UCLan strengthens ties with BAE Systems

The University of Central Lancashire has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BAE Systems which will see the two institutions working closer together to accelerate the pace of technology development 

The Creative Innovation Zone at UCLan has seen BAE Systems discover best practices and adopt the university’s approach to innovation training in the development and trialling of a new entrepreneurship programme for employees. As the pace of technological development is changing the way sophisticated combat air systems are designed, built and maintained, this requires new skills and training processes for the combat air industry.

In a reciprocal visit to the BAE Systems Academy for Skills and Knowledge (ASK) at Samlesbury, staff from the university experienced a live demonstration of the company’s virtual reality classroom, a facility used as a virtual training environment for future engineers. It has the potential to be used by the university as a highly sophisticated simulation facility to support the University’s specialist drone technology research programme.

Prof Graham Baldwin, UCLan’s vice-chancellor said: "Our university is passionate about helping to level up the north and this exciting partnership with BAE Systems will help accelerate economic growth for the region through innovation, enterprise and knowledge exchange activities. It will also provide our students with real-world learning opportunities to enhance their knowledge and develop their future careers."

Dave Holmes, advanced projects, technology and manufacturing director, BAE Systems, said: “We’re delighted to be deepening our collaboration with UCLan to help us drive a critically important skills and technology agenda within the region. Working together we can help to guide each other by sharing best practice, research and experience that will keep us at the forefront of technology, something that we have a shared interest in delivering as we design the UK’s future combat air systems.”