NEW Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has partnered with BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence division in a commitment to work more closely to help bridge the engineering skills gap.
NMITE explained that it places great value on employer partnerships in helping to produce work-ready engineering graduates and this collaboration will bring ‘invaluable’ challenges and expertise to the curriculum at NMITE, enriching students’ educational journeys and alerting them to exciting career opportunities in the defence sector.
James Newby, president and CEO of NMITE, said, “BAE Systems is at the cutting edge of engineering innovation, and NMITE’s unique, hands-on educational model is designed to produce engineers ready to thrive in any situation and in any sector.
“This partnership brings together two organisations committed to shaping the future of engineering. By collaborating, NMITE and BAE Systems will help ensure that the UK’s future engineering workforce is not only industry-ready sooner, but also equipped with the practical, well-rounded thinking, and problem-solving skills that top employers like BAE Systems need today.”
NMITE added that it is committed to developing programmes that align closely with employer needs by integrating technical engineering with professional development, leadership, and management skills.
Central to this approach is the partnership model, with NMITE partners contributing in various ways – from supplying goods in kind to actively engaging with the curriculum by providing module challenges, delivering specialist talks and hosting students’ projects.
NMITE’s partners come from diverse sectors such as infrastructure, energy, health, and security. BAE Systems is one of ten new partners NMITE has welcomed in the last year, and it hopes to build relationships with more industry partners in the future.
Andrea Thompson, group MD at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, added, “Engineering skills are a scarce and valuable resource that requires particular attention to ensure that there is a robust pipeline of fresh and diverse talent entering the industry. Together, with NMITE, we are committed to building a pipeline of talent that can meet the most complex engineering challenges of tomorrow.
“We have been working with NMITE in the background for some time, but we are delighted that our Memorandum of Understanding formalises the relationship and the opportunity to bring our expertise to the students. Visiting the NMITE site, I have been so impressed by the practical skills, professionalism and problem-solving approach demonstrated by the students.”
