First Minister Eluned Morgan visits Wrexham University
Eluned Morgan MS toured the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre (EEOC) during her visit to the campus, meeting students and staff and learning more about the university's ambitions under its recently launched 2030 Vision and Strategy.
The EEOC, which is expected to be completed soon, is the first construction project under the North Wales Growth Deal.
Professor Joe Yates, vice-chancellor of Wrexham University, said: "We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to the University today and proudly showcase our incredible facilities – in particular, our Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre, which is due to open at the start of the next academic year in September, as well as our cutting-edge Health Simulation Centre.
"The visit also provided us with a welcome opportunity to highlight our newly launched 2030 Vision and Strategy, and also shine a light on how higher education institutions have a crucial role to play in helping to shape a more resilient and prosperous Wales.
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"Our work in building skills but also strengthening and developing a bilingual public sector workforce in North Wales, and our civic mission, in terms of providing systems leadership, demonstrates the positive impact our institution has on the communities we serve.
"Thank you to the First Minister for her time and engagement with us today – it was a pleasure to welcome her, and showcase just some of our fantastic work."
The First Minister toured the EEOC, which will serve as a centre for industry collaboration, research, and innovation, with the aim of supporting growth in renewables and manufacturing.
Her visit came days before International Women in Engineering Day on June 23.
During the tour, Ms Morgan spoke with Selina Thomas, a final-year aeronautical and mechanical engineering student, who shared her work with KnitMesh Technologies.
She has been investigating the impact strength of composite materials for the North Wales-based company.
The First Minister also visited the university's Health Simulation Centre, which provides immersive training environments for healthcare students and professionals.
Staff highlighted the university's role in strengthening the public sector workforce in North Wales, with a focus on Welsh language provision.
Since launching its Welsh Language Academic Strategy and Action Plan, 'Cyfle,' nearly three years ago, the university has introduced Welsh language modules across several degree programmes.
These include speech and language therapy, professional policing, and education.
Ms Morgan was also updated on the next phase of development within the university's Health and Education Innovation Quarter (HEIQ).
This phase will introduce new teaching facilities, including virtual and augmented reality environments.
It will also feature a new teaching and learning lab and a hydra simulation suite, developed in partnership with the Hydra Foundation.
The suite will be designed to help students build decision-making skills by simulating emergency scenarios.
Ms Morgan said: "I was pleased to see first-hand the facilities at Wrexham University, especially the EEOC, which will soon become a vital hub for industry collaboration and skills development across North Wales.
"Through their civic work, our higher education institutions can serve as powerful anchors in their communities, supporting business and unlocking collective action to tackle inequality while preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow."
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