Agenda item

To receive a presentation from Dr. David Skydmore, Glyndwr University, Northop.

That Dr. David Skydmore be thanked for his presentation. 

The Chairman welcomed and introduced Dr. David  Skydmore, Campus Leader, Glyndwr University, Northop, to the meeting and invited him to give a presentation on Glyndwr University – Flintshire. 

Dr.Skydmore provided background information and advised that Glyndwr University, Flintshire, was a centre for higher education and rural research in Flintshire and provided community use and involvement.  He referred to the facilities at the Welsh College of Horticulture, Celyn College, and the Glyndwr University campuses in  Northop Rural Centre and Broughton – Airbus.  He also advised that there was a reciprocal agreement with Gladstone Library, Hawarden, to provide theology and well-being research.     

Dr.Skydmore outlined the aims of the University which included access to higher education, continuing professional development, higher apprenticeships, technical consultancy, market intelligence and data, and innovation support. He also commented on the future vision for the Flintshire campus to develop and increase the sustainability of communities and the environment and to add significantly to the quality of life and well-being.

The Chairman thanked Dr. Skydmore for his presentation and invited Members to raise questions.

In response to a question from Councillor Joe Johnson regarding the higher apprenticeship scheme, Dr. Skydmore explained that the higher apprenticeship courses provided excellent opportunities for young people to develop their vocational skills to meet the demands of business and industry.  The Higher Apprenticeship scheme was also successful in securing employment for young people and offered an alternative to the financial and personal pressures of University studies.

Councillor Ian Smith referred to the land management activities and the development of the Llys Edwin – Royal Palace of North Wales site.  Dr. Skydmore explained that the aim was to develop the site to provide access to archaelogical groups.

During discussion Dr. Skydmore responded to the further questions raised by Members around the opportunities for supporting local industry and businesses in terms of apprenticeships and collaboration with the Council’s services.  Dr. Skydmore explained that the intention was to meet the needs of the local community and the wider community across Wales.

Councillor Robin Guest asked if a shared site and facilities with Coleg Cambria at the Northop campus had given rise to any difficulties.  Dr. Skydmore explained that Glyndwr enjoyed a good working relationship with Coleg Cambria.  Each organisation had its own distinct land and facilities and a business arrangement was in place to cover the cost of resources used.  He advised that both organisations aimed to ensure that students who left further education had the opportunity to progress into higher education to fulfil their potential.

In response to a further question from Councillor Guest concerning liaison with 6^th Form students in Flintshire Secondary Schools, Dr. Skydmore reported that a regular series of events, including “Open” days, were held where Glyndwr met and talked to 6^th Form students about the courses on offer and their options.         

The Chief Executive asked Dr. Skydmore if Glyndwr University had any plans for investment and expansion at the Northop Campus.  Dr. Skydmore replied that it was intended to expand the environmental laboratories including advanced glasshouse facilities, extend classrooms, develop a rural business centre for Flintshire, increase outdoor pursuit and heritage interpretation facilities involving the community, and to continue the enhancement of the biodiversity and habitat range.  Dr. Skydmore advised that investment funds were not guaranteed.

RESOLVED:

That Dr. David Skydmore be thanked for his presentation.