Jim is responsible for leading the development of capability of the NMIS Manufacturing Skills Academy (MSA).  He has a particular interest in both organisational culture and people development, striving to give young people the opportunity and support required to grow towards achieving their career aspirations.

 Jim’s career began as an apprentice with Doosan Babcock based in Renfrew. During his time at Doosan Babcock he graduated from the University of Strathclyde with an Honours degree in Metallurgy and subsequently an MBA from Strathclyde Business School.  With Doosan Babcock Jim served as Director of Asset Management & Product Development, leading the business’s manufacturing and engineering consultancy. He is a professional member of IOM3 and has been a Chartered Engineer since 1994.  In 2018, Jim moved to Skills Development Scotland and, alongside his new role with the Manufacturing Skills Academy, continues in the role of NMIS Skills Programme Manager with SDS.  

 Jim is also a member of the Board of Management at West College Scotland, where he chairs the finance committee

Lewis is responsible for SDS’ meta-skills programme as part of the wider Standards and Framework programme aimed at modernising and consolidating apprenticeship development and design.

He has a background in the creative industries, leading him to focus in on innovation and user led design most recently. Prior to joining SDS in 2019, Lewis was project lead on a nationally focussed college/industry innovation programme “Futurequipped”, exploring and piloting opportunities for Scotland’s colleges to contribute to industry innovation and development.