WMG, at the University of Warwick, is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Graduate Development Programme.

In the past five years, WMG has seen a total of 23 graduates complete the two-year scheme, with a further 24 part of the current programme.

Of those 23, 14 are working at WMG in engineering roles, and a further nine are employed by industry.

The programme provides graduates with an opportunity to accelerate their careers by undertaking a series of placements in different teams across the department.

Graduates complete up to three different project rotations in year one, followed by a more in-depth project in year two. It provides the perfect opportunity for self-discovery and valuable work experience, whilst earning a competitive graduate salary.

The scheme has grown in size since it was first launched, and graduates are now offered four distinct pathways of Energy Innovation; Smart, Connected & Autonomous Vehicles; Materials & Manufacturing, or Catapult Projects.

Friya Tailor, who completed the Energy Innovation pathway, and is now a Project Engineer at WMG, commented: “I became aware of the WMG Graduate Development Programme during my MSc project at the University of Nottingham.

“My research involved the development of lithium-sulfur cells for a range of applications. This closely linked to the everyday activities performed at WMG, which was my motivation for applying to the programme. The graduate scheme allowed me to translate the knowledge and skills obtained during my degree and use it in world-class projects with automotive industry partners. The rotational programme encompasses various placements that pushed me to work proactively and develop vital skills required in any working environment.”

Shivam Mishra, joined in 2021 after completing a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and a MSc in Sustainable Automotive Electrification. He commented: “I have worked in various domains ranging from automotive powertrains to aerospace motor manufacturing, learning both technical as well as professional skills. Working closely with industrial partners has given me the opportunity to enhance my commercial awareness in this ever-changing sustainable industry. I have improved my CAD and modelling skills along with learning niche hands-on manufacturing skills. I have also developed technical report writing skills allowing me to publish my first conference paper with my team.”

Harry Boyce, who is now a Project Engineer in the Automation Systems Group at WMG, commented: “The WMG graduate scheme is ideal for anyone who is keen to both develop their technical and personal skills. You have the flexibility to choose the direction for your projects and learn from an experienced supervisor.

“In my opinion the scheme is a great stepping-stone into research and industry from university. The strongest aspect of the scheme is the focus on development for the graduate. The Project Management module in the first year is a great example, this provides a certification in project management from the APM, and provided me with many useful skills I could apply to my projects.”

The opportunity to work on projects that have a real impact on society is a key driver for many applicants. Anima Rahman studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and is currently in the second year of the scheme. She commented: “A career in research is working with tomorrow’s technology. It is a chance to gain an insight into current challenges in the industry and play an active role in overcoming them.”

Jet Feng, who completed the scheme and is now a Lead Engineer at WMG added: "I think one of the most important aspects of the graduate scheme is the people I met. They have shaped who I am both professionally and personally, and taught me valuable life lessons that I will keep forever."

For some graduates the scheme has also opened up the opportunity for further study, with two of the 2021 cohort now studying for a PhD at WMG.

The scheme is part-funded by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, under the theme of Workforce Development. The UK has a shortage of skilled workers in the engineering sector, and it was recognised, by the Catapult that initiating and supporting a scheme that could upskill STEM graduates would be valuable to all – WMG as an organisation, the graduates themselves, and industry partners. In addition, WMG is keen to promote a diverse workforce in the STEM sector, in particular, encouraging applications from females and from BAME communities. Graduates on the scheme have generally studied engineering at university, although some have studied other STEM subjects

The scheme provides an opportunity to gain experience in different fields, without having to commit completely to one specific area. By rotating around a variety of placements, the graduates are able to build their confidence and skills, as well as learning what sort of work they enjoy and may wish to pursue.

In October 2023 a new intake of graduates will begin the scheme. Find out more about the programme here :https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/careers/gs/

WMG is delighted at the news that Britishvolt have been purchased by Recharge.

Professor David Greenwood, Director of Industrial Engagement at WMG, University of Warwick said: “This is great news for the UK, allowing us to capitalise on the value realised under the previous ownership. High value jobs will be protected and created in the UK as a result of this purchase - not just in the company, but in its upstream and downstream supply chains.
 
“For the UK to remain globally competitive, it is critical that we establish a strong battery manufacturing base to support many of our key industrial sectors, including automotive, aerospace, rail, marine and energy storage.”

WMG looks forward to continuing to support the growth of the UK battery industry.

Read more about the news here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64754879

WMG at the University of Warwick’s Widening Participation Co-ordinator, Dr Phil Jemmett, delivered important sustainability advice to Santa, at a special interactive Christmas Lecture.

