A FORMER apprentice has been appointed as principal of Forth Valley College, having studied at its predecessor school when he was just 16.

Kenny MacInnes will step into the role later this year once current dean Professor Ken Thomson OBE retires after a decade of being in charge.

Currently the vice principal for learning and student experience, he said: “I am absolutely delighted to become principal of the college where I started my career as an apprentice.

“I loved my experience of further education and I recognise how it is transformational. Further education set me on the pathway to the new role I find myself in today.

“I have to pay tribute to outgoing principal Professor Ken Thomson, whose legacy is immense and I hope to continue his excellent work and lead the college following a similar trajectory in my own way on the exciting next phase of its journey.”

Leaving school in 1985, he studied Mechanical Engineering at Falkirk School of Technology, which later became Forth Valley College.

Upon completing his apprenticeship, MacInnes went on to complete an undergrad course and two masters at Glasgow Caledonian University.

He joined Forth Valley College in 2007 as a lecturer before quickly progressing through the ranks to become vice principal in 2019.

Outgoing principal Professor Ken Thomson OBE, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Kenny has been appointed as the new college principal and my successor.

“He is a natural leader and with that he brings confidence in continuity, hitting the ground running with a strong network.

“The college is in good hands.”