Former Student Helps Deliver £6 Million Transformation at New College Durham.
Ryan Hepple, a former New College Durham (NCD) apprentice has come full circle, returning to the college where his career began to play a leading role in the delivery of a major £6 million investment that will transform sport and music facilities for future generations of students.
Ryan, now MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health) Design Manager at Meldrum Construction Services, is leading the engineering design for the extensive refurbishment of the college's sport and music facilities at its Framwellgate Moor campus. Having first walked through the college's doors as a Level 2 Plumbing and Heating student before completing a four-year apprenticeship, Ryan's return represents a powerful example of the long-term impact of technical education.
The redevelopment forms part of NCD's ongoing commitment to investing in world-class learning environments that reflect the changing needs of industry and provide students with outstanding facilities to develop their skills.
NCD has consistently invested in ensuring students learn using modern equipment and realistic working environments. In recent years, the college has completed significant developments including its award-winning Institute of Technology, specialist technical learning environments, advanced engineering facilities and ongoing campus improvements designed to support both further and higher education learners.
The latest refurbishment will further enhance facilities for students studying sport, music, performance and related disciplines. It will ensure learners will continue to benefit from contemporary learning spaces that mirror professional environments.
Ryan believes returning to the college has made the project especially meaningful.
"Studying at New College Durham was the start of my career. I completed my Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Plumbing and Heating before spending four years as an apprentice, and the memories I have of my time here are very positive. It was the beginning of something completely new for me.
"Leading the engineering design on any project is always rewarding, but this one is particularly special because it's where my own career journey started. Coming back and helping to shape the future of the campus gives me a real sense of pride.
"At Meldrum Group we pride ourselves on delivering robust engineering solutions that are practical, sustainable and buildable. Looking ahead, I'd like to see our design team continue to grow while helping more organisations achieve their decarbonisation ambitions through innovative engineering.
"Knowing that future students will benefit from the facilities we're helping to create is incredibly rewarding. Hopefully they'll enjoy the same opportunities that I had when I first started my career here."
Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal for Curriculum at New College Durham, said:
"Ryan's journey perfectly demonstrates the life-changing opportunities that technical education and apprenticeships can provide. Seeing one of our former students return to help deliver such an important project is something the whole college can be incredibly proud of.
"Our continued investment in our campus reflects our commitment to ensuring every student has access to exceptional learning facilities equipped with the resources and technologies needed for modern careers. Whether students are studying engineering, construction, sport, music or any of our specialist curriculum areas, we want them to learn in spaces that inspire ambition, creativity and excellence.
"As industries continue to evolve, particularly with increasing focus on sustainability and emerging technologies, it's vital that colleges continue to invest in facilities that prepare learners for the opportunities of tomorrow."
The refurbishment is another milestone in New College Durham's long-term estates strategy, ensuring its facilities continue to evolve alongside industry expectations while supporting thousands of learners each year as they prepare for successful careers across the North East and beyond.