Gordon MacDonald

This week, we catch up with former Winstanley student Gordon MacDonald, who attended College between 2000–2002 after studying at Hawkley Hall High School.

At Winstanley, Gordon studied IT, English Language, Design Technology and Medieval History, took part in College Radio and joined a Medieval History trip to Normandy, an experience that remains a highlight of his time at College.

After Winstanley, Gordon completed a foundation year in Engineering at the University of Huddersfield, before realising a university route was not for him. In 2004, he began an apprenticeship with Renault Trucks UK, where he built a career spanning nearly 20 years in the HGV sector. During this time, he gained qualifications in Customer Service, Technical Support and Business Management, with a major highlight in 2017 when his dealership team placed 3rd overall in the Global RTEC finals in Lyon, France.

In 2023, Gordon moved into the third sector, becoming Reuse Manager at Wigan charity The Brick, before joining The Rebuild With Hope Foundation in early 2025. He is now Head of Reuse & Sustainability, leading reuse and sustainability projects, including a waste reuse partnership with Wigan Council and FCC Environment, and supporting The Cycle Project UK, which operates across Wigan, Earlestown, Runcorn and Wrexham.

This year alone, Gordon and his teams have refurbished and sold over 700 bikes and over 30 tonnes of goods, helping tackle the cost of living crisis and reduce waste. This work equates to around 6,800 trees’ worth of carbon absorption, the equivalent of two Mesnes Park-sized spaces, in just one year.

Alongside his role, Gordon volunteers with The Old Courts and is part of the Wigan Climate Coalition. A keen cyclist and mountaineer, he continues to challenge himself through mountain marathons and hopes one day to combine his passion for cycling with his love of food and coffee by opening a cycling café in Wigan.

Reflecting on his journey, Gordon reminds students that careers aren’t straight lines, transferable skills matter and finding purpose in your work makes a real difference. He encourages students to engage with enrichment, stay adaptable and see college as the next step in a much longer journey.

Thanks for sharing your story, Gordon, and for inspiring future Winstanley students.
If you would like to share your story, please visit the Alumni section of our website.

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