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/

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

WMG is delighted to have achieved an Athena SWAN Silver award in recognition of its commitment to ensuring inclusivity, diversity and equality of opportunity for all staff.

The department previously held a Bronze award, but the Athena SWAN panel unanimously agreed that WMG’s submission, in November 2020, now met the criteria for Silver and evidenced clear positive impact from its activities. The panel said: “The submission reflected on key challenges from previous submissions, actions that led to improvements as well as highlighting new challenges and opportunities to gender equality work moving forward.”

The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to recognise and celebrate good practices in higher education and research institutions, towards the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.

WMG’s Executive Chair, Margot James, said: “I would like to congratulate the Athena Swan team for all their hard work and dedication in putting an excellent submission together, made possible by the collective work by colleagues to bring about the changes that have enabled the team to generate a winning submission.

“WMG strives to be a diverse and inclusive academic department, that has a global reach, and we are making good progress as the awarding of a Silver Athena Swan confirms. Our commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equality of opportunity for all our staff is fundamental to our values.”

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, added: “We are all delighted to have achieved Silver Athena Swan status.

“Our people are at the heart of what we do, with inclusivity and equality embedded in our values. We will continue to do all that we can to ensure WMG is an equal and progressive environment for all of our staff.”

Key highlights for the department include:

• Implementation of a new Flexible Working Policy
• The establishment of a job post specifically focussing on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and co-ordinating the Athena Swan action plan
• The funding of three females to attend Advance Higher Education’s Aurora Programme– a leadership development initiative for women
• Enhanced people development activities for all of the WMG community – both staff and students (both formal and informal)
• Very successful internship programmes, with two former female interns joining WMG as postgraduate researchers
• More female staff overall - an increase of 5% of female staff – and a greater representation at Executive level
• BAME female staff levels rose from 6% in 2016 to 10% in 2019
• More consultation with staff – including the improvement of two-way communication within the department

Find out more about Athena SWAN at the University of Warwick here.

Find out more about joining the team at WMG here.

Find out more about Athena SWAN here.

Congratulations to WMG Engineering Technician, Bethany Haynes who has received her Professional Engineering Technician (EngTech) accreditation and membership from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

At WMG, Bethany provides technical support in robotics, machining, technical drawings, quotation, manufacture and fabrication.

To achieve her IMechE accreditation, Bethany had to provide details of successful projects, any technical problems she had to overcome, and evidence of new skills and knowledge developed during her career.

Bethany explained: “This is a really great personal achievement, and something I’ve been determined to accomplish for a long time. I’ve worked so hard for this, and as a young female technician it has given me a real confidence boost. I am so thankful for the support of my fellow technicians and colleagues who encouraged me to push myself.”

WMG Workshop Manager, Luke Millage, said: “It is great to see that Beth has pursued this professional registration with the IMechE. Beth has worked tirelessly to develop her skills over the last couple of years, and it is wonderful to see this formally recognised.”

EngTech is a globally recognised level of professional registration for Engineering Technicians. It is a formal recognition of engineering skills and competence and an important stepping stone towards becoming an Incorporated Engineer or a Chartered Engineer

Read more about Bethany’s career here

WMG is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Robin Clark as its new Dean. In addition, Professor Paul Jennings has been appointed as Director of Research and Professor Dave Greenwood as Director of Industry Engagement. Professor Greenwood will also act as the CEO of the WMG Centre of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult following the recent departure of Archie MacPherson.

Professor Clark takes up the role as Dean, having been at WMG since 2017, and most recently as Director of Education. Robin has 14 years’ experience of working in industry both in the nuclear and rail sectors, and has been working in HE since 2003 where his expertise lies in learning and teaching, HE management & leadership, and engineering education research. He is a graduate of UCL (BSc (Eng) and PhD), has an MBA from WCSU and is a National Teaching Fellow.

Professor Jennings is a physicist who has been with WMG for over 25 years. He has built groups in Intelligent Vehicles, Energy Storage and Management, and Experiential Engineering through significant research and capital funding. He currently leads a team of 6 academics, over 25 researchers and engineers, and over 40 doctoral students. He has published over 100 academic papers and has been Principal Investigator on over 30 research grants, from sources including EPSRC, Innovate UK and the EU.

Professor Greenwood joined WMG in 2014. Dave leads WMG’s Energy Research, and also holds advisory and board positions for the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Innovate UK (Faraday Challenge) and IDP and the Faraday Institution, and is Head of the Advanced Propulsion Centre's Electrical Energy Storage Spoke.

Professor Jennings and Professor Greenwood also provide academic leadership for the development of R&D activities within the National Automotive Innovation Centre.

