Ryan’s return to New College Durham (NCD) is a full-circle story that demonstrates the long-term impact of education, career development, and industry collaboration.

Ongoing works

As part of the ongoing campus improvement works at NCD, Ryan Hepple is leading the M&E design for Meldrum Building Services for the music relocation, library works and sports hall project. What makes the story unique is that Ryan previously studied at NCD and has now returned as a lead designer, helping to deliver projects that will benefit current and future students.

Part of the improvements include the relocation and upgrade of key spaces such as music space, the library, and the sports hall that will create more modern, flexible and inspiring environments that support both learning and wellbeing.

Ryans full circle moment

After leaving New College Durham with numerous commendations and support from his tutors, Ryan completed his HNC in Building Services Engineering. Following this, he then went on to achieve a First Class BEng (Hons) degree and an MSc in Building Services Engineering. Professionally, he has undertaken a multitude of roles, from Heating Engineer to MEP design and now as lead of an in-house MEP team that delivers stage 5 designs at Meldrum. Working collaboratively with external design consultants and focusing on quality, innovation, energy efficiency and delivering successful projects for our clients.

Ryan Hepple commented: “It’s a privilege to give something back to a college that played such an important role in my career. Working on a project so close to home makes it even more rewarding, and I hope it’s the first of many opportunities to work with NCD.

If I had any advice for current students, it would be to keep an open mind about the opportunities available to you. A trade can open the door to many different career paths. Continue learning, seek advice from experienced professionals, and don’t be afraid to pursue further education. The knowledge and experience you gain along the way will help shape your future career”

Education and industry go hand in hand

Ryan’s story highlights how closely education and industry are connected. Colleges like NCD don’t just prepare students for work; they help shape professionals who later return to contribute their expertise. It demonstrates a two-way relationship where industry informs education, and education feeds directly back into industry through skilled, experienced graduates who understand real-world application.

CEO Dave Meldrum established Meldrum Group with this give and take philosophy in mind. Recognising that it’s about giving people the opportunity to see, learn and do. Commenting “It is very easy to teach technical skills, but it is harder to teach integrity. Which is why we recruit people with that quality and promote a culture that allows people to maintain it.”

It’s down to this philosophy that Meldrum have trained over 200 apprentices in its 25 years of business, alongside countless work experience, shadowing and mentoring schemes.

We asked what message the principal of NCD would like current students to take from Ryan’s career journey?
“The key message is that your starting point does not define your destination. Whether you begin with a trade qualification or another route, there are always opportunities to progress further with the right commitment, curiosity and willingness to keep learning. Ryan’s journey shows that progression into senior roles and leadership is absolutely achievable.

NCD supports students through a combination of high-quality technical training, strong employer partnerships, and progression pathways into higher education and industry. We focus on equipping learners with both practical skills and professional behaviours, ensuring they are work-ready while also giving them routes to continue developing academically and professionally throughout their careers.” – Andy Broadbent, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Durham

We then asked; what does it mean to you, as principal, to see a former student helping to deliver facilities that will benefit the next generation of NCD learners?

Andy commented; “It is extremely rewarding and makes me proud. Seeing a former student return in a professional capacity to help shape the college’s future is one of the clearest indicators of success an institution can have. It reflects not only the individual’s achievements, but also the lasting impact of the college experience. It brings a sense of continuity—where past students actively contribute to the environment that will support future generations.”