Salford launch construction scholarship with Decipher

Industry collaboration, alongside improving the employability of students, is a key strategic priority for the University of Salford with the Decipher QS Scholarship being designed to increase access and progression in Quantity Surveying pathways for students from the North West who may be deterred from studying due to financial reasons.

Paul Gibbons CEO of Decipher said: “The construction industry has a major skills gap. As we come out of the pandemic, this is only going to get worse. There has been limited uptake in undergraduates joining the construction sector. Without grassroots measures and learning being implemented this is not going to change. Every day, we hear of projects coming into problems which stem from a lack of resources and experience. This leads to poor quality, high costs and project overruns."

“Investing in our people has always been a core value at Decipher. This scholarship allows us to take the next step by investing in the future of the industry.  In launching the Decipher QS Scholarship, we can encourage talented individuals to join our industry. Not only that, but by providing financial support to those who need it, means we can make steps towards increasing diversity across the industry. Ultimately, we believe this will lead to a better industry for all and I am proud that Decipher is able to contribute in our small way.”

Professor Joe Sweeney, Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Environment added: “We are incredibly proud of our industry partnerships and delighted to announce a new donor-funded scholarship that will make such a difference to a student who may be deterred from pursuing their degree for financial reasons."

“To help bridge the skills gap we are facing, it is critical that we work alongside partners like Decipher, to create opportunities for our students to work within industry and successfully transition into employment. We are looking forward to announcing our inaugural scholar for the Decipher QS Scholarship, to give one of our students a future to be excited about.”

The inaugural recipient of the Decipher QS Scholarship will be awarded in March 2022. First year students studying Quantity Surveying will be invited to apply for the scholarship in the coming weeks. In addition, the University will also work with the industry partner to create additional opportunities for the successful scholar to help enhance their professional skillset.

Find out more about Scholarships at Salford.