DNCG Curriculum Leader appointed to influential Institutes of Technology advisory role

University Campus Doncaster and DN Colleges Group (DNCG) are delighted to celebrate the national recognition of Hamidreza Jafarnejad, who has been appointed to a prestigious new role that will help shape the future of advanced manufacturing education across England.

Alongside his leadership of Higher Education Engineering and Institutes of Technology (IoT) provision at DN Colleges Group, Jafarnejad has been appointed IoT Manufacturing Curriculum Senior Adviser (National Network). In this influential position, he will work in partnership with the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the National Network of Institutes of Technology to strengthen and align manufacturing curricula at a national level.

The appointment places Jafarnejad at the heart of a major national initiative focused on ensuring technical education keeps pace with the rapidly evolving demands of modern manufacturing, digital technologies and Industry 4.0. He will play a key role in mobilising a national community of practice, bringing together Institutes of Technology, education providers and employers to collaborate on a shared, future-focused manufacturing curriculum agenda.

Speaking about his appointment, Jafarnejad said: “Alongside leading HE Engineering and the Institutes of Technology at DN Colleges Group, I am honoured to serve as IoT Manufacturing Curriculum Senior Adviser for the National Network. Working with the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and our IoT partners, we are building a strong national community of practice and a shared curriculum approach that will benefit learners, employers and the wider sector.”

The role is expected to have a significant impact on the continued growth of the IoT programme by supporting greater curriculum coherence, industry relevance and clear progression routes for learners. It will also help ensure that manufacturing education is closely aligned with current and future workforce needs.

Jafarnejad’s national appointment further strengthens DN Colleges Group’s reputation as a leading contributor to innovation and collaboration in technical education in the region, reinforcing its commitment to skills development, productivity and long-term growth within the advanced manufacturing sector.

Karra Adam, Director of the School for Engineering, Science, Technology & Arts (HE) at DNCG added, “This is a fantastic, warranted opportunity for Hamid and a hugely proud moment for DNCG. His appointment recognises not only his outstanding leadership and expertise in advanced manufacturing but also his commitment to shaping the future of engineering skill development across the UK. We’re privileged to have Hamid leading our team; highlighting the impact of DNCG’s work, the strength of our growing provision, and our ambition to lead, innovate, and influence the future of technical education across the engineering sector.”