T HTEH U E NUI N V IEVRESR IT S IYT O Y FO O F POPPOPROTR UTNUI N T IYT Y A UNIVERSITY THAT MEANS BUSINESS
AUTUMN 2017
KNOWLEDGE NEWS £10m Science Centre open for business A new £10 million Science Centre on the University of Wolverhampton Science Park recently opened its doors to potential tenants. The three-storey Science, Technology and Prototyping facility was showcased to almost 50 visitors at an open day during Wolverhampton Business Week. Science and technology-based businesses looking to relocate or expand their activities into the Midlands were invited to take a tour of the high-specification work spaces, workshops and Category 1 and 2 laboratories.
TV ARCHITECT TOURS NEW CAMPUS
Nigel Babb, University of Wolverhampton Science Park Commercial Director, said: As well as a unique set of resources for businesses in the area, we are offering tenants access to students, graduates and researchers as well as opportunities to collaborate with other tenants in a science specific community.
For more information on the new Centre, visit: sciencetechcentre.co.uk, email: joinus@sciencetechcentre.co.uk or telephone: 01902 824 000
Staff offered demonstrations of the Fab Lab’s state-of-the art design and prototyping equipment, including 3D printing and virtual modelling. They also gave advice on product development, intellectual property, technical screening and funding support.
A visit by acclaimed architect George Clarke was recently hosted by the University of Wolverhampton Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS). The celebrity architect and Honorary Graduate visited the Springfield site, which is undergoing a £100 million regeneration transforming it into the new Springfield Campus.
the sympathetic restoration of parts of the building – something which he is particularly passionate about.” George Clarke is an architect, creative director of George Clarke + Partners, founder of TV production company Amazing Productions, and presenter of several successful series for television.
The ECMS is a new employer-led He also took a tour of the West training facility for the Black Country, Midlands Construction University opening in the new year and designed Technical College (WMCUTC) at the site to enhance productivity in the region’s before hosting an evening reception in high value manufacturing sector by the University’s Chancellor’s Hall. building on the region’s renowned industrial heritage. Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ian Oakes, said: Find out more about the ECMS at: “George was amazed at the progress theecms.co.uk we have made and also remarked on
APPRENTICESHIPS NEWS
APPRENTICESHIPS MILESTONE FOR UNIVERSITY The University of Wolverhampton has been chosen as a preferred supplier for Degree Apprenticeships by two leading public service providers. This summer, the £500,000 Apprenticeship Hub was successful in its application to join the preferred supplier frameworks for apprenticeships by Shropshire Council and NHS Business Services. Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Support, said:
This is a massive opportunity to support our staff to gain valuable training and qualifications relevant to their jobs… [and] opens up opportunities for career progression.
Michele Roberts, Head of the Apprenticeship Hub, said: “This is another important milestone for the University’s ambition to provide a range of Degree Apprenticeships, helping employers in the area to use Apprenticeship Levy funds to invest in the skills needed to lead and grow a competitive workforce.” This latest development follows the launch of the new Hub in 2016, which has steadily been introducing new Higher and Degree Apprenticeships since. Future Degree Apprenticeships will include Chartered Legal Executive (see ‘Events’), Manufacturing Engineer and Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeships.
UNIVERSITY OPENS DOORS TO FIRST APPRENTICES The University welcomed its first full cohort of Higher and Degree Apprentices in September, building on its commitment to providing employers with higher level skills. New apprentices attended an Introduction Day with employers for an overview of the facilities on offer and to learn more about studying while earning. The 54 Faculty of Science and Engineering apprentices are studying Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in Chartered Surveying, Construction Management (Civil Engineering), Construction Management (Built Environment) and Healthcare Science Practitioner. Businesses taking part in the programmes include Shaylor Group, Interclass Plc, Turner and Townsend Limited, St Modwen Homes, Speller Metcalfe, and Telford and Wrekin Council.
We’ve been working tirelessly with employers over the past few months to get to this point and it’s wonderful to welcome so many new students to City Campus. Michele Roberts Head of the Apprenticeship Hub Meanwhile, almost 70 students from up and down the country are studying for the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) through a three year partnership with leading public sector provider SERCO. A further cohort of 100 SERCO students will be studying with the University next year.
