Amelia Patterson
“Be confident in who you are and be proud of who you are…
Career Stories
Ffion Watts
“Be brave, take risks, and welcome the unexpected”
Did…
Louise Dempster
“Be bold, be brave, but be authentic!”
We sat…
Cath Jenkins
Director of Employability
Cath has an extensive track record in employment strategy, policy and programme development. Having worked in the employability and skills field for over 25 years, she has a passion for improving people’s lives through meaningful work, skills development and career advancement.
As the leader of the Employability department, Cath sets the strategic direction for the team and is always thinking of new ways to improve, expand and innovate in the delivery of employment support.
Outside of work Cath can usually be found following sport of some sort or enjoying quality time with family and friends.
James Bevan
Deputy Director of Employability
James has spent his entire career working in the employability and training field giving him extensive knowledge of employment trends and the evolving local labour market. As our Deputy Director of Employability, James’ experience enables him to ensure that our programme is creative, interactive, and at the forefront of innovative employability support.
James’ approach to management is dynamic and hands-on, working closely with the team to ensure they provide first-class support that is current and most importantly, ensures clients gain employment or progress into positions better suited to their skills and attributes.
Outside of work, James likes to think he is a health conscious individual; however he enjoys his food a little too much and approaches this topic extremely light-heartedly!
Mark James
Employability Programme Manager
Mark’s background as a corporate training consultant has enabled him to work closely with the business community at all levels to provide recruitment and training solutions. He has a proven track record of solving the recruitment needs of businesses, including the design of educational training programmes that increase business productivity and improve staff retention rates.
Being well connected to the business world, Mark has a sound understanding of the local economy having worked through various business cycles. Mark is on hand to offer a range of support to businesses, including recruitment, succession planning and the mapping of staff development progression pathways.
Outside of the office, Mark is a keen athlete and over the years he has managed to complete both the Berlin and London marathons.
David Freeman
Employability Programme Manager
Before joining the BJBF team Dave worked in the retail sector for over 20 years, with over 12 years’ experience as a Senior HR Manager. Dave has extensive knowledge and experience from working at various sites across the country for the UK’s biggest retailer, managing large HR projects and being the point of contact for over 350 members of staff.
As Employability Programme Manager, Dave brings specialist HR skills and experience to the team. With a fantastic proven track record, and being a member of the CIPD, Dave is our man in the know for work-related HR issues.
Outside of the office, Dave enjoys mountain biking around the hills of South Wales and spending time with his two children and partner Bethan.
Louise Dempster
Employability Programme Manager
Louise has 20 years of experience in the employability sector working with both employers and job seekers alike. Louise has supported employers on their journey to becoming disability confident and has supported numerous equality and diversity policies and practices in the workplace.
An experienced Project Manager, Louise supported the development of our Futures provision and has thoroughly enjoyed working closely with the team to deliver employability support to learners across Gower College Swansea. In her role as Programme Manager, Louise enjoys working with the whole BJBF team, providing a hands-on approach to improve and develop our service.
When not in the office, Louise loves spending time with her family, which includes her two very energetic children and her pugs, Coco & Bonnie! On the weekends, Louise enjoys camping (more specifically, glamping!) and indulging in some reality TV!
Rhian Noble
Project Co-ordinator
Rhian has 10 years experience working in the education sector as a Lecturer, Tutor and Assessor for Gower College Swansea, developing resources and delivering across a wide variety of levels and subjects. Rhian has worked with a number of employers, building strong working relationships leading to secure work placements and employment opportunities for students. Rhian has also previously worked as a Teaching Assistant at a local Welsh primary school, offering one-to-one and group support through the medium of Welsh.
In her role as Project Co-ordinator, Rhian is tasked with building strong links with partners, employers and clients. Leading and working with the team of Career Coaches, Rhian aims to deliver a high quality bespoke service which meets the needs of each individual.
When not in work Rhian is a busy mum to three boys and loves spending quality time with her family and friends!
Samantha Hughes
Project Co-ordinator
As an English Literature graduate, Sam has a passion for writing and is our social media specialist who likes nothing more than creating and delivering content to connect with people around the globe. Always taking a personable approach, Sam’s strengths lie in her determined and focused work ethic and her friendly and positive attitude.
