacturing at Neath College and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of South Wales. James is also member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Chartered Management Institute, and the Institute of Directors and is a UK STEM ambassador.
Connect with James on LinkedIn
E-mail: james.llewellyn@nptcgroup.ac.uk
Lisa Marks
International Programmes and Academic Quality Manager
Lisa is a former member of the Royal Navy where she was part of the Sonar Department, brings extensive experience from her global travels and work with renowned organisations like the Marines, RAF, Army, House of Commons, Foreign Diplomats, and the British Embassy.
In her role as International Programmes and Academic Quality Manager, Lisa elevates the standards of teaching, learning, and assessment across our international programmes. She leads and coordinate curriculum components, ensuring excellence and consistency across varied educational contexts. Lisa drives our programmes beyond expectations, creating an enriching learning environment for our diverse students and clients worldwide.
Lisa joined NPTC Group of Colleges in 2018, lecturing in the Sport and Public Services department. She has educated a wide range of students on vocational and higher education courses, covering critical subjects such as Sociological Issues, Psychology, Crime Reduction, and Reflective Practice and our International Teacher Training Pedagogical training.
Lisa holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on hybrid teaching strategies and international development. Not only dedicated to her profession, Lisa is also a passionate hockey player and has represented the Royal Navy Command Hockey team, and leads the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) for the group.
E-mail: lisa.marks@nptcgroup.ac.uk
Chris Hughes
Assistant Manager: International
As Assistant Manager for the International department, Chris plays a key role in supporting the activities of the International Programmes and Academic Quality Manager to develop the College’ international initiatives, contributing to its global presence and partnerships.
Chris oversees the day-to-day management of the international office, ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of administrative, logistical, and stakeholder-facing functions that support the college’s international programmes.
Having worked for NPTC Group for close to two decades, Chris brings a long-standing commitment to the College with proven operational leadership, and a learner-centred approach.
He is an accomplished Engineering educator, with extensive experience in leading with clear guidance, encouragement, and the practical support learners need to succeed. As a Senior Lecturer, he led on course coordination and quality assurance, whilst supporting staff development and inspection readiness, consistently driving high standards in performance and compliance.
Chris has worked extensively with engineering firms across Wales, managing the fabrication and welding apprenticeship framework and cultivating strong employer relationships that now provide vital educational insights for our international learners.
Currently completing an ILM Level 5 in Leadership and Management, Chris is dedicated to professional excellence and on-going development, working to ensure the international team provide a world-class environment where international students can thrive.
Email: chris.hughes@nptcgroup.ac.uk
Hannah Durham
Senior Officer: International Operations
(Partnerships, Marketing and Engagement)
Hannah Durham is an accomplished marketing professional, bringing years of cross-industry experience to her role. Prior to joining NPTC, Hannah built a robust career specialising in digital business and education marketing, where she honed her skills in brand development, strategic planning and audience engagement.
Before stepping into her current role, Hannah honed her expertise in cross-cultural marketing and international student recruitment at a top 300 worldwide ranked university, developing a sophisticated understanding of diverse global markets in education.
At NPTC Group of Colleges, Hannah manages worldwide marketing activities alongside building meaningful, long-term connections and collaborations with partners that benefit the College, its students and wider international education and business communities.
She is also an award-winning freelance artist and illustrator whose work has appeared in British Vogue, a creative edge that she brings to every international campaign and brand strategy she leads. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys running, solo travelling, reading and being outdoors. Hannah holds a BA (Hons) in Media and Communication.
Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn
Email: hannah.durham@nptcgroup.ac.uk
Angela Gill
Senior Officer: International Operations
(Finance, Compliance and Engagement)
Angela manages finance and compliance for the international department at NPTC Group of Colleges. She is responsible for the financial and compliance arrangements for the programmes we offer internationally and within the UK for international students, including arranging visas, travel and budgets.
She is responsible for the Workstations programme which involves 20-30 Chinese Teachers coming to NPTC Group of Colleges for 14 weeks to take part in the PGCE programme; shadowing NPTC Group of Colleges lecturers and observing the westernised mythology of teaching practice.
Angela joined NPTC Group of Colleges in 2019. She comes from a finance background, working in a major bank where her roles included Mortgage Manager and Relationship Manager before moving on to the Higher Education sector within the Procurement team.
Joining the International team, she has experienced a variety of wonderful opportunities to work closely with colleagues, teachers and students across the world.
E-mail: angela.gill@nptcgroup.ac.uk
Rachel Slim
International Officer
Student Support, Experience and Accommodation
Rachel provides dedicated learner-centred support, focusing on the well-being and integration of our to international students. She also co-ordinates student accommodation and cultural engagement activities, helping students to feel supported in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment during their time at the college. From arrival and accommodation, to day-to-day support during their studies, Rachel is there to ensure our international students have a positive experience.
Moving from Birmingham to South Wales, Rachel joined NPTC Group of Colleges in 2023. Working within the Pathways Training team as an Administrative Assistant, she managed a variety of administrative tasks within the Work Based Learning sector and the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme.
Prior to joining the College, Rachel worked as an Administration Officer in HMRC, managing enquiries from members of the public, other government departments and legal bodies. She also enjoyed working as an Admin Assistant within a Primary School and trained to become a Classroom Assistant, primarily supporting children with additional learning needs and leading on the implementation of a new digital medical tracker system for the school.
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn
Email: rachel.slim@nptcgroup.ac.uk
Gagan Aggarwal
India and Middle East Associate
Gagan’s role predominantly focuses on providing NPTC Group of Colleges with high-quality skill-based opportunities across all subject areas. Additionally, he works closely with international clients and governments to establish new services for the group.
He has 20+ years of experience, leveraging his expertise within the Indian ecosystem, facilitated market entry in India with expertise spanning requirement scoping, strategic planning, branding/marketing, and business development.
Gagan is skilled in evaluating strategic fit of potential opportunities, consulting on new products/services for NPTC Group of Colleges. He is a powerful networker with an intricate understanding of key business drivers, know-how in formulating customised strategies, and the ability to execute with discipline and effectiveness.
As a result of his efforts, NPTC Group of Colleges has established cross-border collaborations with key Indian institutions and Government agencies.
Connect with Gagan on LinkedIn
E-mail: Gagan.aggarwal@nptcgroup.ac.uk
Steve Rhodes
Advisor to the International Team
Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Degree in Graphic Design and a Master of Education Degree
His career began working as a Graphic Designer before entering the vocational education sector as a Lecturer of Graphic Design, progressing through the academic ranks before being appointed as the Assistant Principal of Worldwide Operations at NPTC Group of Colleges.
He regularly spends time overseas which he describes as a privilege and honour – going on to say that the more he travels and the more he meets people from different cultures and backgrounds, he recognises that we are all connected far more by the things that we have in common compared to our differences.
Steve has led large scale projects in China since 2005, working predominantly with the vocational education sector is China and is now one of the UK’s most experienced Further Education TVET (Technical, Vocational Education and Training) specialists. His skills, experience and profile have been recognised through his appointment of the Co-Chair of the China UK Vocational Education Cooperation and Development Committee.
E-mail: steve.rhodes@nptcgroup.ac.uk
