School of Technology
Making technology in business count
Integrating Business At the School of Technology we celebrate established links with industry. We are experts in identifying the needs of businesses and responding to them, and continue to be in the top 10 UK universities for delivering economic development and regeneration programmes with companies. We have supported businesses with consultancy, skills development and research in our specialist areas of informatics, engineering, construction, aerospace and computer science.
Collaboration The School has a proven track record for collaborative projects with industry, including those for research and development. We have the capacity, facilities and expertise to support activities of national significance. Here’s a small sample of our current ventures.
Productive partnerships with the aerospace industry
Our collaboration with HS-Marston Ltd in Wolverhampton, part of the United Technologies Group, involves developing computer models to understand the complex flow of fluids and gases through heat exchangers, which provide cooling for vital parts of aero-engines. The University has a large range of modelling software which is used for Finite Element and Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis of aerospace problems and related manufacturing issues. For further information about collaborating with the University please contact us on tel: 01902 322278 or email: f.r.hall@wlv.ac.uk
Protecting information infrastructures
Warning, Advice and Reporting Point (WARP) is a UK Government IT security initiative. In 2007, the University collaborated with West Midlands Police and councils in the region to create a WARP for local government. The WARP operator searches numerous relevant, trusted sources of information on a daily basis, saving the WARP member valuable time, effort and money. WARP has evolved into a network to which the majority of councils in the West Midlands subscribe. The University has since become partners with councils in the East Midlands and employers in the South East to provide WARPs for the public sector in those regions. For more details on how your business could benefit from WARP and other Information Security Services email: t.proctor@wlv.ac.uk
Knowledge Transfer Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is a UK-wide programme designed to help businesses achieve greater profitability and strategic growth by working in partnership with a local university to increase business competitiveness, productivity and performance. The University of Wolverhampton is currently ranked first in the West Midlands for KTPs and has supported over 140 programmes across a variety of disciplines including IT and engineering. We are also ranked second in the UK for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. In 2009, we were awarded ÂŁ24m from the West Midlands regional Development Agency to manage KTPs in our region. Through the KTP programme, the University can help businesses to access collaborative funding, academic expertise and the services of a skilled graduate to work on a project of strategic importance. Average benefits from a single KTP include: an increase of over ÂŁ220,000 in annual profits before tax, the creation of three genuine new jobs and an increase in the skills of existing staff. To find out more about the benefits of working with the University of Wolverhampton on a KTP please tel: 01902 321272, email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com, or visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/ktp. You can also follow us on twitter.com/@wlv_uni_ktp
Industrial Placements Student placements opportunities
The School of Technology has over 15 years’ experience in developing strong relationships with companies through our provision of industrial placements. Businesses can benefit by utilising recently trained students who are keen to learn, at a lower financial investment than a qualified permanent member of staff. Through a supported learning environment businesses are able to monitor a student’s work rate, ability, quality and professional attitude to work. The scheme has proved highly successful and placement students are often offered graduate positions. Many companies train students with the aim to recruit them in the future as graduates, knowing that they will be recruiting somebody with training and experience in their specific area of expertise. To discuss a placement opportunity with your business please contact Andrea Woolley on tel: 01902 518570 or email: andreawoolley@wlv.ac.uk
University of Wolverhampton has been providing Computer Science students on work placement to Wyre Forest Council for the last 20 years. Many have gone on to permanent employment. This arrangement has provided long term mutual benefit to both ourselves and the School of Technology resulting in the development of a dynamic and forward thinking ICT team at the council.
Skills Development The University of Wolverhampton is continuously identifying new ways of working in collaboration with industry, developing innovative new ways of enhancing the skills, knowledge, and professional development of employees. Our courses are commercially flexible and provide specialist expertise in various subject areas. We can develop bite-size learning programmes to facilitate self-development or to address work related educational requirements. Please contact us to discuss our courses or options to create bespoke training courses for your employees on tel: 01902 321272 or email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com
Innovation Caparo Innovation Centre
Winners of a prestigious Lord Stafford Award for Open Collaboration, the Caparo Innovation Centre (CIC) is at the heart of our innovation-focused commercial services. The Centre, a joint venture between the University of Wolverhampton and steel multinational Caparo plc, was established in early 2003. The Centre is a dedicated industry-facing team, which offers an extensive portfolio of services to support businesses engaged with new product introduction. If you would like further information relating to our commercial services, please contact Andrew Pollard on tel: 01902 321763 or email: a.pollard@wlv.ac.uk
Business Services A wide range of business services are available, in IT, construction, sustainable design and engineering. Below is an example of some of the engineering facilities the University can offer.
Manufacturing Services
The School of Technology plays host to a range of world class manufacturing and prototyping facilities. Our strong industrial links have seen us collaborate with businesses of all descriptions, from small and medium sized enterprises, to Formula One racing teams and advanced fuel cell operations. Our dedicated business support team and leading academic experts provide businesses with a well-rounded service. We provide vital and timely support throughout the product lifecycle, beginning with pre-production design, and culminating in the prototyping, testing and analysis of production items. Our Advanced Manufacturing Facility at Telford Campus houses specialist rapid prototyping equipment in the form of Direct Metal Laser Sintering and Selective Laser Sintering machines, together with all the standard engineering and manufacturing equipment you’d expect from a reputable service provider. The Centre of Engineering Excellence, at Wolverhampton Science Park, plays host to the West Midlands Manufacturing Club, which includes a dedicated training facility providing businesses with access to, and training in, up to 13 CAD/CAM packages, as used by leading companies. For further information please tel: 01902 321756
Enterprise IT Futures
IT Futures has been offering award-winning technology solutions across all business sectors since 2003. All types and size of organisation can benefit from our advice and assistance including consultancy, professional training and applied research.
IT Futures can offer businesses:
• a range of training solutions to help businesses gain a competitive advantage • expertise in technology developments such as web, social media and software development • application development across a range of mobile platforms • competitive consultancy services to strengthen your business • access to a research base of expertise across the University.
West Midlands RFID Centre
The West Midlands Regional Centre for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) showcases the capabilities of RFID and associated technologies. For more information please visit: www.it-futures.com
e-Innovation Centre (e-IC)
The e-Innovation Centre provides an opportunity for start-up and small companies to be located in prestigious business accommodation. It supports entrepreneurs with the creation and development of their businesses through funded IT consultancy for companies within the Centre as well as for eligible SMEs in the West Midlands. For more information visit: www.e-innovationcentre.co.uk
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