It is an experience that not many students have. However at University of Lincoln, students are privileged to get such an opportunity. The University of Lincoln, which recently launched its one-stop admission facility in India, offers students a chance that goes beyond conventional methods of learning. The University of Lincoln has a unique collaboration with Siemens, one of the largest Engineering multinationals.
Students not only receive training from University of Lincoln academics but also from the Siemens staff. This model will enable industry ready degree graduates to obtain a qualification which can be integrated into industry immediately after their studies. Additionally, they have the opportunity to take paid summer vacation work with Siemens. The course content for the University’s academic programmes includes inputs given by Siemens and hence the courses reflect the modern day need of businesses. Combine this with the work placements at Siemens and you have graduates from the Lincoln School of Engineering who are highly employable.
The University worked with Siemens to develop a framework that would attract students to study engineering at Lincoln and provide a means of selecting the academically strongest student for employment in Siemens. Generous scholarships to cover tuition fees, along with a bursary based on academic excellence, paid work during vacations, and work experience as part of the degree are a part of this tie-up between the University and Siemens.
“The effects are being felt further afield,” said Professor Andrew Atherton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) at the University of Lincoln. “As well as the close collaboration between the University and Siemens, the School has developed close ties with local engineering businesses – undertaking commissioned research, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and access to part-time degrees. This has enhanced Siemens’ supplier network locally, and builds greater capacity within the engineering, power and energy cluster of businesses located in and around Lincoln,” he added.
The School is engaged in research projects with Siemens worth around £1 million. Siemens made this commitment to support the school. This includes the transfer of R&D equipment as well as co-location of their training team. Furthermore, they also contribute sponsored research PhDs and student numbers. Siemens intends to relocate its atmospheric pressure rig to the facility and work in partnership with the University to commission research from its students, producing graduates with practical and usable skills and knowledge for the industrial power, energy and associated sectors. Siemens will co-locate its product training function, thereby accrediting its training activities whilst providing hands-on experience with gas turbines to students.
Steve Middlebrough, Director of Engineering for Siemens in Lincoln, said: “Siemens has a long standing commitment to skills and training in the UK. As a major manufacturer and engineering firm with 16,000 employees in the UK, we have a keen interest in ensuring we have the right engineering skills to meet future business needs. Our relationship with the University of Lincoln is a key part of higher education strategy and work with universities and other educational establishments to develop the next generation of engineers. ” He adds, “The new Engineering School, the first of its kind in the UK for 20 years is a major achievement and unique as an academic/business collaboration. Together we are focused in creating ‘industry ready’ graduates with the skills needed to meet the needs of today’s economy. The School will also deliver first class research and development for the industry.”
The collaboration between the University and Siemens has already been commended by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). It was one of only five projects shortlisted for the Team award at their recent Innovation Awards which celebrated the products, technologies and processes that lead the way in engineering innovation.
The University currently offers:
• B.Eng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
• B.Eng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Power and Energy)
• B.Eng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Control Systems)
• M.Eng Mechanical Engineering
• M.Eng Mechanical Engineering (Power and Energy)
• M.Eng Mechanical Engineering (Control Systems)
• MSc in Sustainable Power and Energy
From September 2012 onwards:
• BEng & MEng Electrical Engineering, with additional available specialism in Electrical Engineering and Control Systems
All students can apply for Siemens Scholarship
• Selection centre is run when students arrive in Lincoln
• Approx £4000 p.a.
• Paid summer placement with Siemens
• Selection centre after graduation