Sam loves getting to the heart of a business and the people and ideas behind it, and she is the go-to girl if we need anything planned or arranged. With a self-confessed obsession with lists, post-it notes and schedules, Sam is the woman in the know when it comes to making things happen!
Outside the office, Sam can be found cooking (and eating!) and spending quality time with her family and friends. Also an avid sports fan, Sam regularly plays netball, and is very partial to a big day out at the rugby or football!
Beth Fisher
Workforce Adviser
Beth has extensive experience in the field of employability and has been extremely successful in a variety of customer focused positions ranging from large blue chip companies to smaller independents. Beth is full of knowledge when it comes to providing employment strategies to suit employers and their business needs and she always takes the time to deliver the best possible solutions to any problems!
As a Workforce Adviser, Beth is very much looking forward to bringing all her skills and experience together as well as further enhancing her expertise. Developing meaningful professional relationships is Beth’s forte and she is passionate about working closely with businesses to provide an exceptional service, without exception.
In her spare time Beth loves to walk around the coastal paths of Gower with her family.
Zoe Williams
Workforce Adviser
Zoe has worked in recruitment and employability for over 17 years bringing a wealth of knowledge to the team. Her interest in employability led to a change in career into the welfare-to-work sector in Swansea, working with the short and long term unemployed to help them gain sustainable employment. After 4 years in this sector Zoe moved to a gender equality charity, which enhanced her commitment to equality and diversity.
Using her experience from multiple employability sectors, Zoe works with employers to provide in-depth advice to businesses on workforce planning and development issues.
When not working Zoe loves to support the Ospreys and Portsmouth FC, or can be found walking in the mountains and coastal paths around Swansea. Zoe is a lively member of the team, often heard before seen thanks to her famous and outrageous laugh!
Owen Davies
Employability Engagement Co-Ordinator
Owen’s time at university started with an Advertising and Brand Design course at UWTSD. Deciding to pursue a more strategic route, Owen went on to study an MSc in Strategic Marketing at Swansea University, where he studied behind-the-scenes aspects of managing a brand, the ethics and considerations of marketing and consumer psychology. As part of a work-placement, Owen worked with the Swansea University School of Management to develop and implement a marketing plan to promote employability and entrepreneurial related support, activities, and events to students.
As Employability Engagement Co-ordinator, Owen is responsible for the day-to-day running of all our social media channels. Owen has a huge range of skills in photography and video-editing and uses his experience to create exciting and engaging content to share with a range of different audiences. Owen is approachable, friendly and positive, and loves working closely with the team to create and share stories about our clients, marking their journeys and celebrating their successes.
Away from the desk, Owen enjoys cooking and baking for friends and family. Owen is slightly media obsessed and loves watching films, listening to music and podcasts and getting stuck into a good book. Owen also likes to take a regular dip in the swimming pool to keep fit and stay healthy!
Angela Davies
Career Coach
Angela has had a long and varied career in employability, having worked in the sector since 2003. Angela worked on New Deal for Disabled people with Shaw Trust until 2011, working with people with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds and empowering them to return to suitable employment.
Angela moved across to TBG Learning and worked with a range of clients on the Work Programme. Here she qualified as a Wellness Recovery Action Planning facilitator, helping people to build a range of wellness tools to improve their lives. Angela is passionate about helping people to be the best they can be and uses all of her experience in her role as Career Coach, continuing to supporting people in their journey.
Angela spent almost 11 years living and working in Sydney until she returned to Swansea in 1999. A vegan and animal lover, Angela loves healthy, nutritious food, watching live music, reading, natural therapies and meditation as well walking and having fun with friends.
Andrew Walsh
Career Coach
Andrew graduated from the University of Glamorgan with a BSC in Sports Coaching and Performance. Since leaving university Andrew has worked in a variety of roles and has accumulated over 10 years’ experience in supporting students with challenging behaviours into education, training or employment.
