The University of Wolverhampton has taken its partnership with Morgan Motor Company to the next level with the opening of a new academy for budding engineers.
The Morgan Academy, based at the car company’s factory in Malvern, has opened its doors to Automotive Engineering degree students studying at the University’s Telford Innovation Campus.
University of Wolverhampton engineering students already benefit from a range of work and practical experience as well as motor racing opportunities following the official signing of a three year partnership agreement in 2016.
The collaboration between the University and the family owned independent, innovative British motor manufacturer provides engineering students with a range of activities and opportunities including educational programmes, research and development and motor racing.
University of Wolverhampton Race Team (UWR) students work alongside traditional craftsmen on a range of Morgan vehicles as well as getting involved in the annual AR Motorsport Morgan Challenge, a one-make race series for racing Morgans sponsored by AR Motorsport, the performance arm of the Morgan Motor Company.
The Morgan Academy will see Motorsport students spending one day a week at the factory, working alongside skilled Morgan employees, sharing their skills and learning and applying theory and practice in a business environment.
Student James Higginbotham said: “Being part of University of Wolverhampton Racing and working alongside Morgan has provided me with valuable skills and given me a real insight into teamwork and the engineering expertise needed in the industry – setting us up perfectly for future employment.”
Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University, said: “The significant investment we have made in engineering at our Telford Innovation Campus has provided us with facilities which are amongst the best in the country combined with a really attractive course offering for students who want to study engineering.
“This exciting partnership, which combines our expertise on a number of projects, brings added benefits to both parties whilst affording students an invaluable insight into the world of car manufacturing and racing.
“From an employability perspective, this partnership provides an outstanding opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry.”
Steve Morris, Managing Director at Morgan Motor Company, said: “As a company which focuses on traditional craftsmanship coupled with modern design and engineering innovation, it’s been an extremely fruitful partnership working with University students who are set to become the engineers of the future.
“Working with the University we are informing our future development. It’s absolutely vital that, as a small company building sports cars in this day and age, we blend old skills with new ideas and technology. Having access to state of the art learning and research in this unique collaboration certainly gives us a competitive edge.”
At the launch of the Academy, guests enjoyed a tour of the world-famous factory from where the Morgan Motor Company has operated for more than 100 years as well as meeting students and finding out more about the partnership.
Picture caption from left to right: Student Richard Woollard, Student Dub Worley, Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University, Steve Morris, Managing Director at Morgan Motor Company, Student Mohammed Jaran and Student John Amor (front)