University of Warwick supports Dyson’s investment in engineers of the future

THE University of Warwick has backed Sir James Dyson’s £15m plans to bridge the UK’s engineering skills gap.

The Dyson Institute of Technology will open next autumn at Dyson’s campus in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

It will offer a four-year engineering degree in partnership with the University of Warwick with students holding down a salaried job with the company while studying.

Lord Bhattacharyya, chairman of the Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick, said he wanted to help “develop a pool of talent” with the Dyson partnership.

He said: “It is vital that in order for UK companies to be competitive they must have the right people with the right skills.”

The first intake will have 25 undergraduates who will join in the next academic year.

Sir James said: “The UK’s skills shortage is holding Dyson back as we look to increase the amount of technology we develop and export from the UK.

“We are taking matters into our own hands. The new degree course offers academic theory, a real-world job and salary, and access to experts in their field.”