New Campus Glasgow

vic emery sails into New Campus Glasgow

Former Clyde shipyard chief executive, Vic Emery, has been appointed Chair of the New Glasgow Campus project.

Mr Emery takes the lead role in the £300+ million project to create a supercampus for the 50,000 students and 2,000 staff of Central, Metropolitan, Nautical and Stow Colleges.

He will lead the New Campus Glasgow Board and will be charged with delivering what is one of the country's biggest education infrastructure projects. Building work is scheduled to start in 2011.

"This will be a hugely challenging project, delivering a state-of-the-art learning environment to further enhance Glasgow's role as a leading centre of further education, while at the same time continuing to deliver first class learning during the construction phase," said Mr Emery.

"We aim to deliver world class learning - with style - and want to create the kind of environment that will attract the very best talent to Glasgow."

"In an ever-competitive global economy, a highly qualified professional workforce is one of the most important resources we have. This project will help ensure the city continues to produce the best and brightest talent over the long term."

Former head of BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions, Vic was responsible for transforming the Scotstoun and Govan yards during his five years in charge. At his appointment in 2003 the yards employed fewer than 2,000 people and turned over around £300 million, on his retirement last year they employed more than 4,000 and had an order book worth £2.2 billion.

"My commitment to skills and training is well documented," he said. "When I took over the Clyde yards there were virtually no apprenticeships. By the time I left we had taken on more then 500 and become the largest single private sector employer of modern apprentices in the country."

"I want to bring this commitment to improving the skills of our young people to New Campus Glasgow and deliver a facility that will provide future generations with the very best start to their careers."

"We are delighted to welcome on board someone with the experience and track record of success that Vic brings," said Programme Sponsor, Donald Leitch. "His leadership will be invaluable in ensuring the New Campus Glasgow estates project is delivered on time and on budget."

Vic Emery is available for interview on request.