De-carbonisation of the transport network is a key area for researchers at WMG, so it seemed only sensible to offer advice to Santa on a more sustainable approach.

Dr Jemmett explained: “With the population across the world increasing and carbon emissions in the air, we really need to help Santa become more environmentally friendly.

“We looked at different motor models including petrol, diesel and electric, and invited volunteers on to stage to play a game that demonstrates efficiency. We had a Team Petrol and Team Electric – each using a winch to lift stockings into the air for Santa to deliver, with Team Electric winning the race!”

Dr Jemmett, who was joined on stage by Chief Elf, WMG Engineering Technician, Bethany Haynes, presented to hundreds of children and families in December.

Claire Edwards, who was a guest at the lecture said: “I don’t come to the Christmas Lectures with a child, I bring my 84-year-old father who is a massive fan of the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures and enjoys Warwick’s just as much.”

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach work here.

The University of Warwick is delighted to announce that Assistant Professor of Engineering, Fatemeh Shahbazi, is among the first members of the new UK Young Academy – a network of early career researchers and professionals established to help tackle local and global issues and promote meaningful change.

As part of the first cohort of 67 members, announced today (10 Jan) by UK and Ireland National Academies, Fatemeh Shahbazi will have the opportunity to help shape the strategy and focus of this new organisation, based on areas that matter to them.

Along with their fellow members from across academia, charity organisations and the private sector, they will have the chance to inform local and global policy discussions, galvanising their skills, knowledge, and experience to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing societies now and in the future.

The UK Young Academy has been established as an interdisciplinary collaboration with prestigious national academies: the Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy, Learned Society of Wales, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Irish Academy, Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Society. It joins the global initiative of Young Academies, with the UK Young Academy becoming the 50th to join the Young Academy movement.

Fatemeh Shahbazi, Assistant Professor in Engineering, said “I am honoured to be elected as one of the UK Young Academy members. Our main goal is to improve our world by contributing to decision making in the United Kingdom and globally.

I will be working towards the UN sustainable development goals, especially on health, wellbeing, and innovation. With the help of the Royal Society, I am very excited to bring leaders in this field together, hold special events and reach our goals faster.”
ENDS

Notes to Editors:

University of Warwick press office contact:

Bron Mills, Communications Officer: 07824540720. Email: bron.mills@warwick.ac.uk

According to recent reports, the UK needs around 800,000 more technicians and apprentices to meet the demand in the economy for the sort of practical science jobs to boost innovation and economic growth. This is why WMG, University of Warwick, is supporting the Gatsby Charitable Foundation’s Technicians: We Make the Difference campaign.

Technicians are making a difference across society, doing exciting and interesting jobs in almost all industries; from making a life-saving vaccine to working behind the scenes at a music festival. It's their balance of scientific, engineering, or technological knowledge, along with skills such as attention to detail and critical thinking, that makes technicians special.

WMG employs more than 50 technicians, including Engineering Technician, Bethany Haynes and Battery Technician, Divyesh Mistry who feature as case studies on Gatsby’s new Technicians: We Make the Difference website.

You can hear more from Bethany here: Bethany Haynes, Engineering Manufacturing Technician | Technicians and Divyesh here: Divyesh Mistry, Battery Technician | Technicians as they share their experiences with the aim to inspire more young people to consider technical careers.

Bethany Haynes, Engineering Technician based in WMG, at the University of Warwick’s SME Team, says: “This is such an amazing project to be a part of as it is so important for young people to be aware of the technical roles out there. I love the fact that there is a technical role that will harness and encourage the majority of skillsets, especially practical skills. I have always been a technician and genuinely love my job, yet at school I was always told I needed to go to university and have a degree to have a good job.

“Technicians: We Make the Difference shows that you can have a career with or without a degree. I’m looking forward to visiting the Science Museum next weekend and seeing all the cool things other technicians are doing.”

Divyesh Mistry, Mechanical Technician based at WMG at the University of Warwick’s Energy Innovation Centre, adds: “It was a privilege and an honour to take part in the Gatsby project. Each technician has their own skills and abilities, which allow for fundamentals of their profession to thrive. It’s great to see the technician career path be advertised, and I recommend it as a fulfilling career with lots of opportunities.”

 Paul Johnson, Technical Services Manager at WMG explains: “It’s great to see our technical staff involved in this crucial initiative. I say crucial because the skill shortage, that we now see across the educational and research landscape, has to be addressed now. To do that we need to engage the next generation of technicians, and those young people that we reach out to need to be inspired. Hearing from early career technical professionals, through outreach programmes such as this, can only help to galvanise the desire that young technicians have and drive them to pursue a career in science and technology.”

