It was certainly a long winter but with Spring temperatures breaking records Winter seems a long time ago. As the growing season, the good news for Burnley and Pendle is that University education in the region has never been stronger. Talented graduates with relevant skills and a commitment to the area are key attributes to nurturing our economy and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is at the centre of this process.
The figures are impressive: since our new Burnley campus opened in 2009 the numbers studying University courses has increased from about 350 full time equivalent students to nearly 1,000. Applications for September 2010 were double those for 2009 and early indications for 2011 recruitment are that applications have more than doubled again. I believe that we will be operating at full capacity in September 2011, one year ahead of plan.
The graduates from the campus are clearly top quality with a significantly higher percentage getting firsts and upper second class honours degrees than the national average – this year’s graduates have a lot to live up to! We believe our fantastic teaching and learning facilities, small class sizes and excellent student support really help.
It is just as pleasing to see all of the extra opportunities that our students are now able to take advantage of.
Our fashion students have just exhibited at the Harris Museum in Preston with one piece being exhibited for the whole year; students have been to Indonesia, Belgium, Luxembourg and Nepal as part of their courses; and speakers at the campus have included Sir Chris Bonington, Sir Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of GKN, Alan Leighton, ex-Chief Executive of Asda, Jonathon Warburton, and Edwin Booth, Chief Executive of Booths supermarkets.
We want to be able to offer all of our students the opportunity of a work placement as part of their course. This could be paid or un-paid, for just a few weeks or for up-to a whole year. All subject areas are covered, from computer games to manufacturing and from law to fashion. The advantages to a company are great. A student brings in fresh ideas, advanced skills, and lots of enthusiasm; they will fit in as a full team member in the workforce or can be given a special project that the company would not otherwise have the time to develop.
Please get in touch with me to explore how a student could help your business.
Martin Brown
Director – UCLan Burnley
