Dyson launches university to tackle engineering skills gap

James Dyson is set to launch a university to bridge the UK’s engineering skills gap, offering aspiring engineers an alternative to a traditional university degree.

The Dyson Institute of Technology will offer engineering degrees, and is to be based at Dyson’s recently expanded Research and Development Campus in Wiltshire.

The announcement comes as Dyson has revealed it is looking to double its engineering team by 2020, and will be investing £15 million in the university over the next five years.

Academic and practical learning

The four-year degree includes an academic learning element, initially delivered by the University of Warwick, while the Institute applies to the Department of Education for its own degree-awarding powers.

Alongside theoretical modules, students will get practical experience developing Dyson products and working alongside the company’s 3,000-strong existing engineering team.

Students leave debt-free

Students will also graduate from the course debt-free, having earned a salary throughout, and with the prospect of earning a full graduate wage.

James Dyson says: “The UK’s skills shortage is holding Dyson back as we look to increase the amount of technology we develop and export from the UK. We are taking matters into our own hands. The new degree course offers academic theory, a real-world job and salary, and access to experts in their field.

I know there are many people out there who are as obsessive about engineering as I am – questioning every aspect of a product, how it works, and how it can be better. Therefore, why not get stuck into an engineering job straight from school?”

Applications for the Dyson Institute of Technology open today, with courses due to start from September 2017. For more information, head here.