Sky’s The Limit For University Cementing Its Leading Role In The Aeronautical Industry
Wrexham Glyndwr University has strengthened partnerships with giants of the aeronautics industry.
Representatives from the University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aerospace Wales Forum and cemented its relationship with the Malaysian government agency Majlis Amanh Rakyat (MARA) at Farnborough International Airshow.
The team from the School of Applied Sciences and Engineering also met with top businesses from the aerospace arena, notably MBDA defence group, Airbus and BAE Systems.
Head of School Phil Storrow said the event is of “huge importance” to the institution as it builds new links with the sector.
“From an academic and commercial perspective we place huge importance on the connections we make and the partnerships secured at Farnborough,” said Mr Storrow.
“I’m delighted that we have strengthened our close ties with both MARA and Aerospace Wales Forum and explored new partnerships with organisations we have worked closely with over the years.
“It was particularly valuable to see how we as a university can meet the demands and requirements of the industry, to ensure Wrexham Glyndwr remains at the cutting-edge of innovation and engineering excellence to add value to our suite of degrees and professional courses.”
Fifteen Malaysian engineers, from MARA, have also just completed an MSc Aeronautical Engineering postgraduate degree at Wrexham Glyndwr University.
This is the second year employees from Strand Aerospace, based in Malaysia, have studied at the university and gained industry experience by working closely with Airbus, BAE Systems and MBDA.
Engineering lecturer and MSc programme leader, Shafiul Monir, said: “It was an honour to work with MARA and Strand Aerospace again, as this is the second year they have worked with the university to qualify their engineers. This has been greatly down to the excellent links we have within the industry and great facilities.”
One of the Malaysian students, Azim Shabaruddin, said: “One of the most important parts of the course has been the strong industry connections and links that Wrexham Glyndwr University has.
“We have had some amazing opportunities, such as being involved with the production of prototypes and looking at the composite materials of jetfighters.
“No other university can offer these opportunities which are incredibly important for our knowledge and future careers.”
The university now plans to visit Malaysia to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
The MoU with Aerospace Wales Forum will see both parties collaborate with a view to utilising each other’s skills, knowledge and experience to provide educational opportunities at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Chief executive John Whalley said the Aerospace Wales Forum has enjoyed a proactive friendship with the university and hopes that continues.
“Since 2002 the University has been an active participant in the life of the Forum, providing venues and speakers for key events, a range of education and training courses to our member companies and taking a leading role in our network of academic institutions in Wales involved in the space sector,” said Mr Whalley.
“Wrexham Glyndwr is a key element of the aerospace cluster in north east Wales, centred on the Airbus wing plant at Broughton, and this year has seen some exciting new developments including the award of Space Incubation Centre funding to the University’s OpTIC Centre in St Asaph by the UK Space Agency, as well as the strengthening of ties with the rapidly-developing aerospace sector in Malaysia.”
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