Research by Gatsby shows that while parents are becoming more supportive of technical education routes and qualifications, such as T-Levels, many (40%) still don’t understand what a technician is. Furthermore, two thirds (66%) say their child has expressed an interest in a future career that they know very little about.

Together with Gatsby, WMG wants to help parents and young people learn more about technician careers options and routes available (many of which young people can reach via T-levels, apprenticeships and other more practical, work-based routes).

Find out more about WMG’s Technician Commitment here: Technician Commitment (warwick.ac.uk)

ENDS

For more information on Gatsby’s Technicians: We Make the Difference campaign, please contact technicians@kindredagency.com.

Sources:

· Parents and young people survey – A survey, carried out by Censuswide, of 2,004 parents of children aged 11-16, and their children. The survey was conducted between 27th July – 1st August 2022.

· Parents survey – A survey carried out by Censuswide of 2,000 parents of 11–18-year-olds who attend non-fee-paying schools. The survey was carried out in March 2022.

About Technicians: We Make the Difference

Technicians: We Make the Difference is a campaign by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation that aims to educate parents and young people alike on technician careers.

While some technicians work in a lab, most don't. Technicians are making a difference across society, doing exciting and interesting jobs in almost all industries.

It's their balance of scientific, engineering, or technological knowledge with skills like attention to detail and critical thinking that makes technicians special. That can be almost anything - from making a life-saving vaccine to working behind the scenes at a music festival.

And with thousands of other interesting technician roles across almost every kind of industry - there's a good chance that there will be one out there that you would enjoy.

Find about more about how technicians make a difference every day via www.technicians.org.uk.

A PhD student, from WMG at the University of Warwick, is heading to Egypt this week for COP27.

Shravani Sharma, who is studying for a PhD in Travel Choices and Wellbeing, is heading to the climate summit as the Youth Transport Fellow for High Level Climate Champions UNFCCC, a role centred on building momentum towards an accelerated transition to zero emission vehicles.

Shravani’s work has always focused on the transport sector (which is responsible for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions), and on persuading policymakers, operators and the public of the benefits of cleaner and healthier modes of transport supported by evidence-based research and analysis.

She will be sharing her expertise at the “Youth on the move: Young people and transport in the 21st century” session on 10th November and at several other events.

Shravani, who is part of WMG’s Intelligent Vehicles Research Group, explained: "In a world where we are striving to adopt more sustainable forms of transport, it is paramount that our transportation systems and policies are designed to enable modal shift and promote positive travel behaviour.

“I was not even aware that transport planning was a career! I fell into it by accident after taking a module on planning infrastructure and found it not only fascinating, but so rewarding as it impacts the real world and real life. I I grew up watching TV shows about doctors in hospital environments and law firms where the protagonists save the world, which made me want to be a doctor or lawyer coming from an aspirational cultural background. I feel there should be more movies and TV shows made to inspire the upcoming generations to showcase the importance of city and transport planners, and use the power of media for positive drum rolling.

“If our towns and cities are the hearts of the nation, contributing to most of the economic activities, then transport infrastructure is our arteries. Therefore, to ensure good health of the nation we should ensure these arteries are clear of congestion, pollution, accidents etc. “

You can register for ‘Youth on the move: Young people and transport in the 21st century’ here: Youth on the move: Young people and transport in the 21st century (oecd-events.org)

Read more about WMG’s latest sustainability news here: WMG :: News (warwick.ac.uk)

WMG centre for High Value Manufacturing, at the University of Warwick, has welcomed its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Simon Webb.

Simon, who was previously Head of Zero Carbon Strategy for the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), has over 20 years’ experience in aerospace engineering, technology and strategy leadership.

Prior to this, he was the Chief of Technology and Digital (Civil Aerospace) at Rolls-Royce, responsible for a portfolio of technology strategy and execution programmes globally.

Simon has a background in leading the development, design and manufacture of aerospace engines including the engineering teams on the world’s most efficient large aero-engine, the Trent XWB, and more recently the Rolls-Royce Titanium-Composite Fan System development activity.

He also sits on the board of directors for the JetPerfect Foundation, focusing on zero carbon flight technologies; and the technical advisory board of the ENABLE-H2 hydrogen research programme led by Cranfield University.

