A passion for improving lives and workforces
At Poultec, we know just how valuable the right vocational training can be, both to learners and their employers – changing lives, transforming workforces, bettering organisations.
The Poultec difference
Established in 1997, Poultec is an independent apprenticeships and training provider working across multiple sectors throughout the UK. We thrive on our family-run independence that enables us to think and continually innovate in a bid to make vocational training the best it can be. Some of the employers we work with have been with us since day one, valuing us for working harder and smarter to make their lives a little easier. We understand their business to not only upskill their staff, but to shape their training to fit their needs and culture. We believe this makes a huge difference and defines what makes Poultec different.
Meet the Poultec Team
Ed Bales
Founder & Managing Director
Nicola Guy
Company Secretary
Leroy Burrell
Associate Director - Communications
George Watts-Sturrock
Head of Curriculum & Quality
Chanelle Arnold
Contracts & Compliance Manager
Ben Gaskins
Associate Director - Commercial
Michelle Bugg
Curriculum Director
Adam Bales
Marketing & Communications Manager
The Poultec story
Starting out. (1997-2002)
In 1997, Poultec Training was established by Edward Bales as a diversification from previous family farming operations, focused on filling a gap in the market for training the poultry and egg production sector. By the end of the decade, business growth had seen Food Manufacturing added to its training specialisms, and the tiny portacabin start-up office had become too small. Keen for the business to stay in Mattishall, Poultec made plans for a new purpose-built training centre.
The new vision. (2003-2007)
Fast forward to 2003, the new South Green Park centre was completed, receiving an award for Outstanding Architecture. By 2005, Poultec had become a fully approved UK Training Provider. ‘Retail & Customer Service’, ‘Business & Computing’, ‘ICT’, ‘Hospitality & Catering’ and ‘Butchery’ became new additional programme areas. Butchery was to be housed in its own state-of-the-art butchery suite, within a new ‘Food Centre of Excellence’.
A growing reputation. (2008-2014)
The Company was entrusted with launching and administering the very first Poultry Passport on behalf of the British poultry industry – a secure, online skills passport that defines training requirements linked to job roles and KPIs. Poultec gains a national first when apprentice, Rachel Almey, wins the Pfizer Trainee of the Year Award at the House of Commons. ‘Management’ and ‘Hair & beauty’ (in its own state-of-the-art salon) were added as new areas of training at South Green Park.
Building momentum. (2015-2019)
Poultec became a training provider to the healthcare industry, including the NHS and GP surgeries. Gymtec Fitness opened at South Green Park, offering top-of-the-range life fitness equipment – available for personal training, staff use, and the local community.. ‘Sports & outdoor’ and ‘Horse care’ were introduced to Poultec’s areas of delivery. Poultec learner, Carlos Paiva, won the Poulters Award Student of the Year in London. Poultec Butchery apprentice, Eva Szabo, won the Best Poultry Apprentice Award at the Institute of Meat and Worshipful Company of Butchers Annual Awards. Poultec’s first Annual Learner Awards ceremony also took place to recognise the excellence of our learners and their achievements throughout their Apprenticeship.
Forging ahead. (2020 and beyond)
‘Dental Apprenticeships’ and ‘Fitness’ study programmes launched. Poultec Agricultural’ Apprentice, Leah Page-Scott, won the Zoetis-NFU Award. March 2020 sees Covid precautions force face-to-face training to cease, with all staff moving to remote working. Poultec responds by launching remote apprenticeship delivery and study programmes delivered by Zoom. Learnings from these helped inform the introduction of Poultec’s tutor-led e-learning courses. Poultec announces new non-Exec Chair, Jon Graham, and new Governance Board comprising expertise and experience across multiple sectors. Poultec gains finalist nomination for ‘Best Medium Sized Business’ at the EDP Norfolk Business Awards. Butchery apprentice, Daniel Powell, named Best Retail Butchery Apprentice at the Institute of Meat (IoM) and Worshipful Company of Butchers Annual Prizegiving.
Poultec’s Mission
To transform lives through learning, creating a community where every individual can thrive, grow, and achieve their ambitions.
Poultec’s Values
Collaborative
We believe in working together with our learners and employers in an adaptable, dynamic, and open way to achieve shared success.
Authentic
We are dedicated to honesty, integrity, and transparency in all our interactions and operations.
Sustainable
We are committed to environmentally responsible and economically stable operations, ensuring sustainable business growth and resilience.
Inspiring
We aim to encourage passion and creativity in every learner. Our programmes are designed to motivate and empower individuals to reach their full potential and future aspirations.
Innovative
We are responsive in providing the most relevant and effective training solutions by staying agile and adapting to the ever-evolving educational landscape.
Inclusive
We embrace diversity with our approach, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their circumstances, have the resources and support they need to succeed.
Accreditations
Our work in the community
Supporting our local communities is important to us. Over the years, we have actively helped local projects, clubs, organisations, and charities through sponsorship and fundraising.
As a Poultec employee, you have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference!
Little Lifts
Little Lifts is a charity on a mission to provide free, thoughtfully curated Little Lifts gift boxes to breast cancer patients in the UK receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment. Since 2021, we have helped to raise not only awareness of Little Lifts, but also an excess of £69,384 in much-needed funds.
“Community is everything to us and we like to think we play our part in ‘giving back’. We believe in the importance of fostering strong relationships and making a meaningful difference where it matters most.”
– Ed Bales, Managing Director, Poultec.
Mattishall Cricket Club
We have been sponsors of this friendly, well-supported village cricket club for a number of years. The club’s facilities now include a quality playing surface, spacious changing rooms and showers, synthetic net practice facility, electronic scorebox and access to a comfortable and well-maintained on-site bar and social club.
Poultec news and insights
Keep up to date with all the latest news, advice, and insights from Poultec.
