A new facility has been launched to teach the latest technology skills to the next generation of engineers.
The joint initiative by The University of Salford and Morson Group, who are the UK’s No.1 technical, aerospace and rail recruiter and the third largest engineering recruitment company in the world, is vital in tackling the global shortfall of engineers.
The Morson Engine Room and the Maker Space in Salford boasts the latest industry standard manufacturing technologies to enable students to learn real-world engineering skills.
Ged Mason, CEO of Morson Group said he was particularly keen to inspire more females into the industry.
“Our collaboration with the University of Salford continues to strengthen and we’re delighted to have facilitated the creation of the Morson Engine Room and the Maker Space,” he said.
“This is a major technical facility to inspire future engineers into STEM career pathways, and particularly females, whilst providing hands-on training to ensure the next generation of talent is industry ready with the skills, experience and knowledge that employers want and need.
“The entire team at Morson embraces this vision and we’re extremely proud to reach this milestone in what’s our 50th year in business.”
Dr Maria Stukoff, Maker Space Director, said: “This is a flagship for Salford, for attracting the next generation of engineers and to enable industry to recruit from our talent pool. It is exciting to be working alongside Morson Group to build on our manufacturing pedigree, which gave birth to the first engineering courses dating back to the Industrial Revolution!”
Stukoff was previously the head of digital as the BBC Academy and head of PlayStationFirst, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s University Game Development Academy.
The Morson Engine Room features heavy duty, industrial grade machinery typically found on the workshop floors of manufacturing businesses. The rooms are equipped with a waterjet cutter, metal additive manufacturing, large format 3D printing, state of the art electron and optical microscopes, and reverse engineering metrology instrumentation.
The Maker Space features a ‘Print Hive’, which is kitted out with dedicated 3D printing machines.
Prof Sheila Pankhurst, Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Environment, said: “The University is building a long-term approach and commitment to Industry 4.0 skills across campus and actively addressing STEM skill shortages. By launching these new labs, we are launching the very best of skilled graduates to ‘Make in Salford’, and to impact the future economy.”