‘Additive Process Technology Integration with Management and Entrepreneurship’, as the initiative is known, was awarded Erasmus + funding. The project will involve a strategic partnership between six European universities to create flexible learning that could result in a Master’s qualification. Modules will be developed to expose students to industry relevant equipment and industrial case studies that will equip them with the necessary practical and theoretical experience required by the ALM sector.
Professor of advanced manufacturing technology Mark Stanford, of the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, says: “The European Manufacturing sector is a key driver of sustainable growth, but it continues to face well publicised skill shortages, particularly across developing potentially disruptive technologies such as ALM. This project will contribute to filling the skills gaps in the engineering sector and help meet strong demand for highly skilled vocational professionals.”
He adds: “The project also strengthens the university's relationships with our strategic Partner, École Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées. We have expanded from hosting their MSc students to wider joint initiatives in income generation, development of joint degrees, and connecting education and enterprise for the benefits of the students and researchers in Wolverhampton and France.”
The partnership will promote enterprise and innovation, and offer academic expertise and added value through the extensive range of ALM available. Technical knowledge combined with project-based experience at leading companies will accelerate students' engineering and leadership skills. There will also be opportunities for students to gain additional skills by studying and training abroad
Modules expected to be included on the new curriculum will be: manufacturing processes; processed materials; process control; factory systems; supply chains; risk management; change management; and the product development process for additive production based markets.
Modules will be designed to both stand alone as a CPD offer, and build to a full Master’s programme for those needing the accreditation.
