Major figures in the UK timber industry have committed thousands of pounds to help students at Edinburgh Napier University through their degrees.

Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Finnforest UK and Forestry Commission Scotland have all agreed to support an undergraduate student enrolling on the University’s 2010/11 Civil and Timber Engineering degree programme.

In addition to providing financial support of £3,000 over the duration of the student’s degree programme, the organisations will provide summer work placement opportunities and relevant part-time and paid holiday work.

They will also provide a mentor to assist with coursework and career development, and assign students workplace practicals which could be used to form the basis of University coursework.

Mr Alastair Stupart, Assistant Director of the Centre for Timber Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University said: “At at time when budgets are tight in all sectors of the economy, these new student sponsorships are very welcome indeed. They offer important financial backing for those students with aspirations of following a career in the timber industry – giving them that added bit of space to pursue their studies whilst also gaining invaluable industry experience.”

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Both Edinburgh Napier’s BSc Hons Civil and Timber Engineering, and the Masters degree in Timber Engineering are unique in the UK and designed specifically to meet the needs of employers – and to allow maximum career opportunities for the student.

Civil engineers, especially those with a specialised knowledge of timber, are currently in demand across the world.

“As one of the key providers of teaching in the engineering and construction industries in Scotland, we want to help meet the increasing demand for trained professionals by providing opportunities for the industry to invest in school leavers and graduates in order to keep skills within the industry,” added Mr Stupart.

“By sponsoring a Civil and Timber Engineering Student at Edinburgh Napier University, these organisations are helping to encourage more high achievers to apply to Edinburgh Napier’s Civil and Timber Engineering degree programmes.”

The University’s School of Engineering and the Built Environment’s industry sponsors include Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Finnforest UK, Forestry Commission Scotland, James Donaldson & Sons, BSW Timber, Walker Timber, James Jones and Scottish Enterprise. They have all supported a number of students at the University through their degree programmes since 2002.

(GK)