Nichola Hay MBE
AELP Chair Nichola is Director of Apprenticeship Strategy and Policy at BPP Education Group
Nicki Hay MBE is a highly respected leader in the UK skills, apprenticeships, further and higher education sector, with more than 30 years of experience shaping national workforce development.
She is Chair of AELP, a Trustee of WorldSkills UK, and a Board Member of Skills England, reflecting her influence across the wider skills ecosystem.
As Director of Apprenticeship Strategy & Policy at BPP, the UK’s leading professional education and training provider, Nicki plays a pivotal role in advancing high‑quality professional apprenticeship provision. She champions BPP’s mission to equip UK businesses with the skilled talent they need—supporting both workforce upskilling and the development of new entrants to industry. Her leadership drives BPP’s apprenticeship strategy, product innovation, and client engagement, strengthening the organisation’s position at the forefront of further and professional education.
Nicki is widely recognised for her thought leadership and long‑standing contribution to the apprenticeship landscape. Her commitment to improving learner outcomes and shaping policy earned her a place in the Queen’s 2021 New Year Honours List, where she was awarded an MBE for services to further education and apprenticeships.
Working closely with employers, training providers, sector bodies, and policymakers, Nicki continues to play a central role in shaping the future of the UK’s education and skills system—promoting excellence, opportunity, and long‑term sustainability across the sector.