Engineering students at Burton and South Derbyshire College will get the chance to learn from the best as a top engineer has been appointed patron of engineering at the college. Ben Dunlop from international engineering company Atkins has been installed as the latest Patron to join the college.

He visited the engineering academy at the college in Lichfield Street on Wednesday, June 28, and took a tour of the facilities around the venue. He also delivered a presentation to students about his career and gave them tips on how to succeed in the industry.

Ben said: “The skills and competencies needed to design, build, operate and maintain transport systems in a digital age will be radically different to those previously relied upon. Identifying the skills needed for future generations of managers, engineers and technicians in a rapidly evolving environment is pivotal to my role and the future success of the industry.

“I am delighted to have been appointed as patrol of engineering for Burton and South Derbyshire College. I will use my experiences to give students a thorough insight into the industry and I am committed to inspiring and motivating the next generation of engineers.”

Dawn Ward, principal of the college, said: “We are pleased to welcome Ben to the college as patron for engineering. Ben brings with him a wealth of experience in the engineering industry and he will be an extremely inspirational figure for our learners who are just starting out in their careers.

“As a patron, Ben will play an important part in the learning journey of our engineering learners as a motivator, role model and industry representative. His input will be Important in shaping the curriculum to suit the demands of employers, feeding the aspiration and ambition of students and providing real careers insight.”

He brings over 25 years’ experience in the heavy rail industry to his new role, and has been involved in a variety of projects including Digital Railway, Thameslink and Crossrail.