Meet Mark Field
Operations & Finance Director at Elevated Knowledge
With over 27 years of experience spanning both accountancy and engineering training provision, Mark Field brings a rare and valuable combination of financial expertise, operational insight, and learner-focused leadership to Elevated Knowledge. His career journey reflects not only professional progression but also a deep-rooted passion for supporting people to achieve their potential through education and skills development.
Mark began his career as a trainee accountant, developing a strong technical foundation in financial management, reporting, and business operations. Through dedication and a clear drive to progress, he moved through a series of increasingly senior roles, including management accountant, financial controller, and ultimately financial director. These positions allowed him to gain a comprehensive understanding of how organisations operate at both strategic and operational levels, equipping him with the skills needed to support sustainable growth and long-term success.
His transition into the training sector began when he took on a part-time role as a management accountant within an engineering training provider. What initially started as a financial role quickly evolved into something far more meaningful. Mark discovered a genuine sense of purpose in being part of an environment that helps individuals build careers, gain confidence, and develop practical skills that directly impact their futures. This experience sparked a long-term commitment to the training sector, where he has since played a significant role in shaping programmes and supporting learners.
One of the standout projects in Mark’s career was managing a national contract for a major UK supermarket chain. This initiative involved delivering electrical maintenance upskilling programmes to technicians across multiple sites nationwide. The scale and complexity of the project required meticulous planning, financial oversight, and coordination with both employers and training teams. Despite the challenges, it proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of his career, demonstrating the real-world impact that well-delivered training can have on both individuals and businesses.
Academically, Mark holds a BTEC National Diploma in Business and Finance and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), a recognition of his extensive experience and professional competence within the field of accountancy. Alongside his financial expertise, Mark has developed a deep understanding of apprenticeship standards, funding mechanisms, and the operational requirements of delivering high-quality training programmes.
Throughout his career, Mark is particularly proud to have played a part in the training and development of over 2,000 apprentices. Mark has watched people come and go throughout his time with the training centre and has celebrated the changes in recent years, recognising how they have enabled the delivery of the same exceptional engineering training as always, but now with a more structured and refined approach. For him, the most rewarding aspect of his role is witnessing the transformation that learners undergo, often starting as uncertain or inexperienced individuals and progressing into confident, skilled, and employable engineers. He takes great satisfaction in knowing that the work done at Elevated Knowledge has a lasting impact not only on individuals, but also on the wider engineering sector.
Mark’s management style is best described as open, honest, and approachable. He firmly believes in leading by example and values clear communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. He encourages those around him to share their ideas and perspectives, recognising that the best outcomes are often achieved through collaboration. Importantly, he maintains a strong personal principle of never asking someone to do something he would not be willing to do himself, fostering trust and accountability within his team.
A key driver for Mark is helping young people access meaningful apprenticeship opportunities that lead to long-term, sustainable careers. He is passionate about breaking down barriers to entry and ensuring that learners are given the support and encouragement they need to succeed. He is also a part of the safeguarding team within Elevated Knowledge.
One of his proudest personal and professional moments has been seeing his own son complete an apprenticeship through Elevated Knowledge and progress on to achieve a degree with the same employer. For Mark, this represents a powerful example of the life-changing potential of apprenticeships.
Outside of work, Mark enjoys walking his dog, Smithy, an apricot Cockapoo, as well as spending time gardening and reading.
A fun fact? Despite not being overly keen on heights, (he once had to stop on a big wheel), he loves riding roller coasters.
Mark’s advice for new learners:
“Listen to your instructors, always ask questions, and never be afraid of getting it wrong — that’s how you learn.”
☕ Tea or coffee? Coffee
🧮 Favourite tool: Calculator (old school!)
⛽ First job: Petrol station attendant
🚗 Favourite engineering invention: The car
🧀 Go-to snack: Cheese and biscuits
