Tony takes over at OTC

BUSINESS: Tony Taylor has been appointed chief executive of Oldham Engineering Group Training Association, which trades as Oldham Training Centre (OTC).

Mr Taylor (53) has been at the helm at OTC in Lees Road in an acting role since last summer due to the long-term sickness of OTC’s well respected former chief executive Roy McHugh, who has since died.

He said: “As with many businesses, OTC has found things tough during the past couple of years, due to the economic downturn.

“In addition to this, the training arena has been through a period of transition, with several changes made around funding agencies and qualifications structures.

“The recent change in government adds further uncertainty to the economy as its views on recovery have implications on the training and education sector.”

He remains optimistic and has a clear vision for OTC, aiming to ensure that the business actively seeks opportunities to extend its portfolio of provision and enhance the partnerships with other organisations, adding: “In particular with The Oldham College so that, together, we can provide learning and development for a wider range of young people, adults and employers.”

After attending Saddleworth School, Mr Taylor undertook an engineering apprenticeship at Hawker Siddeley Aviation in Greengate, Chadderton, before joining the Army in 1974.

As a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 18 years he saw service in the UK, Canada, Northern Ireland, Germany, Cyprus, Norway, Turkey, Denmark and Belize, before returning to “civvy street” having achieved the rank of Warrant Officer.

As a result of spending a couple of years lecturing at the Army College in Hampshire, Mr Taylor targeted a career in learning and development.

On leaving the forces he achieved a certificate in education at Huddersfield University prior to joining OTC in September, 1995.

He started as an engineering instructor and moved into a management role in late 1996 and has been in a senior role in the training organisation ever since.

His dedication to the sector has driven his endless personal development and his collection of achievements include qualifications in health and safety and management.

Raised in Springhead, Mr Taylor and his wife, Julie, live in Lees, and between them have five children