University wins ICT training contract for regional bioscience and e-science sector
Posted on 14 April 2004
The sector, which employs over 6,000 people, has been described as crucial to the region’s economy. In a survey last autumn for the Learning and Skills Council North Yorkshire and Science City York, 48 per cent of the businesses that responded called for training in advanced ICT.
Funding for the development of this programme has been provided by the LSC North Yorkshire, using funds from Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency. It is being developed in partnership with Science City York.
Shaun Withers, workforce development advisor for the LSC explained: "This is an exciting project that will address the very specific and complex training needs of some of North Yorkshire's leading-edge companies. These companies are making a crucial contribution to the success of the local economy.
“We are delighted that the University is taking this initiative forward on our behalf, combining its world-class expertise with a strong commitment to working in partnership with local employers."
Professor John Sparrow and Dr John Pillmoor led the multi-disciplinary bid from the University of York, together with colleagues from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computing Service, and the White Rose high-technology grid.
Professor Sparrow said: “This project will allow us to develop new opportunities for local business to access the wealth of expertise within the University of York.”
The initial phase of this programme will involve further consultation with local companies to identify appropriate customised training packages, which may include web authoring and development, business and finance software management and GRID technology
The courses will generally consist of a combination of workshops and seminars, followed by a period of self-study spread over a number of weeks or months at the delegate’s place of work. During this period delegates will devise and undertake assignments relevant to their workplace under the guidance of their tutor.
Amanda Selvaratnam, a business information analyst and graduate of the University of York, will lead the project. She said: “The innovative period of personal study included will guarantee that new skills are used and implemented within the business environment, and will be key to ensuring the training addresses real business issues and employers’ needs.”
Tutors for these accredited courses will include staff of the Departments of Biology and Computer Science at the University of York.
Notes to editors:
- Science City York is a partnership between the City of York Council and the University of York with the objective of growing York as an internationally recognised science base.
- Science City York’s mission is to create business and employment opportunities in York through Science and Technology.
- Science City York is committed to growing the Science and Technology community in York, providing high quality jobs for local people. In 2002 more than 9,000 people were employed in science and technology occupations, which is approximately 10% of York’s working population and equivalent to employment in the tourism sector.
- Science City York’s role covers 4 key areas:
- Providing mentoring to York’s growing high technology community and helping to generate new businesses.
- Creating employment opportunities in the high technology sectors.
- Guiding education and training needs to ensure the development of York’s science and technology skill base.
- Raising awareness of Science and Technology and opportunities it will bring to York in the future and of York as an internationally recognised science base.
- For further information about Science City York see: www.sciencecityyork.org.uk or Rachel Goddard, Science City York Press & PR Officer, Intandem Marketing & Communications, Tel: 01757 289696