DN Colleges Group chief executive Mick Lochran has retired after 31 years working in further education.
It comes five years after the merger of Doncaster College and North Lindsey College, having navigated the subsequent pandemic and first full Ofsted inspection of the new entity - now one of the largest providers of higher education and apprenticeships in the FE sector.
The team achieved the top accolade of outstanding, described as testament to the impressive progress that DNCG has made under his tenure.
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Mick, who first realised the importance of providing technical and personal skills when a day release student at North Lindsey College as a British Steel apprentice, was also instrumental in the development of the dedicated £10 million University Campus North Lincolnshire, located in Scunthorpe’s former Civic Centre.
He has overseen significant investment at both colleges including the industry-standard facilities to support the introduction of T-Levels. The group has also secured a £30 million campus rebuild which will start shortly, transforming the 60-year-old North Lindsey estate to allow it to meet the skills needs of the future.
Born in Doncaster, living most of his life in Scunthorpe, he spent 14 years at the steelworks, leaving a training role for a tutor position at North Lindsey in 1991. He went on to work at Hull College and Grimsby Institute. Mick said: “I feel extremely privileged not only to have had the opportunity to play my part in the education and training of young people and adults in Northern Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire, but also to have worked alongside so many incredible people who are absolutely dedicated to transforming our communities through learning.
“I know that I will miss the vibrancy of working in such a dynamic, life changing further education sector, it has been such a rewarding experience to see so many students and apprentices from so many different backgrounds achieve and grow through what we have been able to offer at DNCG. I feel extremely proud of having been part of an organisation that has contributed so much to our students, our employer partners, and our wider community."
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He will be succeeded by John Rees, principal and chief executive at Calderdale College in Halifax, West Yorkshire, who takes the helm next week.
“Over the last few months, I have been working to achieve a smooth transition with John, supported by our dedicated governors and talented senior team," Mick said. "I leave DNCG humbled by the good wishes and kind words from colleagues and stakeholders and with absolute confidence that DNCG will move forward to even bigger and better achievements under John’s leadership.”
Under Mick’s leadership DN Colleges Group was one of the first to work in partnership with the World Skills Centre of Excellence, has become the largest provider of Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards among FE Colleges, is an anchor partner in the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology and is currently leading the development of a South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.
Angela Briggs, chair of governors, said: “Mick will be greatly missed, not only for his vision and professionalism, but for his warmth and humanity as evidenced in the recent standing ovation given to him by the staff. Mick has achieved fantastic things for DN Colleges Group and North Lindsey College before that.
“Our recent Ofsted inspection, which included four outstanding grades, pays testament to his drive, passion and single-minded determination to give our young people and adults the best educational experience possible. He leaves the college enriched and exceptionally well placed to support and propel us forward on the next stage of our exciting journey.
“We all wish Mick a wonderful retirement and hope that he spends many happy years enjoying his new life knowing that he leaves behind an enduring legacy. Thank you Mick for your amazing leadership, and good luck for the future."
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