With his extensive industrial and technical background, Simon will help continue WMG’s work to accelerate new concepts in manufacturing into commercial reality, helping businesses tackle challenges with innovations in technologies, processes and materials.

Simon Webb comments: “I’m delighted to be joining WMG as Chief Technology Officer and by extension being part of the University of Warwick. I’m looking forward to further developing and applying the technologies and capabilities WMG has to offer into industry, and in doing so improving the sustainability of our transportation network and beyond. I expect to work closely across the High Value Manufacturing Catapult network to integrate our capabilities and so maximise the benefits to industry, the UK, and our global partners.”

Professor David Greenwood, CEO of WMG centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult says: “We are delighted to welcome Simon to the team. He brings with him a wealth of experience in aerospace and digital manufacturing, centred around zero carbon propulsion. Simon’s aerospace expertise broadens our depth of knowledge at WMG, and we are looking forward to learning more from him.”

Professor Chris Dungey, High Value Manufacturing Catapult CTO, says: “Simon is joining the HVMC family at an exciting time. We are entering a new chapter which will see the Centres across the network working more collaboratively than ever before, and I am looking forward to working with Simon and the wider CTO team to help the Catapult deliver industrial transformation for the UK.”

Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centres here: https://hvm.catapult.org.uk/

WMG’s SME group have been awarded as manufacturing innovation champions for their work with Midlands manufacturers at an awards ceremony held in Birmingham by membership group – the Technology Supply Chain.

They were celebrated for the delivery of the DI4M (Digital Innovation for Manufacturing programme), a four-year project funded by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) to aid SME manufacturers adopt digital technology for increased productivity and profitability.

Over 300 businesses have already benefited from one-to-one project support from WMG experts to implement automation, new information systems, and digital manufacturing techniques with transformative results.

One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Daniel Robinson, Head of Finance, Operations & I.T, Gordon Ellis & Co said: “We’ve spent over 150 years in the industry. We know it well, however, we are looking to the future and need to use digital to continue to be innovative and competitive. WMG have the know-how in smart factories, and we got support that we wouldn’t have got anywhere else.”

Dr Mark Swift, Head of SME Programmes at WMG, University of Warwick said: “We are delighted to have received this award in recognition of our work with the Midlands manufacturing community. Our team cut through the technical jargon to get things done. From quick wins, helping businesses minimise waste in a process to longer term projects, implementing technology such as sensors and cameras to better track production throughput. The results can be transformational for businesses who are having to navigate some of the most challenging times.”

WMG were also jointly awarded the engineering innovation champion prize for delivery of the Made Smarter programme with partners at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth LEP Hub, West Midlands Combined Authority and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

Find out more about WMG’s work with SMEs here

The WMG Outreach and SME teams, at the University of Warwick, were pleased to lend their support to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, for a unique project inspired by Coventry artist and campaigner, Daniel Lismore.

The gallery hosted a series of masterclasses challenging local community groups to create their own mannequins using the techniques and skills adopted by Daniel in his recent exhibition ‘Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken.’

Daniel Lismore is known for his elaborate and extravagant creations that combine haute couture with charity-shop finds, including yards of vintage fabrics, found objects, ribbons, feathers, chain mail, shells, ethnic jewellery and retro accessories in an expression of creative energy, whilst giving voice to social calls for action and politically driven campaigns.

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum approached Professor Margaret Low, Director of Outreach and Widening Participation at WMG, in need of some specialist equipment to help with the masterclasses. The WMG SME Team owned this equipment, and kindly agreed to loan it.

Amanda Haran, Community Engagement Officer at Culture Coventry explained: “Daniel was introduced to vacuum forming by English National Opera and as our aim was to make the creative journey as artistically authentic as that taken by Daniel, we were thrilled when the team at WMG offered the use of their machine.”

Bethany Haynes, Engineering Technician in the WMG SME Team, attended each of the masterclasses and guided the community groups through the vacuum forming process, enabling them to create some really imaginative pieces, combining engineering skills with process art.

Bethany explains: “No object, providing it could withstand the heat, was off limits. We used key rings, broken bits of jewellery, fabrics and even real apples.

“It was a brilliant project to work on, totally different from anything I’ve done before, and it was lovely to have the freedom to add my own ideas to the designs too.”

Amanda added: “Beth's instruction and support have been truly amazing, from making pomegranate moulds, to sourcing the specialist preferred foam. She met the energy of the groups being encouraging and adventurous, helping them to create the forms that best illustrate their theme.”

