S2 Ep7: Episode 7: Italian Style HE at the Polytecnico di Wakefield

Work experience, wine and rhubarb at a brand new Poly

This latest episode of the series, in which a notable higher ed figure creates an entirely new university out of thin air, features Martin Edmondson who is CEO of AGCAS, the Association of Graduate Careers and Advisory Services.

Martin wants to bring Italian style plus work experience to a Yorkshire higher education cold spot and has created the Politecnico di Wakefield - PoliWak for short - to fill a big gap in the rhubarb triangle. PoliWak has a strong arts and music focus as well as dynamic work-based learning opportunities for all leading to super-employable graduates. In addition to the obvious rhubarb focus for research, wine-related developments are important as is the investment in sports science with the aim of enhancing the prospects of the Vice-Chancellor's beloved Bradford City football club.

A generous benefactor has ensured that there are excellent residences on campus and outstanding shared social, learning and working spaces for all in the centre of town. Students from around the world - including Lancashire - are welcomed with a Yorkshire onboarding pack which comprises a range of essential local delicacies. Despite the inclusion of crisps within this pack, their consumption in lecture theatres is strictly forbidden - such is the VC's distinctive brand of benign direction.

Finally Martin has also chosen a popular anthem for the ages, albeit from a Londoner rather than a Yorkshire musician.