Work-based learning specialist JTL has announced the appointment of its new Chairman. Geoff Russell will succeed Dr Ian Livsey when his term in office ends in December.

JTL is a provider of apprenticeships in the building services engineering sector, providing training predominantly for aspiring electricians and heating and plumbing engineers.


Geoff was an audit partner at KPMG for 14 years including a spell at HM Treasury. After retiring from KPMG, Geoff became the Chief Executive of the Learning and Skills Council and then founding Chief Executive of the Skills Funding Agency in 2010. Since leaving the Agency in 2012, Geoff has held a number of non-executive and Chair roles.


“I’m delighted to be able to welcome Geoff to JTL,” said Chief Executive Jon Graham. “Ian has done a great job for the business over the past 6 years and we’re fortunate to be able to appoint someone of Geoff’s stature and level of experience to succeed him. These are very exciting times for JTL and we have an excellent senior team running the business. Geoff’s arrival will help to take us to the next level of success in the provision of work-based learning in the building services engineering industry.”


Geoff Russell said: “It is a privilege to continue to support apprenticeships working with such a well-known and successful organisation. I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees and Jon and his excellent team, to help JTL continue to thrive at this time of unprecedented change and opportunity in the sector.”


Key to JTL’s success has been achievement rates for its apprentices that are well ahead of the national average. JTL, a registered charity, currently has more than 6,500 apprentices across England and Wales and works with more than 3,000 employers. In its 26 years in business, JTL has enabled more than 37,000 young people to gain their qualifications and move into a fulfilling and lucrative profession.