BUILDING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE The first apprentices have joined the University’s Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) with a focus on building skills for the future. Apprentices are currently studying Machinist and Pattern Making Pathways at the ECMS Spoke at Dudley College’s £12 million Advance II Centre.
The ECMS is a collaboration between the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Dudley College, Cast Metals Federation, Confederation of British Metalforming and the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers. The ECMS Hub will be based at Springfield Campus and deliver skills training through short courses and apprenticeships at four spoke locations in the Midlands – Tipton, West Bromwich and Dudley.
They have been recruited from a variety of companies including Grab Management Services, George Dyke Limited, CCR Wednesbury Ltd and Phoenix Pattern Tool Company.
A HEALTHY £1/2M TO BOOST APPRENTICESHIPS Almost £500,000 has been secured by West Midlands Combined Universities (WMCU) to develop a Health and Care Degree Apprenticeship Accelerator Programme – helping to plug healthcare skills gaps across the region.
WMCU is made up of Birmingham City University, Coventry University and the University of Wolverhampton working collaboratively with Black Country Partnerships for Care and Health Futures University Technical College.
Funding will be used to develop and deliver a curriculum for a new integrated Care Navigator Degree Apprenticeship Programme with courses planned to start in January 2019, providing skilled staff in the social care, health and voluntary sectors.
The consortium was awarded £484,000 funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), as part of the government’s Degree Apprenticeship Development Fund.
Care Navigators organise and co-ordinate care pathways across all health and care settings and all stages from childhood to old age. Courses will be specifically tailored to meet the needs of the region’s healthcare sector.
To find out more, contact the Apprenticeship Hub – tel: 01902 321 000, email: apprenticeshiphub@wlv.ac.uk or visit: wlv.ac.uk/apprentices
MASTERING THE ART OF DEMOLITION
GLOBAL MEGATRENDS AND THE BLACK COUNTRY
The University of Wolverhampton has officially launched the first Demolition Management Master’s degree in the UK, designed from the ground up alongside industry specialists.
A new report from a University of Wolverhampton academic has identified the global forces that could shape the future of the Black Country.
Accredited by the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), the course will be delivered by both academics and demolition sector experts. The launch follows the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University and IDE last September, providing significant opportunities for students and existing practitioners – as evidenced by a local businessman being one of the first to sign up for the course. Richard Dolman, Director at Nuneaton-based AR Demolition, enrolled on the course, which started in September at the University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment. The qualification is deemed by the IDE as an “important milestone” in attracting more young people into the sector, which works on more than £8 billion worth of projects every year, as well as ensuring current demolition engineers have access to the best possible professional development opportunities.
Dr Stuart Connor’s Global Megatrends and the Black Country reviews and summarises latest data, trends and forecasts to provide a guide to the social, technological, economic, environmental and political megatrends that are most likely to influence the Black Country over the next 20-40 years. The report covers issues such as the growing influence of China and India, the threats posed by climate change, the continued growth of public debt and the impact of new technologies on society.
SEHDEV BISMAL
AN HONOUR TO DO BUSINESS
Equality and diversity leader Sehdev Bismal was awarded an Honorary Degree for his work in developing initiatives in city schools, promoting equal opportunities and supporting disempowered communities.
Dr Connor, a Reader in Social Welfare, said: “It may not be possible to know the future, but it is possible to anticipate and prepare for some of the risks and opportunities the future may hold.” The report raises questions as to how the Black Country could prepare for and benefit from what is described as a new machine age and the beginnings of a fourth industrial revolution. Part of the University’s Dial 481 project, the report is intended to be the first in a series of briefings and opportunities to inform ongoing conversations across the Black Country and beyond as to how the future could and should be shaped. For more information, follow the Dial 481 project on Twitter @Dial481 or email: stuart.connor@wlv.ac.uk
REBECCA BRYANT The first woman chief fire officer to have progressed through the ranks in the UK, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Rebecca Bryant was recognised for her leadership with an Honorary Doctor of Professional Practice.
At its September graduation ceremonies, the University awarded Honorary Degrees to various individuals who have had a significant impact on the world of business.
HENRY JAMES CARVER Express & Star’s ‘Business Person of the Year’ Henry James Carver was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, recognising decades of hard work heading up the family business, builders’ merchant Carvers.
