Innovative new training methods will be used to develop high level expertise in advance manufacturing technologies focused on Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM).
The initiative, Additive Process Technology Integration with Management and Entrepreneurship, was awarded Erasmus + funding. It 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 industrial sector.
Professor of advanced manufacturing technology Mark Stanford said: “We are very pleased that the funding has been awarded. 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 Additive Layer Manufacturing.
“This project will contribute to filling the skills gaps in the engineering sector and will help meet the strong demand for highly skilled vocational professionals.”
He added: “This 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 will offer academic expertise and added value through the extensive range of additive layer technologies 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
The curriculum to be developed is expected to include modules addressing 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 lone as a CPD offer, and build to a full Master’s programme for those needing the accreditation.
