We have appointed two new trustees, as part of our ambition to develop world-class skills for young people and employers across the UK.
Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College in Northern Ireland and Jon Vincent, Principal and Chief Executive of Glasgow Clyde College in Scotland have taken up their posts with immediate effect.
A former student of Northern Regional College, Mel was appointed to his current role in 2021, following six years as Chief Operating Officer at the College. He commenced his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he trained as a chartered accountant. He subsequently held various senior positions in industry and in the Northern Ireland Civil Service before being appointed Chief Executive of the urban regeneration company Ilex in 2012. Mel is a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
Jon was appointed Principal and Chief Executive of Glasgow Clyde College in 2017. In addition to this role, he is also the national lead Principal in Scotland for mental health and well-being, and modern apprenticeships. Prior to commencing his current role, Jon was Principal and Chief Executive of Tyne Metropolitan College in the northeast of England for seven years. He is a board member of Energy Skills Partnership, council member of the General Teaching Council for Scotland and is a trustee of Giffnock North Athletics Club. Jon is a Fellow of the Institute of Knowledge Exchange.
Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, said:
“I am delighted to accept the position as Trustee of WorldSkills UK. Northern Regional College has had a long association with WorldSkills UK, so I recognise the benefits of skills competitions and how they are helping to raise standards in apprenticeships and technical education.
“This is an opportunity to share best practice with other educators, training providers and employers, so that together we can deliver the best possible training for our young people, showcasing their talent on a global stage and preparing them for successful careers in their preferred skills area.”
Jon was appointed Principal and Chief Executive of Glasgow Clyde College in 2017. In addition to this role, he is also the national lead Principal in Scotland for mental health and well-being, and modern apprenticeships. Prior to commencing his current role, Jon was Principal and Chief Executive of Tyne Metropolitan College in the northeast of England for seven years. He is a board member of Energy Skills Partnership, council member of the General Teaching Council for Scotland and is a trustee of Giffnock North Athletics Club. Jon is a Fellow of the Institute of Knowledge Exchange.
Jon Vincent, Principal and Chief Executive of Glasgow Clyde College, said:
“I am pleased to join the Board of WorldSkills UK. This is an opportunity that I embrace with enthusiasm because it aligns with my passion for advancing skills development and nurturing talent throughout our communities. Cultivating world-class skills in our students is crucial for driving improved productivity and innovation in the economy. I look forward to working alongside fellow board members and the staff of WorldSkills UK to leverage our collective expertise to shape strategies for world-class skills development.”
Chair of the WorldSkills UK Board, Marion Plant OBE, FCGI said: Chair of the WorldSkills UK Board, Marion Plant OBE, FCGI said
“I am delighted to welcome Mel and Jon to WorldSkills UK. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise, enriching an already strong board of trustees, who are passionate and dedicated to the work that we do. Their appointments come as we celebrate the success of institutions in Northern Ireland and Scotland at the recent WorldSkills UK National Finals. The continued expansion of our programmes in all four nations of the UK is very important and I look forward to working with Mel and Jon to ensure young people, educators and employers across the UK can continue to benefit from the work of WorldSkills UK.”
