A group of engineers from Siemens (www.siemens.com) have just embarked on a specially designed course run by the University of Salford aimed at tackling critical skills shortages.

Developed in partnership with Siemens, the BEng (Hons) Control and Automation degree will have a flexible delivery model to suit industry needs and minimise time off the job.

It includes content designed and delivered by Siemens, as well as expertise and knowledge provided by Salford academics.

The first cohort have now enrolled for the degree, which is being run as a block release to minimise disruption, and three of the 13 students are from Siemens’ customer base.

The course is being run as a pilot, but the aim is to make it permanent as the Salford and Siemens partnership strengthens further.

From next year, it can be offered as an apprenticeship to businesses across the sector — and funded through the apprenticeship levy.

Jason Phin, training solutions business manager at Siemens’ Didsbury facility, said: “We have looked at ways in which our apprentices can study through to degree level, while also combining the academic content with industry relevant qualifications.

“This opportunity is now also available to non-apprentice engineering personnel looking to improve their academic status.

“This course should provide key skills, so that engineering teams from Siemens, our customers and suppliers can add more value to their business.

“It’s great that the course has been tailored to exactly suit what we — and hopefully other engineers — are looking for.”