Laing O’Rourke, in conjunction with partners on Hinkley Point C, is to collaborate with the University of Exeter in offering a new part-time civil engineering degree apprenticeship.
The University of Exeter will be the first Russell Group university to offer a degree of this type.
The BEng Civil Engineering Site Management degree will see students study over five years through a combination of on-campus residential, blended learning and real-world projects. This approach offers participants the opportunity to obtain a degree while gaining valuable experience linked to one of the country’s most important infrastructure projects – Hinkley Point C.
Laing O’Rourke is collaborating with Hinkley Point C partner BYLOR (Laing O’Rourke and Bouygues TP), and EDF Energy, to deliver a comprehensive programme alongside University of Exeter, which will provide students with the dual benefits of studying at a top 10 UK engineering establishment while gaining valuable industry experience.
Katie McLean, Laing O’Rourke programme manager, said: “Hinkley Point C will be a hugely innovative and cutting-edge project for all partners. A project of this stature provides the perfect platform to help develop talent in a unique and exciting learning environment. We are delighted to be partnering with such a prestigious institution as the University of Exeter in this exciting endeavour.”
John O’Connor, Laing O’Rourke group commercial and human capital director, added: “Finding a solution to the skills gap in the UK construction industry is not only critical for the sector but also for the wider economy. Last year we released our skills report which set out a 10-point plan to help tackle the current crisis.
“Our collaboration with the University of Exeter directly addresses one of those points – to increase the availability of Russell Group university part-time degree apprenticeships. We strongly believe that partnerships like these will play a major role in attracting and nurturing the talent required in our sector moving forward.”
