Chris Blackburn is a local professional with over 25 years’ experience in the specialist staffing, workforce development and skills sector. He is currently Director of Skills Growth at Impellam Group, where he leads work focused on early careers, apprenticeships, social mobility and long-term workforce planning.

Much of Chris’s career has centred on helping people access meaningful career opportunities, particularly through apprenticeships, technical education and alternative pathways into employment. He has played a key role in developing and supporting apprenticeship programmes across sectors including aviation, engineering, science and technology, helping employers build sustainable talent pipelines while creating opportunities for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

Chris is passionate about improving social mobility and raising aspirations for young people. Through his work with employers, schools, colleges and charitable partners, he actively supports initiatives that help students better understand the world of work, explore careers in STEM and develop the confidence to pursue ambitious futures.

Alongside his professional role, Chris is a STEM Ambassador and an active member of the Department for Education's Apprenticeship Ambassador Network. He is also committed to volunteering, community engagement and using his experience to help connect education and industry in ways that create lasting impact.

Chris joined Together Learning Trust in February 2023