Industry-led training showcased as Minister for Skills visits UWE Bristol

Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, visited UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus (Thursday 25 June) to learn more about the breadth of skills programmes offered at the university that support future skills needs and drive regional growth.

The visit highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting national priorities in addressing critical skills shortages in key sectors such as engineering and advanced manufacturing.

During the visit, the Minister was given a tour of the School of Engineering’s facilities, including its driving and flight simulators, a virtual and augmented reality cave, and ‘smart factory’ testing facilities, to get a greater understanding of the university’s strategic vision for its Degree Apprenticeships portfolio and industry-aligned skills development.

The university works closely with employers to co-develop programmes that put apprentices at the forefront of new skills and attributes that will make up the future workforce.

One such apprentice is Alexia Williams, a UWE Bristol aerospace engineering degree apprentice alum, who has recently been awarded an MBE in the King’s Honours List. At just 25, Alexia became one of only twelve women ever to achieve Chartered Engineer status. She was able to share her first-hand experience as a degree apprentice with the Minister for Skills.

The Minister also met Dr Laura Fogg Rogers, Associate Professor for Engineering in Society, who is one of the founders of Women Like Me, an award-winning peer-mentoring scheme for women in male-dominated STEM fields such as engineering and construction.

The visit rounded off by showcasing some of the skills programmes available through the university that provide accessible skills and continuous learning. NPK Recovery, a sustainable fertiliser start-up based at UWE Bristol incubator Future Space, is one of the firms that has engaged with skills programmes offered by the university.

George Barnsley of NPK Recovery shared his experience of completing the Leadership Fundamentals Programme with the Minister, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) build essential leadership skills to strengthen their teams and support sustainable growth.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “Alexia’s story shows what’s possible when people get the right opportunities. That’s why we’re making a record £3.3 billion investment in apprenticeships and reforming the system so more young people – especially in high-demand sectors like engineering and advanced manufacturing – can access high-quality routes into skilled jobs.

“UWE Bristol demonstrates what universities can achieve when they work closely with employers and support people at every stage of their career, from apprentices to SME leaders. This partnership approach will help drive regional growth and build the skilled workforce our economy needs.”

Simon Flenley, Assistant Director for Research and External Engagement (Skills) at UWE Bristol, said: “It was a pleasure meeting with the Minister for Skills and sharing with her some of the work we’re doing to deliver flexible, high-quality learning that evolves to the needs of both learners and industry, contributing to the UK’s broader skills agenda and long-term economic growth.”