THE enduring and positive impact of David Jones on education and the economy has received widespread praise from leading figures across the country.

Mr Jones steps down as chief executive of Coleg Cambria this week after steering the institution to national acclaim.

The 57-year-old was formerly principal of Deeside College before its merger with Wrexham’s Yale College – and later Llysfasi and Northop – in 2013.

A champion of work-based learning, apprenticeships, fundraising and accessible education for people of all ages, Mr Jones has made a vast contribution to shaping the careers of tens of thousands of youngsters and mature learners over more than two decades.

Admitting he leaves with a “heavy heart” but is “incredibly proud” of how far the college has come, he said: “It’s a strange feeling leaving after 20 years but the time is right for me to move ahead in my life and take on new challenges.

“When I arrived in 1999 I didn’t know the area but was immediately made to feel welcome; the people here in north east Wales are so passionate and positive, they have a unique attitude and I have tried to tap into that, making many friends along the way.”

“We’ve achieved so much and put education in this region on the map. As a result, Coleg Cambria is known across the UK, which is amazing as it didn’t even exist in 2012.”

The dad-of-four will be as busy as ever, taking over the chairmanship of Qualifications Wales, launching a new consultancy business and as non-executive director of DECA (Defence Electronics and Components Agency) in Deeside.

“I’m particularly looking forward to my role with DECA as it gets me back into electronics, which is where my career started,” he said.

“I’ll also be continuing my charity work for NSPCC Cymru as part of their Appeals Board and have many other projects up my sleeve, so there’s no danger of me slowing down.”

Among Mr Jones’ most momentous achievements are winning the TES Leader of the Year Award in 2017, laying the foundations for a strong Worldskills legacy and helping the college raise more than £115,000 for NSPCC Cymru in an incredible year in which he and wife Julia walked 48 miles across three counties in just 14 hours.

He received an OBE in 2015 for services to further education in north east Wales and has led Cambria to a position of financial strength, employing up to 1,000 people and pumping more than £400m into the local economy.

Mr Jones will be succeeded by Yanina Williams, currently CEO of Hugh Baird College Liverpool.

Leaders from across Wales paid tribute, including Lord Barry Jones, who celebrates 50 years in Westminster next year.

He said: “David has made huge contribution to the economic resurgence of north east Wales. He has delivered apprenticeships galore and built up Coleg Cambria into one of the best FE institutions in England and Wales. Cambria has become an instrument for good and David deserves a great send off and a big thank you.”

David Jones, Clwyd West MP and former Secretary of State for Wales: “David is an outstanding educationalist who has led Coleg Cambria with outstanding success. His contribution to further education in North Wales has been transformational. Our region owes him an enormous debt of gratitude.”

John Clutton, Chair of the Governing Body at Coleg Cambria, added: “We would like to thank David for the leadership, friendship and vision he has shown as principal and now chief executive of Cambria. His legacy will be the outstanding success that students of the college have achieved locally, nationally and internationally during his tenure. In addition, the support and opportunities provided to local businesses and organisations have been equally impressive. His influence and achievements are immeasurable, and he will be sorely missed by us all.”