Coventry University with Eamon Byrne

CU Scarborough

(Coventry University)

The club had a presentation from Eamon Byrne at its meeting at the Downe Arms on Wednesday, July 6. Eamon, who is part of the Talent Team at the University and responsible for business development, gave an informative talk about the university’s plans for the town.

Coventry University arrived in Scarborough 7-years ago at a purpose-built campus on the former Weaponess coach park, sitting alongside the Scarborough UTC and new sports village.

Eamon described it as a modern university offering courses to suit the needs of their learners. They currently have around 800 students but are looking to double that number over the next couple of years. The university is keen to be part of the community and created much needed higher education provision for the Yorkshire Coast.

Eamon’s role is business engagement to help the university fill the skills gaps. Currently the courses on offer are geared towards the NHS, Anglo American, GCHQ and Acting, in conjunction with the Stephen Joseph Theatre. Going forward the university plans to focus on three key areas :-

1. Health with a Health conference planned for October 19-21;

2. Cyber with a HTQ event scheduled for August 18-20; and

3. Sport having held a Community Sports Day at the Legends match on July 2.

The Government has earmarked £320m for sport in schools and they hope to secure funding from this pot of money to develop their sports strategy.

President, George Roberts pictured with our speaker Eamon Byrne

In the future, they hope to widen the catchment area to the North and North East of England and are looking to change the name to the University of Scarborough. Their proposals include more international students; student accommodation; devolution; a care zone and more post-graduate and research work. Also they are considering offering hospitality courses as tourism is an important part of the Yorkshire Coast economy.

The Talent Team is responsible for student and graduate talent, central support as well as business engagement. Eamon also has to try to educate local businesses to understand how they can make more use out of the CU students eg internships and sandwich placements.

CU Scarborough sees its function as keeping talent in the area, together with providing solutions for local businesses. They have Business Advisory Panels to look at skills gaps too.

Eamon finished off his presentation with a Q&A and offered the club the opportunity to visit the campus to see the facility at first hand.

Mike Wilkinson