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About

Mission Statement

Our vision at SM Training is a fairer Scotland where we support and empower the unemployed, justice service users, veterans and care‑experienced individuals with the skills, qualifications and confidence. Supporting them to move into secure, sustainable and purposeful employment.

Young people aged 16-24 who are disengaged from education, employment or training and need employability support to progress into positive destinations.
Adults aged 25+ who are long-term unemployed, economically inactive, under-employed or experiencing barriers such as low confidence, limited recent work experience, digital exclusion, caring responsibilities or health-related challenges.
Justice-experienced participants and prison leavers who require tailored support around confidence, disclosure, routine, stability and employer engagement to progress into sustainable employment pathways.
Armed Forces service leavers transitioning from the military service to employment in civilian life.

Our Team

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Company Director

Steven is the Founding Director of SM Training, Steven provides overall strategic leadership, contract oversight and delivery management for the programme. Steven brings over 10 years’ experience as a coach, trainer and group facilitator, alongside extensive experience in employability. Steven is very passionate about supporting individuals facing barriers to employment including low confidence, long-term unemployment, justice experience, disabilities, individuals with lived experience, and facing complex progression challenges. Steven also comes with strong commercial leadership through 11 years of sales and business experience. He has strong experience building employer partnerships and working with Jobcentres,local Councils, referral partners and local employers to create genuine progression routes for individuals to succeed.

Steven Mills

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Jodie Mills

Training Coordinator

Jodie, our Training Coordinator, brings 17 years’ experience managing charitable projects both overseas and, in the UK, coordinating teams and stakeholders to deliver meaningful impact. She is passionate about unlocking potential, helping individuals build confidence, gain skills, and move towards employment opportunities. Jodie is driven by a strong sense of purpose, ensuring every participant feels supported and empowered on their journey. Her work directly benefits customers by providing practical guidance and real pathways into work. Outside of work, Jodie is married to the boss—which, she says, keeps her on her toes!

Helen Pickles

Associate Trainer

Helen believes that with the right support, everyone can take positive steps towards their future. With over 15 years’ experience in education and training, she now specialises in employability, helping people build confidence, develop skills, and move closer to work or further study. Her background spans ESOL and secondary teaching, giving her a strong understanding of diverse learner needs. She’s known for her approachable style and practical, supportive coaching. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, long walks, and cooking.

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Leon helps people think clearly, communicate effectively, and present themselves with confidence, particularly when preparing for work or progressing in their careers. Leon works one-to-one and delivers training to groups on interviews, communication, and employability skills, helping people turn experience into clear, relevant examples and take purposeful action. With over 15 years’ experience in training, coaching, and developmental behavioural modelling, he brings a practical, real-world approach and develops experiential workshops focused on learning through doing.

Associate Trainer