Durham awarded grant to train local industry

DURHAM UNIVERSITY HAS been selected to receive a share of significant government funding.

The money, offered by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, is targeted towards the provision of qualifications called ‘Industrial Bridging Fellowships’. The intention is to provide short courses and periods of research that allow employees of locally-based companies to enhance their development and output. The hope is that companies being hit by the recession will increase their productivity in an attempt to nullify some of the effects of the downturn.

It is thought that the University was selected due to its excellence in research and commitment to high quality teaching. The pro-vice-chancellor for research, Professor Tom McLeish, was pleased by the announcement.

He said: “We are excited by the opportunity to meet the needs of our local communities now and in the future by bringing together the efforts of teaching, research and business staff across many departments”. A hand-picked selection of other UK educational institutions were also given a share of the grant.

The funding offered must be spent by the end of September 2010, and is part of proposals by the government to provide short-term support for industry. Durham, amongst other higher education institutions, will aim to spend this money quickly for maximum benefit to local companies. The University is working in partnership with One North East, the Regional Development Agency, for this part of the country to make sure the money is spent efficently and effectively.

One North East has already begun to look into specific plans for how to allocate the cash and there will be agreement between the University and the development agency on how the money can most effectively be used.

One thing is clear: the intention is a “short sharp shock” to local industry and a much-needed boost for ailing North East institutions.

In the long run, this will be a positive step in providing people with the professional skills that will be demanded in the future. This is more essential than ever given the economic crisis and the subsequent burden on future generations.