Topcon, which manufactures and distributes precision measurement and workflow solutions for the global construction sector, says the announcement marks another step in its longstanding relationship with TU Dublin.
The company adds that its areas of expertise mean that it has a unique opportunity to support the university with an initial equipment donation worth €1.5m in market value, which will be continually updated with the latest technology available. This approach is part of what Topcon terms its “Learn-Apply-Build” (LAB) initiative, helping universities keep pace with the rapid changes in advanced technologies for hands-on training, equipping students with knowledge of the most current construction and geopositioning tools as they enter the workforce.
Additionally, Topcon has committed to be a TU Dublin Cornerstone Donor, providing a philanthropic donation of €500,000 over a period of five years. This funding will support the development of a new Design + Construct Centre at TU Dublin’s Broombridge site in Cabra, which will be a National Centre of Excellence for construction, engineering, and architectural education, and expand the university’s footprint in the Dublin 7 area.
The donation also includes two fully funded, four-year scholarships to the university, and the relationship will see students given the opportunity to take part in internships across the globe in Topcon locations.
Current estimations predict that the Irish construction sector will employ only 78,000 workers by 2025, but with the Irish government’s ambitious National Development Plan requiring an estimated 180,000 construction workers, a boost to the sector’s workforce is imperative. Topcon says its partnership with TU Dublin aims to address not only Ireland’s skills gap, but also strengthen the pipeline of highly skilled workers entering the sector across Europe.
To mark this philanthropic support, a visit to the Broombridge site was recently made by Topcon representatives. The group met with TU Dublin staff and students to see first-hand how valuable the investment will be for their education and future careers.
Ivan Di Federico, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Topcon Positioning Systems, said: “The university has historically provided Topcon with a fantastic pool of talent and many alumni now occupy senior positions throughout the business. We are excited to be able to provide the students with the latest technology to advance their education and support the next generation as they prepare to enter the workforce. It’s only by investing in the future that we can ensure continued success for a sector that supports the development and growth of the world around us.”
President of TU Dublin, Professor David FitzPatrick, commented: “Responding to the needs of the sector, TU Dublin is developing the Design and Construct Centre for collaborative, multidisciplinary education that will drive growth and performance in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, through the development and deployment of talent and technology. Topcon’s incredible generosity will accelerate our vision to deliver first-class learning for students across all levels and disciplines from apprenticeships to PhDs, as well as providing education and research facilities that will be critical to the next generation of graduates.”
