Case study: meeting the demand for skilled precision engineers

Purpose This paper aims to demonstrate how science and engineering graduates can be recruited and trained to Masters level in precision engineering as an aid to reducing the skills shortage of mechanical engineers in UK industry. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes a partnership between three UK academic institutions and industry, creating an Integrated Knowledge Centre (IKC) in Ultra Precision Structured Surfaces. Within this project sits a Knowledge Transfer activity that seeks to channel graduate scientists and engineers through an MSc in “Ultra Precision Technologies” into the UK engineering industry. The creation and implementation of this pipeline, its systems and its processes, is the subject of this paper and its case study. Findings In order to retain competitive advantage, the UK precision engineering industry requires a regular supply of technically proficient and organizationally prepared graduates. This paper has explained the approach taken at Cranfield University to increase the size of the pool of postgraduate precision engineers. The approach involves the design of a multi‐level system, which draws on increased connectivity between the University, UK engineering companies, and the student. Academic institutions need to exhibit the appropriate flexibility to meet the demands of industry and the aspirations of the student. Research limitations/implications The paper describes only the early stages of implementation, and further work is necessary. Practical implications The systems model and case studies provide a framework and detail that is of immediate benefit to manufacturing industries and higher education establishments. Originality/value The originality of the approach lies in the level of integration between the sub‐systems that comprise the Open system, within which students and skills are forged together in a programme to produce employable engineering postgraduates.