CARDIFF, Wales, October 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Initiative brings world-leading technical training from Heathrow to South Wales

British Airways and the University of Glamorgan have signed a landmark agreement to combine technical training for one of the world's leading airlines with the enhanced career prospects of a university degree.  Under the new initiative, to be accredited by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), engineers will graduate from Glamorgan with a BSc degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering having also completed the industry-standard EASA Part 66 training, awarded under British Airways' licence.  The first intake of 100 students will enter the course in October. Engineering staff at British Airways will also have the opportunity to study academic modules from the University at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Bill Kelly, General Manager Heavy Maintenance at British Airways, said: "We are delighted to be forming this relationship with the University of Glamorgan. British Airways employs over 1,400 people across three sites in South Wales, and this partnership will ensure that we continue to produce world-class engineers, ready to take on the challenge of maintaining our fleet. This is an exciting time for the airline, with next-generation aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 presenting new challenges for our engineers. Partnering with the University of Glamorgan will allow us to develop the skills necessary to take our business forward."

The University of Glamorgan is one of the world's few institutions to have its own Aerospace Centre, a purpose-built £2m facility in South Wales with its own airliner and flight simulator.

Professor Julie Lydon, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Glamorgan, said: "As the largest airline in the UK and a global player in the aviation market, British Airways takes its relationship with education seriously.  This initiative cements their links with Glamorgan, and we hope to develop our partnership further in the coming months.  It's a win-win for British Airways, the University, and the graduates.

"This partnership is the only one of its kind in the UK, and is a testament to Glamorgan's reputation for excellence in the aviation industry.  Glamorgan was founded by industry, for industry, as a specialist college of engineering, and we carry that forward today in ensuring that our aerospace students get both the technical skills to work on some of the world's leading aircraft, and the enhanced career prospects of a degree.  The University of Glamorgan is well-recognised for being home to first-class facilities, and for producing graduates of an exceptional standard.   Our partnership with British Airways is sure to give them a head start in their careers."

British Airways

http://www.britishairways.com 

British Airways is a global airline, flying to over 150 destinations in more than 70 countries. British Airways Engineering has a global reputation for engineering excellence and its technical and logistical expertise supports airline operations on every continent, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. British Airways Engineering has three subsidiaries in South Wales, employing over 1,400 people: British Airways Maintenance Cardiff, British Airways Avionics Engineering, and British Airways Interiors Engineering.

The University of Glamorgan

http://www.glam.ac.uk

Founded by industry, for industry as a centre of engineering and management in 1913, the University of Glamorgan is a key international partner of major public and private sector employers.  Rated in the UK's top ten universities for the lowest rate of unemployment among its graduates, 93% of Glamorgan students are in work or further study within six months of graduating.  With 23,000 students from 122 countries on campuses in Cardiff and the South Wales valleys, the University includes two wholly-owned subsidiaries, The College at Merthyr Tydfil and Wales's national conservatoire, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.  With a strong commitment to social justice, Glamorgan opens opportunities to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and is a leading partner in UHOVI, the pioneering Universities' Heads of the Valleys Institute.  With 70% of its research recognised as being of international standing, Glamorgan is one of the five members of the St David's Day Group of Wales's leading research-active universities.  It plays a key role informing the policy debate on sustainable energy, the creative industries, public service reform, and economic growth.  The University is an international leader in the use of ICT and simulation to deliver professional learning: facilities include its own airliner, court room, financial trading floor, HD television studios, computer animation renderfarm, scene of crime house, hospital simulation suite, and police control room.  

NOTES TO EDITORS

High resolution images and footage available by contacting +44(0)1443-483362 and press@glam.ac.uk.

PRESS CONTACTS
University of Glamorgan
Public Affairs & Communications Team
Tom Griffin/Alexandra Harden/Jenna Hopkinson
+44(0)1443-483362
+44(0)7736-660538
press@glam.ac.uk

British Airways
Press Office
Ewan Fordyce
+44(0)208-738-5100
media.relations@ba.com 

SOURCE University of Glamorgan