THE chair of Developing the Young Workforce North East has been appointed as a Visiting Professor at Robert Gordon University (RGU).
Steve Petrie, who is business improvement lead for Balfour Beatty in addition to his role with DYW North East, is now a Visiting Professor in Construction at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment. The position will see him act in an advisory capacity, offering his expertise and experience in an academic, commercial or other environments.
He said: “I am both humbled and honoured to have been awarded this title. Developing the connection between academia, the industry and the profession in order to transfer knowledge is critical to ensure the construction sector flourishes for many years to come and look forward to providing any assistance I can to future generations.”
Steve is a gas engineer having spent nearly 20 years with British Gas in senior positions across the UK. He led the build of the natural gas network in Northern Ireland and introduced lean techniques and logistics solutions to the project having spent time in the UK outsourcing parts of the British Gas supply chain to logistics companies.
In 2003, Steve attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University where he completed the Leaders for Tomorrow programme. He is a passionate practitioner and student of leadership and people and has been involved across Balfour Beatty Group in leading several areas of focus in its ongoing build to programme.
Professor David McClean, Head of the Scott Sutherland School commented: “I am delighted that Steve has accepted the Visiting Professor position which will allow the School to intensify its association with Balfour Beatty and enable it to benefit from the significant oversight of the industry that Steve possesses. His lead role with DYW North East also aligns closely with the University’s commitment to widening access and the development of new pathways to study for learners.”