ELSIE GAYLE Jamaican-born Elsie has lived in the West Midlands for over 20 years and is the founder of ‘Midwifery Conversations’ and patient leader for NHS Midlands and East. She was the recipient of an Honorary Fellowship.
AL MURRAY Stand-up comic Al Murray has explored his passion for history and politics in various TV and radio programmes. He was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Social Science.
JOHN PHILLIPS MBE Previously made MBE for services to business, education and young people, long-time member of the Institute of Directors John Phillips was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration.
EVENTS
SPORTS PARTNERSHIPS ON THE BALL
The University is set to score as it continues its long-term collaborations with some of the region’s most popular football clubs. It is renewing sponsorships with five teams: West Bromwich Albion FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Walsall FC, AFC Telford Utd and Hereford FC. The Institute of Sport and Human Sciences has worked closely with the clubs for years, helping to enhance students’ employability. Collaborations include two funded PhD positions at Wolverhampton FC Academy, endorsement of and input into the Sports Coaching Practice (Football) degree by Wolverhampton FC and West Bromwich Albion FC, and an overseas coaching initiative delivered by the Albion Foundation. Three of the clubs have offered undergraduate placement opportunities and worked with the University on research and consultancy collaborations.
WOLVERHAMPTON WELCOMES QUESTION TIME Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoff Layer said:
The University’s prestigious Chancellor’s Hall recently played host to the BBC’s flagship topical debate programme, Question Time. The show was broadcast on Thursday 28 September, gathering an audience of more than 200 people in the Wulfruna Building along with host David Dimbleby and panellists.
It is a show synonymous with democratic debate and exploring different ideas and points of view and that is exactly what the University encourages and stands for. It is also important for Wolverhampton to be seen on a national stage, particularly with the way the city and region is regenerating itself.
POSTGRADUATE OPEN EVENING Thursday 23 November 4.00pm-7.00pm Lord Swraj Paul Building University of Wolverhampton, WV1 1SG Whatever your aspiration, Postgraduate Open Evenings are a great opportunity to find out everything you need to know about postgraduate study at the University of Wolverhampton. Get all the answers you need about postgraduate taught courses and research degrees, how to finance study and how to apply. Plus, view University facilities and meet academics and others who are considering postgraduate study. For more details and to register for the event, visit: wlv.ac.uk/openevenings
CHARTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE APPRENTICESHIP BRIEFING Thursday 23 November 5.30pm-7.00pm Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre University of Wolverhampton Science Park Glaisher Drive, WV10 9RT Are you a legal practice struggling to recruit the next generation of solicitors, or finding it difficult to retain your existing staff? Find out how the University’s CILEx Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship can help you manage your skills gap and changes to how solicitors qualify in the future. To find out more and book your place at this FREE event, search online for ‘CILEx Apprenticeship’ at: eventbrite.co.uk
‘GET ON TRACK’ FOR HS2 Coming soon in 2018! Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre University of Wolverhampton Science Park Glaisher Drive, WV10 9RT Cost: £3,000 + VAT per company (includes two places)
SECONDS FOR UNIVERSITY RACE TEAM Another outstanding season for University of Wolverhampton Racing (UWR) saw the team drive into second place in the F3 Cup Championship for the second year running.
success in the Formula Student competition earlier in the year, when the team finished 9th out of all UK universities, as well as improved performances in the Morgan Challenge and British Hillclimb Championship.
The team, run by University engineering students, celebrated its success following the last race of the season at Oulton Park on 28 October. UWR’s result in the second F3 Cup season follows on from continued
It’s a testament to the work of UWR and driver Shane Kelly that a student team has proven to be a real contender in professional motorsport. Find out more at: wlv.ac.uk/uwr
TTH Y YO O F FO P HEE UUNNI IVVEERRS SI T IT O PP O PR OTRUTNUINT IYT Y
Do you want to supply to the rail sector? Following on from the hugely successful pilot programme, the West Midlands Manufacturing Club present ‘Get On Track’: a rail tender supplier readiness programme. Four and a half days of workshops will help your business to capitalise on the bid and tender opportunities from HS2 and other public procurement. To express an interest, please email: wmmc@businesssolutionscentres.co.uk
KNOWLEDGE NEWS TEL: 01902 321 272 EMAIL: info@businesssolutionscentres.co.uk VISIT: wlv.ac.uk/knowledge
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