Sarah Wicks has been appointed HVCA head of education and training, with effect from 1 August 2007.
Ms Wicks (34) served an electrical engineering apprenticeship with AMEC Engineering, progressing to the post of training and development officer with the company.

From February 1999, she served for two years as training and development manager with the MITIE Group, before accepting a similar post with Diageo Plc. She joined the HVCA as education and training officer in July 2004.

Commenting on the appointment, HVCA chief executive Robert Higgs described Sarah as a committed member of the professional team who would, in her new role, be able to provide additional dynamism at a time when issues surrounding vocational education, training funding and skills development were high on the industry agenda.

'I am delighted that Sarah has agreed to take on this very challenging position, and know that her colleagues at Esca House, and in the wider membership, look forward to working closely with her on a range of issues,' Higgs added.

Wicks succeeds Tony Thomas, HVCA head of education and training since 1992, who has been appointed visiting professor in work-based learning at London South Bank University.