Science champions named

Six individuals have been named as industry champions and will work with five universities to develop a framework for foundation degrees in the polymer, chemical, petrochemical, nuclear and bioscience sectors.

The champions will work with various universities to bridge the gap between industry and science. Martin Wells and Alli Hunt will work with the University of Central Lancashire; Brian Szukala, the University of Kent; Jeremy Pingstone will collaborate with London Metropolitan University; Robert Green will work with Manchester Metropolitan University and Gareth James will join the University of Hull.

“The Industry Champion team is the perfect choice for our knowledge intensive industry,” Pauline Madden, project manager said, “The team has a truly broad understanding of the science based industries, comprehensive access to research and well-established networking capabilities.”

The six sindustrialists will work together to create the Working Higher Foundation Degree Framework under the guidance of the University of Hull.  The degrees will consist of a number of core commons modules as well as bespoke elements for individual workers, and will be a mixture of work-based and university learning.

“We see foundation degrees are crucial to the recruitment, maintenance and development of the workforce, empowering them with the skills required to respond to the many changes and challenges the sector is facing,” said David Smith, head of training at Murco Petroleum Ltd Milford Haven Refinery, “These new qualifications will be of particular importance for the development of the existing workforce and will be of benefit in attracting new talent to the industry.”