Engineering degrees taken to the next level at Wrexham’s university

4 June 2009

One of only a handful of state-of-the-art flight simulators in the UK is to be used to train the next generation of aircraft engineers in Wrexham.
 
Glyndŵr University has installed the new simulator – one of the most advanced in the world - as part of a massive upgrade of facilities at its engineering laboratories.
 
The high-tech piece of kit is designed to replicate as closely as possible the experience of flying an aircraft – and the engineering technology which underpins them.
 
Upgraded wind tunnel facilities and supersonic wind tunnel facilities have also been installed as part of the improvements.
 
The equipment will be used by students studying on the University’s aeronautical engineering courses, including employees of Airbus.
 
Joe Tatler, subject leader for engineering, said the simulator allows the university to replicate the feel and engineering principles behind virtually any aircraft, including modern airliners, such as the Airbus A380. It will even allow for the design and testing of completely new aeroplanes on campus at the University in Wrexham.
 
“It’s great to have such a top class facility for our students to use. We want our students to be as best prepared as they can to take advantage of the upturn after the recession. Having access to the simulator on a day-to-day basis will be a tremendous advantage to them.
 
“Our aeronautical engineering graduates will be able to hit the ground running when they enter the industry after graduating.”
 
Delivery of the simulator comes just weeks after all of Glyndŵr University’s engineering programmes became fully accredited by the industry’s three main professional bodies.
 
Accreditation by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for each of its engineering degree courses demonstrates they meet, and exceed, a high benchmark of quality.
 
The FdEng Aeronautical Engineering, offered on a full and part time basis, is the only one of its kind in the country to be accredited in this way.
 
Mr Tatler added: “The value of graduating with an accredited degree can’t be overestimated. It’s a stamp on your career passport - more and more companies are looking for higher qualified members of staff, such as chartered engineers, and our courses meet the standard required for achieving this.”
 
Read more about the engineering courses offered at Glyndŵr University