Telford academy opens doors to a new generation of engineers
A new academy for budding engineers in Shropshire has been opened by historic manufacturer Morgan Motor Company.
The Morgan Academy, based at the car company’s factory in Malvern, has opened its doors to automotive engineering degree students studying at the Telford Innovation Campus of the University of Wolverhampton.
Engineering students already benefit from a range of work and practical experience as well as motor racing opportunities following the official signing of a three year partnership agreement in 2016.
The collaboration between the university and the company provides engineering students with a range of activities and opportunities including educational programmes, research and development and motor racing.
University of Wolverhampton Race Team (UWR) students work alongside traditional craftsmen on a range of Morgan vehicles as well as getting involved in the annual AR Motorsport Morgan Challenge, a one-make race series for racing Morgans sponsored by AR Motorsport, the company's performance arm.
The academy will see motorsport students spending one day a week at the factory, working alongside Morgan employees, sharing their skills and learning and applying theory and practice in a business environment.
Professor Ian Oakes, deputy vice-chancellor at the university, said: "The significant investment we have made in engineering at our Telford Innovation Campus has provided us with facilities which are amongst the best in the country combined with a really attractive course offering for students who want to study engineering.
"This exciting partnership, which combines our expertise on a number of projects, brings added benefits to both parties whilst affording students an invaluable insight into the world of car manufacturing and racing.
Fruitful partnership
"From an employability perspective, this partnership provides an outstanding opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry."
Steve Morris, managing director at Morgan Motor Company, added: "As a company which focuses on traditional craftsmanship coupled with modern design and engineering innovation, it’s been an extremely fruitful partnership working with university students who are set to become the engineers of the future.
"Working with the University we are informing our future development. It’s absolutely vital that, as a small company building sports cars in this day and age, we blend old skills with new ideas and technology.
"Having access to state of the art learning and research in this unique collaboration certainly gives us a competitive edge."
