WMG at the University of Warwick has launched the ‘Class of 2016’, an exciting new initiative to showcase its world class education programmes, and the opportunities they offer people at any stage of their career.

WMG’s Chairman, Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, is passionate about education and ensuring that industry has the right skills base on which to sustain its future.

He explains: ‘I started out as an apprentice, and it is that grounding that has shaped my whole career. I worked my way up through the ranks, so I know first-hand what it takes to work hard to achieve career goals. I feel strongly that everyone, at any stage of their career, should have the opportunity to develop their skills, which is why workplace learning and technical education is at the very core of WMG.”

The ‘Class of 2016’ will be blogging their way through the year, and sharing their experiences of student life. The Class consists of students from across each pathway, and follows them on a year of their studies, showing what it's really like to study on a WMG education programme. It features a teenager at the WMG Academy for Young Engineers, Undergraduates on Engineering Degrees, as well as Master's and PhD students.

 Miranda Bishop-Timings, WMG Academy student, explains:" The WMG Academy for Young Engineers isn’t like other schools where they only teach from books; at the Academy we are shown that there is so much more to succeeding in life than just textbook knowledge. The Academy prides itself on being business-like, in a business-led environment.” Miranda will be writing about day-to-day life studying A levels and working alongside businesses on real life projects.

Maz Ahmad, WMG PhD student, says: "One of the reasons I chose my PhD was the opportunity to work with industrial partners to solve real engineering problems. I have a background in Mechanical Engineering and have worked in the automotive and the oil and gas industries.” Maz’s PhD focuses on High Volume Powerpack Manufacturing, and he’ll be highlighting the ups and downs of working on a research project.

The initiative also follows students looking to enhance their careers on one of WMG’s Professional and Executive Programmes, including the Technical Accreditation Scheme (TAS) and Applied Engineering Programme (AEP) at the Jaguar Land Rover Academy. WMG is a key partner in the Academy, which offers Jaguar Land Rover staff the opportunity to take part in continuous development programmes to enhance their careers and provide the skills the company needs.

Hannah Scott, JLR employee and AEP student comments: “I really enjoy doing my degree part-time with WMG, and the Applied Engineering Programme (AEP) is really well designed for students that are working full-time, and appreciate seeing a purpose in learning the theory.” Hannah’s updates will provide insight into balancing work and study, and how her learning is being applied straight back into the work place.

To find out more about all of the students in Class of 2016 visit: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/education/class_of_2016/