The Daniel Lismore inspired mannequins will be on display at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum throughout August. Find out more here: Home - The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

WMG at the University of Warwick has demonstrated its intentions to continue delivering industrially-informed research and education by bolstering its expertise and appointing Dr Alex Mouzakitis, Programme Director for Cyber Security at Jaguar Land Rover, as an Industrial Professor of Automotive Systems.

The new role has been awarded to Dr Mouzakitis in recognition of an influential 20-year career at Jaguar Land Rover, within which he has been leading collaborative multi-million-pound research and development projects and helping shape industrially relevant education across automotive machine learning, software development, architectural systems and cyber security with WMG since 2006.

The main objective of the Industrial Professorship is to bridge industry and academia, helping industrialise academic research approaches and shape education to help Jaguar Land Rover adopt the latest talent and technologies within its operations and product line.

As part of his new role, Dr Mouzakitis will be delivering lectures, defining agendas, addressing skills gaps and future needs for training, supporting bids for collaborative research projects, supervising PhD students and featuring on WMG advisory panels.

Commenting on the Industrial Professorship, Dr Mouzakitis said:

“It’s a privilege and an honour to receive the appointment. This is recognition for the work that I have done fully-hearted over the past 20 years, and this motivates me for the next 20 years. This also carries a level of responsibility to do more going forward as part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Creators’ Code to deliver modern luxury through exceptional engineering. I’ve had an active working relationship with WMG for over 16 years and look forward to continuing this relationship to help prepare for and respond to future skills needs throughout the automotive industry.

“We need to produce graduates that are better equipped to take on industrial jobs from day one, without the need to retrain. I will be addressing this and exploring what we can do to close this skills gap. If we are to retain and add to the volume and quality of manufacturing in the UK, whilst remaining competitive globally, we need skills.”

Since achieving a PhD in ‘Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Vehicles’ at the University of Wales (now known as the University of South Wales) in 2002, and later achieving an EngD (Title: Innovative Solutions for Automotive Embedded Software Development) at WMG, University of Warwick, Dr Mouzakitis has published over 135 academic papers across international journals and conferences and has also been actively contributing to the creation and delivery of MSc programme content.

Dr Mouzakitis is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the IET and InstMC engineering institutions. He is a member of Industrial Advisory Panels across several international conferences, a member of the InstMC System and Control Technology Panel, the InstMC National Council and the InstMC Accreditation Panel.  

Thomas Müller, Executive Director of Product Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover, commented:

“I want to say a big congratulations to Alex. Not only is it a great personal achievement, but it is also hugely significant for Jaguar Land Rover. This appointment will help us to bridge the gap between industry and academia, something that is increasingly important as we continue to Reimagine and become a proud creator of modern luxury.”

Dr Mouzakitis has affiliations and collaborative research relationships with other internationally-renowned academic institutions, including the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, University of Oxford, MIT Media Lab, University of Birmingham, University of Southampton, University College London, University of Surrey, University of Edinburgh, Heriot Watt University, Loughborough University and Cranfield University. In addition, Dr Mouzakitis has featured as an external examiner for Masters and Doctoral level awards.

Professor Paul Jennings, Pro Dean (Research) at WMG, University of Warwick, has been collaborating with Dr Mouzakitis since 2006, and also mentored the newly-appointed Industrial Professor as part of his EngD. Commenting on the appointment, Professor Jennings said:

“This Industrial Professorship is recognition of Dr Mouzakitis’ significant achievements across systems engineering within industry. The award also acknowledges impressive academic contributions as a mark of quality and rigour across research and education.

“We will now further tap into Dr Mouzakitis’ extensive knowledge, experience and insights in the industry, and work together to ensure that our research and education programmes continue to be leading edge and are tuned to the requirements of a fast-changing industry as we move to electrified, connected and automated mobility.”

Dr Mouzakitis will be delivering his inaugural lecture as Industrial Professor of Automotive Systems at WMG, University of Warwick later this year.

Find out more about Dr Mouzakitis here.

ENDS

WMG, University of Warwick

WMG is a world leading research and education group, transforming organisations and driving innovation through a unique combination of collaborative research and development, and pioneering education programmes.

As an international role model for successful partnerships between academia and the private and public sectors, WMG develops advancements nationally and globally, in applied science, technology and engineering, to deliver real impact to economic growth, society and the environment.

WMG’s education programmes focus on lifelong learning of the brightest talent, from the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, degree apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate, through to professional programmes.

An academic department of the University of Warwick, and a centre for the HVM Catapult, WMG was founded by the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya in 1980 to help reinvigorate UK manufacturing and improve competitiveness through innovation and skills development.