Sky’s The Limit For Wrexham Glyndwr University

Wrexham Glyndwr University has strengthened partnerships with giants of the aeronautics industry.
Representatives from the University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aerospace Wales Forum – cementing its relationship with the Malaysian government agency Majlis Amanh Rakyat (MARA) at Farnborough International Airshow.

The team from the School of Applied Sciences and Engineering also met with top businesses from the aerospace arena, notably MBDA defence group, Airbus and BAE Systems.

Head of School Phil Storrow said the event is of ‘huge importance’ to the institution as it builds new links with the sector.

He said: “From an academic and commercial perspective we place huge importance on the connections we make and the partnerships secured at Farnborough.

“I’m delighted that we have strengthened our close ties with both MARA and Aerospace Wales Forum and explored new partnerships with organisations we have worked closely with over the years.”

Fifteen Malaysian engineers, from MARA, have also just completed an MSc Aeronautical Engineering postgraduate degree at Wrexham Glyndwr University.

This is the second year employees from Strand Aerospace, based in Malaysia, have studied at the university and gained industry experience by working closely with Airbus, BAE Systems and MBDA.

Engineering lecturer and MSc programme leader, Shafiul Monir, said: “It was an honour to work with MARA and Strand Aerospace again, as this is the second year they have worked with the university to qualify their engineers. This has been greatly down to the excellent links we have within the industry and great facilities.”

One of the Malaysian students, Azim Shabaruddin, said: “One of the most important parts of the course has been the strong industry connections and links that Wrexham Glyndwr University has.
“We have had some amazing opportunities, such as being involved with the production of prototypes and looking at the composite materials of jet fighters.

“No other university can offer these opportunities which are incredibly important for our knowledge and future careers.”

The university now plans to visit Malaysia to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

Chief executive John Whalley said the Aerospace Wales Forum has enjoyed a proactive friendship with the university and hopes that continues.

He added: “Wrexham Glyndwr is a key element of the aerospace cluster in north east Wales, centred on the Airbus wing plant at Broughton, and this year has seen some exciting new developments including the award of Space Incubation Centre funding to the University’s OpTIC Centre in St Asaph by the UK Space Agency, as well as the strengthening of ties with the rapidly-developing aerospace sector in Malaysia.”

For more information on Engineering at Wrexham Glyndwr University, visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk