Bill is an engineer with over 25 years experience in the automotive manufacturing industry during which he became increasingly interested in the structures involved in the training of engineers and underpinning qualifications. It was through the development of this aspect of his career that he acquired a Master of Education degree and later took the post as Development Director with the Sector Skills Council, Semta and The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing (The Skills Academy).

Within this role, Bill has developed Semta as a leading industry champion for training linked to national qualifications. He works closely with awarding bodies, government agencies such as the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA), Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) and Funding Agencies across the United Kingdom. His role also actively involves working with the captains of the engineering industry and with the science community to ensure that the qualifications and standards underpinning national qualifications reflect accurately the needs of sector they serve. To this end, Bill played a key role in delivering the national Sector Skills Agreement for Semta footprint focussing on the development of labour market intelligence with a particular emphasis for skills gaps and shortages within the sector. He has also been actively involved in the establishment of The Skills Academy and is Head of this area.

Bill is a member of the SMMT Industry Forum Board and was the first Chair of the RDI Licensing Body at its incorporation and launch in March 2006, and has been prominent in driving forward the actions needed to achieve the aims and objectives of one of the countries first Community Interest Companies.