19.04.05
University Expertise Boosts Local Business

Graduate Ross Trewhella (left) and Unlocking Cornish Potential Project Manager, Allyson Glover (right)

A local graduate is helping a Penwith based business to build on its position at the cutting edge of the high tech e-learning industry thanks to Unlocking Cornish Potential, a scheme set up through the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative which gives graduates a challenging, rewarding start to their careers and brings new expertise into Cornish companies.

The company, Providers of Telecoms Training (PTT) delivers training via the Internet and CDROMs to the worldwide telecoms industry and Government bodies from its rural premises in West Penwith. Through the Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) Scheme, PTT has recruited Ross Trewhella for a 12-month placement in the role of Analyst Programmer, to develop new e-learning solutions for the company. Ross, aged 23 lives in Canonstown near Hayle and studied Computer Science at Truro College and Exeter University. After graduating, he worked for a year in the USA before returning to Cornwall.

"Operating in the relatively young, fast moving e-learning industry, PTT must meet the increasingly sophisticated expectations of its corporate clients around the world," said Bob Nott, Managing Director of PTT. "To help in this, PTT asked UCP to help in the task of recruiting a graduate. We asked for candidates who not only had specific programming skills but also had a flair for graphic design as well as the ability to work as part of a small team. We realised that this was a demanding request, but UCP did find us a graduate who is proving to be an asset to the company."

As well as improving PTT's current systems, Ross's major project to date has been the development of a new Learning Management System which allows trainees to study its range of courses, no matter where in the world they may be.

"After my education it was my impression that it was difficult to find employment within Cornwall that would fully utilise the skills I had gained and allow them to grow," said Ross Trewhella. "But, thanks to PTT and Unlocking Cornish Potential, I am now at the forefront of a major software development project that is to be used by international business; while also gaining knowledge about the fast moving e-learning industry."

The UCP programme, which is managed by Cornwall College (one of the CUC partners), has already created 57 graduate placements with 50 companies since it was launched in April 2004.

Allyson Glover, Project Manager of UCP commented: "I cannot think of a better example of how Unlocking Cornish Potential works. With the skills he acquired at university Ross is helping PTT go from strength to strength. At the same time, Ross has made an excellent start to his career and is acquiring that all-important business experience."

The current UCP programme builds on the success of Unlocking Potential, a 5-year programme run by the University of Plymouth throughout Cornwall and Devon until November 2002. Investment in UCP through Objective One means that participating businesses receive 30% of the cost of taking on their graduate for the duration of the project (typically between 6 and 15 months). Current graduate vacancies can be seen now at www.unlockingcornishpotential.co.uk.

For more on PTT's e-learning solutions visit www.ptt.co.uk or www.learntelecoms.com.

For further information contact David Kirk in the CUC PR & Communications Office on 01326 370471, or 07834676942 or email: david.kirk@cuc.ac.uk.

The Objective One programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

The Combined Universities in Cornwall is a dynamic and visionary partnership that is one of the driving forces behind Cornwall's renaissance. This partnership combines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, University College Falmouth, The Open University, The College of St Mark & St John, and the Peninsula Medical School, with Cornwall's Further Education colleges - Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. It aims not only to provide the students of the future with more choice and greater opportunities, but also to boost the economic fortunes of the region for the benefit of one and all.

The CUC initiative has been invested in by the Objective One Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

For more information, please contact David Kirk in the CUC PR & Communications Office:

Tel: 01326 370471
Mobile: 07834676942
Email: david.kirk@cuc.ac.uk

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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