They form the Executive Team at WMG along with the Executive Chair, Margot James, the Chief Operating Officer, Jane Coleman, and the Chief Finance Officer, Nicola Constant.

Congratulations to the 2018 cohort of Graduate Trainee Engineers who have all now successfully completed the Scheme, and secured new positions as Project Engineers at WMG.

Over the last two years the eight graduates; Harry Chan, Edward Griffin, Katerina Gonos, Jet Feng, Ben Ayre, Adam Szypula, Vidya Narayanan and Puja Unadkat; have been developing their engineering skills by working with academics and industry partners on either autonomous vehicles or energy innovation research.

Several of the graduates have also had their work published in leading academic journals and shared their expertise at key industry events.

In addition all eight have also supported WMG’s Outreach programme by taking part in workshops, demonstrations and talks with local school children including at the University’s Family Day events.

WMG’s Graduate Scheme Manager, Louise Oddy explains: “The recent success of our graduates is a true testament to their consistent hard work, determination and professionalism. They have made a lasting impact across several areas of WMG and will continue to do this within their roles as Project Engineers. Growing our own talent is integral to the future success of WMG and I could not be prouder of all of the Graduate Engineers. Thank you to those across the department that continue to support the scheme and make our programme so unique.”

Project Engineer, Ed Griffin adds: “WMG is an exceptional organisation where the graduate scheme promotes excellent tailored development in each graduate’s individual technical field. Our exposure to a range of cutting-edge automotive research, combined with various project management opportunities, is now invaluable in our Project Engineer roles.”

Find out more about the WMG Graduate Scheme here.

Congratulations to Joseph Benjamin and Tom Moore who have both completed a four year Engineering Technician Apprenticeship at WMG.

The pair started their apprenticeship journey after completing their studies at the WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Coventry.

They initially completed a Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, before going on to a Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Manufacturing Engineering, and have been dividing their time between working at WMG and studying at Warwickshire College.

Joseph explained: “What makes WMG a great place to work and learn is all the amazing staff, students and visitors I have had the pleasure of working with over the last four years. The support and detail of training I have received on equipment and systems is second to none. Therefore, I would like to say thank you and give a special shout out to anyone who has supported me along the way. You know who you are!

“The advice I would give to others considering an apprenticeship, is to look at what the programme can offer you. Especially in terms of development and opportunities such as qualifications and real-life experience in fields that interest you.”

Tom added: “My apprenticeship at WMG has been a fantastic opportunity, allowing me to explore a whole range of engineering disciplines, gain qualifications and ultimately find a keen interest in materials science, characterisation and microstructural analysis. Thank you to all the staff, students and external customers who have been a part of my journey. I look forward to continuing my career with you all.”

Next steps

Joseph and Tom have both now secured permanent positions as Mechanical Technicians within WMG’s Technical Services Team. Joseph is based within the Metrology research team whilst Tom is specialising in Electron Microscopy.

Zac Parkinson, WMG Workshop Manager who also line managed the apprentices, said: “ We are extremely pleased to announce that Thomas Moore and Joseph Benjamin will be joining our Technical Services team as Mechanical Technicians. Both of these young men have worked extremely hard during their apprenticeships, this is evident from their academic grades and ever-advancing skill set.

“We are grateful for their dedication to the group during their apprenticeships, achieving impressive grades and continuing to grow a network of stakeholders across WMG.

“We are also really appreciative of the role models that they have become to other younger members of our technical team.

“We are looking forward to working with them in their new roles, and watching them grow in the future.

“Well done chaps!”

Three new exciting opportunities for engineering and manufacturing experts are being advertised at WMG, University of Warwick, including Regius Professor of Manufacturing – which was last held by the late founder of WMG Professor Lord Bhattacharyya.

The three engineering and manufacturing roles being advertised at WMG, University of Warwick are:

1. Regius Professor of Manufacturing

2. Professor (Research Director) in developing WMG’s research strategy

3. Associate Professor or Reader in Future Mobility

The Associate Professor or Reader in Future Mobility will focus on Intelligent Vehicles research, exploring ways to move people and goods around in a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly way.

WMG is partnered with many local businesses, keeping the West Midlands at the forefront of autonomous vehicle research, and this new Associate Professor or Reader will be working with Government and industry funded projects to exploit new ideas and technologies to look beyond traditional, infrastructure-heavy approaches to transport, and create innovative ways to improve vehicles and make journeys better and accessible to all.

The Professor (Research Director) will lead the development of WMG’s research strategy and provide academic leadership in their chosen field, to keep WMG at the forefront of innovation in research, education and knowledge transfer activities.

Finally the Regius Professor of Manufacturing which was bestowed by Her Majesty the Queen in 2016 was held by the founder of WMG the late Professor Lord Bhattacharyya. As WMG enters its 40^th year in 2020 an exceptional researcher is sought to shape the future of manufacturing.

