University Celebrates with EDF Energy

The University of Wolverhampton has recently celebrated the success of its partnership with the UK’s largest provider of low carbon electricity, EDF Energy.

The event, which took place at Hinkley Point C in Bridgwater, was in aid of celebrating the remarkable delivery of the world exclusive, The Institute of Clerk of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI) accredited course ‘Professional Practice’.

The University has worked with the energy giant and ICWCI to develop and deliver the distinctively designed course, which began in September last year and recognises the unique requirements of nuclear construction management.

In particular, EDF Energy representatives contributed to the course delivery to ensure the company’s strategies and ethos were fully embedded into the core structure.

This is the first time the Professional Practice course has been delivered in-company.

The main purpose of the event was to celebrate the successful completion of the pilot course and look to see how all partners could increase their levels of collaboration.

Attendees included: Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton - Professor Geoff Layer, Nigel Cann - Programme and Construction Delivery Director at Hinkley Point C, David Speight - Head of Civil Construction at Hinkley Point C, Derek Davies -Training Instructor at EDF Energy and Neil Dickinson, the President of ICWCI.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer said: “Firstly it was great to celebrate the success of the participants of this new course.

“As a University we believe in lifelong learning and the need for individuals to continue to develop their skills no matter what stage of their career they are at.

“We are proud to be able to collaborate with partners such as EDF Energy and ICWCI and are now looking at ways in which we can strengthen those ties further.”

Nigel Cann, Programme and Construction Delivery Director at Hinkley Point C, said: “This training will help create a cohort of professionals on the Hinkley Point C project who will set exacting standards when it comes to construction quality surveillance. It is important to me our supplier partners and trade unions are also taking part and engaged.

“All the successful candidates will gain a nationally recognised qualification recognised by two professional bodies ensuring we leave a lasting skills legacy from the HPC project for the UK.”

Paul Hampton, Head of Built Environment at the University of Wolverhampton said: “I was delighted to deliver and work alongside the pioneering class of 2015. The levels of engagement and expert contributions during the course demonstrates that quality supervision is in safe hands.

“I look forward to expanding our partnership to include Higher Apprenticeship Foundation Degrees and congratulations to the learners who completed their professional body interviews to become corporate members of the ICWCI.”

ENDS

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003/322736

Date Issued: Thursday 21^st April