Agenda item

That the presentation be received and Professor Heard be thanked for his

attendance. 

The Chairman welcomed and introduced Professor Peter Heard, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), Glyndwr University, and invited him to give a presentation on the linkages between the University and the Council.

Professor Heard provided background information and referred to the University’s two ‘campus’ sites in Flintshire which were the Advanced Composites Training and Development Centre at Broughton and Glyndwr University at Northop.  He advised that the campuses formed part of the University’s developing Knowledge Industry Corridor which included Glyndwr University St. Asaph and two centres in Wrexham.  He made particular reference to the ASTUTE project (Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies) which is a Pan Wales initiative, with Glyndwr working alongside the universities of Swansea and Cardiff, as well as other universities in Wales,  to stimulate economic growth by applying advanced engineering technologies to manufacturing, particularly in the Aerospace and automotive sectors.

Professor Heard explained that the University engaged with the Authority at various levels and referred specifically to the strong links established with the Economic Development team within the Authority.  He reported that the University had worked with the Authority on key strategic bodies including the Mersey-Dee Alliance and Deeside Enterprise Zone and had collaborated to support the City Regions bid.

The Chairman thanked Professor Heard for his overview and invited Members to raise questions.

In response to a question from Councillor R.J.T. Guest around the development of links with the Authority, Professor Heard suggested that a strategic away day would be a useful way to move forward.

Councillor C.A. Thomas asked if the University was represented on the Flintshire Local Service Board (LSB).     Professor Heard advised that he sat on the Flintshire Local Service Board and ensured that the University aligned itself with and made use of the LSB.  In response to a further question from Councillor Thomas concerning links with schools Professor Heard advised that the University enjoyed strong links with many schools across Flintshire from primary level up to around the age of 16. 

The Chief Executive referred to the Economic Ambition Board and gave an overview of its purpose commenting on manufacturing technology in Wales and the need for skills planning, provision and education. Professor Heard advised that a member of the University’s Executive would shortly join the Economic Ambition Board.

Councillor C.A. Thomas asked if it was intended that Glyndwr University would become part of Coleg Cambria.  Professor Heard said he was currently unable to comment on the structure of education across the region and made reference to the Web Review report which was to be submitted to the Minister on 28 June 2013.  The Chief Executive commented on collaborative working with universities across the border and on the Web Review and the recommendations expected from it.

In response to the further questions and observations put forward by Members Professor Heard emphasised the need to encourage students to have the aspiration to progress to higher education.  He also outlined his ambition to establish an advance manufacturing centre which facilitated the needs of all manufacturing industries within the region.   He referred to a predicted skills shortage in the future and the need for a qualified and skilled labour force to service the demands of businesses and provide “careers for life”.  Professor Heard explained that investment to fund the development of the manufacturing centre would be sought from both the Welsh Government and the private sector.

The Chairman thanked Professor Heard for an informative presentation.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be received and Professor Heard be thanked for his

attendance.