West Herts College Group is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Adrian Hawkins OBE.
Adrian was a passionate advocate of education and skills, and a great friend to the College. He served two terms as a Board Member of the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership from 2014, and was serving his second term as Chair of Hertfordshire Futures alongside his longstanding role as Chair of the Skills and Employment Board. Across all of these roles, he worked to make sure that Hertfordshire’s young people and adults had the skills, opportunities and routes into work they needed to thrive.
His support made a real and lasting difference to our students. Adrian was instrumental in securing investment in our welding facilities at the former Kings Langley campus, and played a significant role in the redevelopment of our Hemel Hempstead campus.
In 2021, Adrian was awarded an OBE for services to business and the welding industry. He also recently received an honorary doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire business school.
Gill Worgan CBE, Principal and CEO, said:
“Adrian was a true champion of further education and of the power of skills to change lives. He was incredibly generous with his support and time, and always ambitious for Hertfordshire. We will miss him greatly, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
Our heartfelt condolences go to Adrian’s family and loved ones, and to all at Hertfordshire Futures, at this very difficult time.