Partner Article

Grant to unlock business expertise of local college

A North East college is one of 14 across the UK to receive a new grant to help build links and partnerships with local businesses.

Hartlepool College of Further Education was amongst those education providers selected for the project by the New Engineering Foundation (NEF). The scheme aims to encourage students to consider careers in the STEM areas - science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The NEF grants will create projects called Knowledge and Technology Transfer Nodes (KTENs). Through these programmes, the FE colleges will be able to share the latest research advances and expertise of their departments, working with businesses to help them innovate and develop new products.

Sa’ad Medha, NEF Chief Executive, said: “On the one hand you have local businesses facing a challenging economic climate. On the other hand you have FE colleges bursting with innovative ideas and practical expertise.

“With the KTENs we hope to kick-start the knowledge sharing process. The potential benefits for individual businesses and the wider economy are huge, and we’re delighted to award these grants.”

Steve Wallis, Head of Technical and Design Engineering at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “It is important that school students are aware of the potential career opportunities in the STEM areas.

“Engineering is a fantastic career with great rewards. It can provide the opportunity to take these skills around region, country or world, often earning very good money along the way.

“Through this grant from the NEF, we have a real opportunity to work with local schools, large employers such as British Energy and the National Skills Academy (Nuclear) to bring industry and education together and enable students, parents and teachers to make informed decisions vital for the UK economy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .