Jacobs and the University of Hertfordshire Form Strategic Alliance to Shape Future Talent

Jacobs and the University of Hertfordshire (Herts) in the U.K. have formed a strategic alliance to drive career development and industry engagement aimed at preparing a future-ready workforce in the engineering and construction sector.

The collaboration will harness the combined strengths of Jacobs and Herts through collaborative research and development, knowledge exchange and talent pipeline initiatives. 

By engaging in innovative projects, sharing best practices and expanding experiential learning opportunities for students and early-career professionals, the collaboration aims to advance industry knowledge, support mutual growth, generate shared value and strengthen workforce development efforts. 

Key alliance highlights include:

• Building talent pipeline: develops a strong talent stream by offering Herts students and early-career professionals hands-on experience through internships, co-op programs and collaborative projects with industry experts. The goal is to equip the next generation with practical skills to meet industry demands, while strengthening Jacobs’ apprenticeship and graduate recruitment efforts.
• Knowledge sharing: promotes continuous learning and mutual knowledge exchange between Jacobs and Herts through jointly organized activities such as workshops, seminars and training sessions. Structured exchanges, such as visiting lectureships, professorships and fellowships, will also enable Jacobs professionals to contribute to academic settings and allow Herts' faculty to engage with industry practices.
• Research and development: focuses on collaborative research that combines the strengths of both Jacobs and Herts to develop innovative technologies and solutions. By sharing resources and expertise, the aim is to address industry challenges, advance academic knowledge and generate shared revenue through the commercialization of research outcomes.

“As a major employer in Hertfordshire, we place great value in developing local talent and engaging across STEAM disciplines through our global network of projects and clients to create the workforce of the future," says Jacobs Senior Vice President Alex Lane. “The research facilities and academic caliber that the University of Hertfordshire offers is world leading, and Jacobs looks forward to bringing our industry expertise to this relationship as we work together to solve the world’s most complex challenges.”