DETAILS of potential benefits for young engineers from the roads PFI have been announced by the Isle of Wight Council.
In a statement released today (Monday) the IW Council said winning PFI bidders Vinci Ringway would contribute financially to Islanders undertaking degrees in civil engineering.
Under the scholarships four students will receive £1,500 a year each to help with the costs of attending university, and they will also be offered paid employment during holidays.
After graduating, they will be encouraged to develop their careers on the Island Highways PFI contract and will be given further support to gain additional professional qualifications.
The scholarship is available to students who are currently Island residents and have an offer from a UK university to commence a degree course in civil engineering this year.
David Gibby, PFI project director from Vinci Ringway said: "The Highways PFI will bring the Island’s highways network up to an unprecedented standard but we have always been keen to maximise the economic benefits of such a massive project as well.
"Part of this has been about developing opportunities for local suppliers to draw work from the project in the hope that this will help them expand.
"But equally important is using this massive inward investment - £260 million in government grant – to help people onto the employment ladder. We are committed to doing that at all levels, through initiatives such as the scholarships and the apprenticeships."
Councillor Edward Giles, cabinet member responsible for highways and transport, said: "We are delighted to play our part in creating high quality job opportunities for Island students.
"All too often we hear that Islanders who graduate from university cannot find work here to return to. It is pleasing that the PFI will enable four graduates to return from university as a qualified civil engineer so they can then forge a career on the Island."
The company has also pledged to create 55 apprenticeships during the course of the 25 year contract.
More details about the scholarships – and the PFI project in general - can be found at the following link: http://www.iwight.com/highways-pfi/civil-engineering-scholarship.asp