Jon Barnard, Director of Greyfriars Project Management is an enthusiastic Civil Engineer and Project Manager, who has a dynamic, multi-faceted career history. Jon started his career as a Civil Engineering apprentice and wanted to “give something back”. The plan was to inspire the next generation of potential Engineers, Project Managers and students in a local Technical College.
Following on from this idea, Emily Harvey approached UTCN in Norwich to see whether there was an opportunity to support students by sharing our knowledge and expertise. We were amazed by the professional facilities at the Hall Road site! (https://utcn.org.uk/)
Jon thoroughly enjoyed meeting the students and sharing the fundamentals of Project Management over a 2 hour session. From why we need Project Management in engineering schemes, cost control to managing Stakeholders. It was great to see the students take part in the session too. They subsequently reflected on their own projects and made assessments of what they would do differently in future.
Furthermore, Jon covered some of the local schemes that Greyfriars have been involved in. For example the Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft. He further explained how innovation can be encompassed through reviewing the costly elements of such projects and considering alternative designs to mitigate the costs. https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/transport-planning/lake-lothing-3rd-crossing/
Secondly, Jon shared his experience of working on the Northern Distributor Road (A1270), now named the Broadland Northway. Whilst working at Norfolk County Council as Project Manager, Jon was key in the progression of the Development Consent Order process. Norfolk County Council was the first Local Authority in the country to follow this process.
We’re looking forward to working with UTCN again in the near future, to share further insights with students.
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