June 02/06/2010

UNI CALLS ON KENT WEB EXPERTS
TO SHAPE ACADEMIC FUTURE

• GForces MD joins University of Kent’s Industrial Panel
• Pledges to open new facility for aspiring undergraduates

The University of Kent has appointed Giles Smith to its Industrial Panel, in a move designed to boost the appeal of the courses run by its web faculty.  Smith, managing director of leading web management firm GForces, will participate in discussions to shape the content and structure of the university’s degree programmes.

When the panel meets in a fortnight, Smith will draw on his professional experience to provide insight into how the university can better help students to prepare for careers in web management.  He will advocate an approach that gives a breadth of knowledge, as well as stressing the need for placements in a commercial environment.

“It’s vital that students are given exposure to a broad range of disciplines,” said Smith.  “That means offering tuition across multiple subject areas, but also introducing undergraduates to the real world of work, where skills learned at university can be put into practice.”

Smith’s appointment to the panel comes as GForces prepares to build an advanced digital media suite – just one of the facilities to be made available to students on placements at its Caring Lane premises in Bearsted.

“Whilst the recession has wiped out a large proportion of work experience opportunities, GForces is committed to providing hands-on work for students in Kent.  Our 30-week placements will enable would-be web professionals to experience the full spectrum of disciplines – from digital film to production and even client-facing roles.

“We are optimistic that planning permission for our new building will be granted later this month, to allow construction to begin immediately on what will be Kent’s most modern digital facility.”

Katie Van Sanden of the university’s Placement Office said, “We rely on input from leading Kent employers to help support our academic programmes to meet the needs of students aiming to succeed in business.  GForces will play an important role in this, and we’re delighted to hear that our aspiring undergraduates will be invited to take advantage of the company’s new media centre, once the extension has been approved.”

The Maidstone Planning Committee will meet on 10 June in relation to GForces’ application for planning permission.