Professor David Mullins, Interim Head of WMG at the University of Warwick comments:

“WMG is at the forefront of research and innovation. As a key element of our future strategy and leadership, we are recruiting three senior engineering and manufacturing specialists with a passion and exemplary research and impact track record in areas from electrification and intelligent vehicles, to advanced manufacturing and materials, health and wellbeing and cyber security.”

ENDS

29 OCTOBER 2019

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information about the Associate Professor or Reader in future mobility see: https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?SID=amNvZGU9MTgzMzAyNSZ2dF90ZW1wbGF0ZT0xNDU3Jm93bmVyPTUwNjI0NTImb3duZXJ0eXBlPWZhaXImYnJhbmRfaWQ9MCZ2YWNfeHRyYTUwNjI0NTIuNTJfNTA2MjQ1Mj0yMzk5NzcmcG9zdGluZ19jb2RlPTYzNQ

For more information about the Professor (Research Director) in developing WMG’s research strategy see: https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?SID=amNvZGU9MTgzMjU0MiZ2dF90ZW1wbGF0ZT0xNDU3Jm93bmVyPTUwNjI0NTImb3duZXJ0eXBlPWZhaXImYnJhbmRfaWQ9MCZ2YWNfeHRyYTUwNjI0NTIuNTJfNTA2MjQ1Mj0yMzk5NzcmcG9zdGluZ19jb2RlPTYzNQ

For more information about the Regius Professor of Manufacturing see: https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?amNvZGU9MTgzODM0NiZ2dF90ZW1wbGF0ZT0xNDU3Jm93bmVyPTUwNjI0NTImb3duZXJ0eXBlPWZhaXImYnJhbmRfaWQ9MCZ2YWNfeHRyYTUwNjI0NTIuNTJfNTA2MjQ1Mj0yMzk5NzcmcG9zdGluZ19jb2RlPTYzNQ=&jcode=1838346&vt_template=1457&owner=5062452&ownertype=fair&brand_id=0&vac_xtra5062452.52_5062452=239977&posting_code=635

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Alice Scott
Media Relations Manager – Science
University of Warwick
Tel: +44 (0) 2476 574 255 or +44 (0) 7920 531 221
E-mail: alice.j.scott@warwick.ac.uk

Grad jobs are now being advertised at WMG, University of Warwick. There are 13 jobs available starting September 2019, which will be working on projects such as Automation Systems, Energy Innovation and Smart Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.

The closing date to apply is the 15^th March 2019.

Following the successful launch of the WMG Graduate Development Programme last year, WMG has launched recruitment for its 2019 graduate programme, with 13 places available to graduates from all Higher Education Institutes.

The programme is designed for aspiring engineers and follows three pathways – Automation Systems, Energy Innovation and Smart Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. The Graduate Trainee’s will be working alongside academics, and industry partners.

Starting in September 2019, the programme will last for two years during which graduates will complete five/six different placements, each offering the opportunity to develop their engineering skills and knowledge in key areas, with the chance to apply these skills to real-world research and development.

On completion of the scheme, the graduates will be equipped with the skills to apply for roles such as a Project Engineer or Project Manager, or pave the way for future studies such as a Master’s or PhD.

WMG Graduate Trainee Engineer Puja Unadkat joined the scheme following her graduation from the University of Warwick:

"There is so much support offered here, not just from your peers, but from your mentors and managers too. There are regular discussions on how you can develop and enhance your skills and knowledge to steer your career in your chosen direction. There is such a variety of opportunities offered, such as the chance to attend professional conferences, as well as gaining a project management qualification. Progression and development is at the heart of the organisations culture and it really shows.”

WMG Graduate Trainee Engineer Ben Ayre, also joined the scheme last year following his graduation from the University of Warwick.

“My highlights so far have included working on multi mullion pound projects with a variety of organisations to achieve real impact. I’ve also had the opportunity to undertake professional development courses and qualifications. It has also been great to have the support of the other graduates, making the transition between university and work life easier. I would advise anyone who is wants to work in a varied team working on lots of cutting edge projects to apply as it is an excellent scheme.”

Trainees benefit from a training salary of £26,243 a year.

You can find out more about the graduate development programme at our dedicated careers page www.warwick.ac.uk/WMGGraduateScheme

WMG has welcomed its first cohort on to its new bespoke graduate development programme.

The programme is designed for aspiring engineers and follows two pathways - Smart Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and Energy Innovation working alongside academics, and industry partners.

Over the next two years, the first cohort of nine graduates will have the chance to develop their engineering skills in these key areas and will have the chance to apply these skills to real-world research and development.