The UK’s leading civil engineer paid a visit to Wrexham Glyndwr University for the launch of an innovative new qualification.
Sir John Armitt, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), was in the region to discuss investment in infrastructure and to see for himself some of the key schemes underway.
As well as taking time out to view the refurbishment work to the historic Chainbridge at Llantysilio, near Llangollen, and taking a tour of the North Wales Prison site, Sir John met with the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, to unveil the Further Learning Programme with the School for Applied Sciences, Computing and Engineering.
The Programme will be based and managed by the University with some of the delivery provided by local companies and ICE Members.
This is the first partnership of its kind in North Wales and overcomes the need for engineers to travel outside of Wales to gain incorporated engineer or chartered engineer accredited further learning.
“Investment in the skills needed to deliver new and improved infrastructure in North Wales – through new courses like the innovative Further Learning Programme at Wrexham Glyndŵr University – is extremely positive,” said Sir John.
“I was particularly pleased to launch the course, which offers students the opportunity to gain a professional qualification with ICE on graduation.
“This is a major advantage in a competitive jobs market and should hopefully help in attracting more young people into the civil engineering profession.”
He added: “The commitment to flood protection schemes, renewable energy and rail projects, and the new prison scheme in Wrexham, is also clear to see. It has been a pleasure to see and hear about some of these impressive projects and the benefits they will deliver to the Welsh economy and to society.
“We know there is a strong link between investment in infrastructure and the economic prosperity of Wales.”
Sir John has advised the UK Government on infrastructure for a number of years and was recently appointed to the National Infrastructure Commission.
He is also chairing an independent National Needs Assessment, which will result in a report setting out the UK’s infrastructure needs up to 2050.
Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham Glyndwr University, said it was an honour to welcome him to the institution, which is celebrating a 5% rise in student satisfaction and an employability figure of 92.1%.
“We were honoured to welcome Sir John to the University for the launch of this innovative new programme,” said Professor Hinfelaar.
“Engineering is one of our most established subject areas so we are delighted to be joining forces with ICE to meet the demands of the industry and support the growth of the sector in North Wales, and to prevent talent leaving the region to achieve a higher education in this field.”
For more on ICE, visit www.ice.org.uk/thisis
