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Colleen Hickson is B&FC's Head of Apprenticeships.

Prior to this role Colleen was for 10 years B&FC's National Gaming Academy (NGA) Manager.

During that time she capitalised on her 15 years' experience working in casinos and on cruise ships to drive up training standards across the industry.

Colleen was paramount in setting up the NGA and is proud to be a founder member. She helped to develop the first suite of qualifications aimed solely at the gaming industry and is passionate about enhancing the reputation of the industry.

Colleen consulted with representatives from major operators to support them with training requirements relating to legislation, licencing and tenders. She oversaw a suite of improvements and a rebrand of the NGA at Blackpool and stayed ahead of industry developments to ensure the NGA was recognised as the leading training provider for all major casino operators in the UK.

Colleen was born in Manchester and moved to Blackpool as a teenager when her parents bought a hotel. She attended St Mary's High School until the age of 16 and left school with minimal qualifications, going on to gain her academic qualifications whilst working full time.

Colleen volunteers at Blackpool Food Bank and is an active fund raiser for Trinity Hospice. Her other interests include travel, gardening and cooking.