Career Stories – Dean Jones – Computing HNC
Dean Jones, now Head of IT at the Central Learning Partnership Trust, began his journey in 2002 as a student at the City of Wolverhampton College. At the time, he was working in retail and looking for a new direction in life. Enrolling first onto a Computer Programming course from 2002 to 2003, followed by an HNC in Computing from 2003 to 2005, became the decision that completely transformed his future.
“I chose these courses because I was working in retail and wanted a career change into IT. At first, I thought programming would be my future, but after completing the HNC, I discovered a passion for IT support, which led me to my first role as an IT Technician.”
From that starting point, Dean’s career steadily progressed. Over the years, he moved from IT Technician to Network Manager, then IT Manager, and now serves as Head of IT for the Central Learning Partnership Trust, overseeing technology across 16 schools. He describes the journey as incredible and says he has enjoyed witnessing the way technology has evolved and shaped the world of education.
His role today is wide‑ranging and highly impactful. Dean manages all IT operations across the Trust, leads both the support and web development teams, plans and delivers large‑scale technical projects, oversees budgets and procurement, and ensures strong cyber‑security measures are in place to keep staff and students safe. It is a challenging role, but one he finds extremely rewarding.
Dean has maintained a strong connection with City of Wolverhampton College, returning year after year to share his experiences with students. He now works closely with the college to offer T‑Level work placements and apprenticeship opportunities, providing young people with the same valuable start he once received. “The HNC gave me the foundation to start my career and now allows me to give young people the same opportunity through T Level placements and apprenticeships,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dean plans to continue developing the Trust’s digital strategy and driving IT forward to create safe, innovative and future‑ready environments for staff and students. He believes his journey shows how a single decision can open the door to a meaningful and fulfilling career.
Offering advice to anyone considering a similar path, he says, “The HNC is a brilliant starting point because it covers a bit of everything, so whichever IT path you choose, it will help. The college offers great courses and passionate staff who support you every step of the way.”