As a Career Coach, Andrew is fun and enthusiastic with a passion for making a meaningful difference to people’s lives. Andrew thoroughly enjoys his role and takes a person-centered approach, ensuring that all his clients receive bespoke and tailored support for their individual needs and circumstances. Andrew has a contagiously positive attitude and always brings good vibes and energy to his work, his clients and the whole of team BJBF!
When not in work, Andrew enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to live music and watching a variety of sports. At the weekend, Andrew can often be found roaming the hills of the Brecon Beacons, taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales!
Read Andrew’s career story here
Sarah Kenna
Career Coach
Sarah has over ten years experience within the recruitment and employability sector. Having graduated from University in 2000 with a BA Hons in Applied Social Studies, Sarah has used her passion for working with people in her various roles to raise aspirations and effectively support those looking to gain or improve their employment prospects.
As part of the dynamic BJBF team, Sarah loves matching clients to the right job opportunities and feels very privileged to be part of such a passionate, client centred team who truly care about the people behind the programme.
When Sarah is not in work she is usually running around after her two daughters with various after school activities. On the weekends, Sarah can be found spending quality time with her family with some good food and a glass of wine or two!
Rebecca Harris
Career Coach
Rebecca completed a Degree in Social Studies where she undertook a placement in probation alongside her part-time role working with women’s’ shelters and those experiencing homelessness. After graduating in 2021, Rebecca secured a job in probation working with ex-offenders and supporting them with their rehabilitation. After 18 months building her skills and broadening her knowledge, Rebecca progressed into an employability role within the probation service where she gained valuable insight and experience of the sector.
After 3 years in her employability role, Rebecca was keen to further broaden her experience and joined Better Jobs, Better Futures in 2024 as a Career Coach, working with clients to help them progress into education, training and employment. Rebecca takes a practical and holistic approach to supporting her clients, helping individuals overcome barriers to build their confidence and maximise their potential.
Outside of work, Rebecca is currently studying towards a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Policing. Rebecca also loves to keep fit and stays active by running and regularly going to the gym.
Mary Madgwick
Receptionist/Administrator
Mary began her career as a Typist with the Land Registry where she developed her skills and later progressed to quality control duties. Soon after, Mary joined the administration team, supporting the process of digitalising records. After an extended career break raising her two children, Mary returned to work as a cleaner in the hospitality sector before joining Gower College Swansea in 2020.
When an opportunity came up to apply for a secondment as a Receptionist, supporting the Better Jobs, Better Futures team, Mary knew this would be the perfect fit and was excited to combine her previous administrative experience with her passion for helping people. Mary is dedicated to providing a warm, friendly and positive service and feels so lucky to play a small role in supporting individuals on their journey to employment.
On the weekends, Mary loves to spend her time reading exciting thriller books and going for long walks with her family.
Amelia Patterson
Receptionist/Administrator
During her time at Gower College Swansea, Amelia studied Beauty, IT and Employability Skills. With her educational background in employability, and having accessed the support of the service during her time in college, Amelia brings a fresh perspective to her Receptionist role and has unique insight and understanding of client needs and circumstances.
Amelia joined BJBF in 2022 on a summer internship and is now a full-time member of the Reception team. As one of the first points of contact, Amelia provides a warm and friendly welcome for all clients and is on hand to help with any questions or queries. Amelia’s favourite aspect of the role is meeting and greeting clients and watching their transformation from their first appointment to maximising their potential and reaching their goals.
Outside of the office, Amelia is an aspiring singer and can often be found taking singing lessons (supported by the occasional sing-along at reception!).
Ffion Watts
Receptionist/Administrator
Ffion has vast customer service experience, gained through various roles in the travel & tourism industry. Ffion also has a wealth of experience in marketing and communications which she gained through a marketing role at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
With a natural knack for organisation, Ffion is responsible for all administration duties at BJBF HQ, and prides herself on her ability to keep daily operations as smooth as possible for staff and clients. The first point of contact for all BJBF related enquires, Ffion loves engaging with all of our visitors to ensure they have a positive and helpful experience.
Outside of the office, Ffion enjoys going for leisurely walks in the countryside with her family. Ffion also has a creative side and enjoys arts and crafts, mainly painting and drawing.
