Abstract
Ultra Precision Engineers are in demand in both UK and European manufacturing industries. Engineering Companies can address this skills shortage by training existing staff or recruiting new staff with the appropriate skills. Since companies are understandably reluctant to lose key staff for re-training, it is preferable to meet the shortfall by recruitment. This paper describes how UK engineering companies have worked in partnership with academia to design a postgraduate course in ultra precision technologies. The new Masters level course has come to fruition under the auspices of the integrated knowledge centre in Ultra Precision structured surfaces (UPS2), as a component of its Knowledge Transfer portfolio. The MSc in “Ultra Precision Technologies” is led by Cranfield University, with support from University College London and the University of Cambridge. The role of industrial partners is described, from course design to student placements for individual project work; and the lessons learned from the first four cohorts are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Arnold J. A., Mackenzie Davey K. (1992) Beyond unmet expectations: A detailed analysis of graduate experiences at work during the first 3 years of their careers. Personnel Review 21(2): 45–68
Beasley D. E., Biggers S. B. et al (1995) Curriculum development: An integrated approach. IEEE, Atlanta
Beasley D. E., Elzinga D. J. et al (1996) Curriculum innovation and renewal. American Society for Engineering Education (Washington DC 20036, United States), Washington DC
Blackburn, R., & Mackintosh, L. (1999). The entrepreneurship potential of people in the third age: A case of over expectation? In Paper presented at the Small Business and Enterprise Development Conference, University of Leeds, Leeds, March 1999.
Borthwick J., John D. et al (2000) Evidence of skill shortages in the automotive repairs and service trades. National Centre for Vocational Education Research, Leabrook
Brown, A. E. (1996). Communication as the common ground between engineering education and industry. In Proceedings of the ASEE 1996 College Industry Education Conference (pp. 101–102).
Deisenroth M. P., Mason W. H. (1996) Curriculum development in aerospace engineering. American Society for Engineering Education (Washington DC 20036, United States), Washington DC
Emadi A., Jacobius T. M. (2004) Interprofessional projects in advanced automotive power systems: An integrated education and research multidisciplinary approach. IEEE Transactions on Education 47(3): 356–361
Filos E., Banahan E. (2001) Towards the smart organization: An emerging organizational paradigm and the contribution of the European TRD programs. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing 12(2): 101–119
Guerra-Zubiaga D., Elizalde H. et al (2008) Product life-cycle management tools and collaborative tools applied to an automotive case study. International Journal of Engineering Education 24(2): 266–273
Heinz W. R. (1999) From education to work. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency). Students and Qualifiers Data Tables 2004/2005, 2008/2009, and 2009/2010. www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/content/view/1973/239/.
Holden R., Hamblett J. (2007) The transition from higher education into work: Tales of cohesion and fragmentation. Education + Training 49(7): 516–585
Kettunen J. (2006) Strategies for the cooperation of educational institutions and companies in mechanical engineering. International Journal of Educational Management 20(1): 19–28
Lee B., Stephens S. (2004) Oklahoma’s Mid-Del Tech center meets the electric vehicle training challenge (IT Works). Techniques 79(4): 60–62
Lerman R. I. (2008) Building a wider skills net for workers: A range of skills beyond conventional schooling are critical to success in the job market, and new educational approaches should reflect these noncognitive skills and occupational qualifications. Issues in Science and Technology 24(4): 65–70
Madhill, H., et al (2003). Making choices and making transitions: Creating a web resource. In Proceedings of the GASAT 11 International Conference, Mauritius, 6–11th July 2003.
McGrath S. (2007) Transnationals, globalization and education and training: Evidence from the South African automotive sector. Journal of Vocational Education and Training 59(4): 575–589
Mears L., Omar M., Kurfess T. (2011) Automotive engineering curriculum development: Case study for Clemson University?. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing 22(5): 693–708
Powell A., Bagilhole B., Dainty A., Neale R. (2004) Does the engineering culture in UK higher education advance women’s careers?. Equal Opportunities International 23(7/8): 21–38
Rae D. (2005) Mid-career entrepreneurial learning. Education + Training 47(8/9): 574–652
Rae D. (2007) Connecting enterprise and graduate employability. Challenges to the higher education culture and curriculum?. Education + Training 49(8/9): 605–619
Sansom C. L., Shore P. (2008) Case study: Meeting the demand for skilled precision engineers. Education + Training 50(6): 516–529
Srivastava, A. (1996). Widening access: Women in construction higher education, PhD thesis, Leeds Metropolitan University.
The Daily Telegraph, London edition (1995), 6th September 1995.
Van Der Linde C. H. (2000) A new perspective regarding capacities of educational institutions to create work (bibliography included). Education 121(1): 54
Yasin M., Czuchry A., Martin J., Feagins R. (2000) An open system approach to higher learning: The role of joint ventures with business. Industrial Management & Data Systems 100(5): 227–233
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sansom, C., Shore, P. Training ultra precision engineers for UK manufacturing industry. J Intell Manuf 24, 423–432 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-011-0611-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-011-0611-8