Rotherham and North Notts Colleges merge in bid to tackle future educational needs

A merger between colleges based at Rotherham and Worksop is now complete, with the creation of a new organisation.
The newly formed RNN Training, DinningtonThe newly formed RNN Training, Dinnington
The newly formed RNN Training, Dinnington

The RNN Group (Rotherham and North Notts Group) will retain campuses in Rotherham, Dinnington and Worksop, and will still be called Rotherham College and North Notts College.

For this educational year the group will have a turnover in excess of £45 million.

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Chief executive of the RNN Group will be John Connolly, Principal and CEO of North Notts College. The new organisation hopes to extend its reach to employers across Rotherham, Bassetlaw and the Sheffield City Region, taking in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnerships.

This is due in part to a recognised need to fill skills gaps and increase higher level skills training. An upcoming apprenticeship levy on employers has increased the need.

Mr Connolly said: ““Business success and economic growth are vital to our region. RNN Group will play a key role supporting employers through providing apprenticeships, higher-level skills and training solutions, enabling our regional workforce to develop into the roles organisations need to be able to grow and succeed.”

One of the first steps the organisation has taken is to pool the sales and liaison staff from both colleges into a central team operating under the banner of ‘RNN Training’.

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RNN Deputy Principal, Phil Sayles said: “RNN Training is a clear point of contact for employers who need bespoke or accredited training in their business, or who want to create apprenticeships. We want to be the first name employers in our area think of for these services.”

A new higher education and skills centre is planned for Rotherham, supported by over 200 businesses and the local council. Separate limited companies are within the RNN Group including National Fluid Power Centre, and Manvers-based Create Skills Ltd.