Move your staff to the next level at half the cost

Looking to move your key employees to the next level this New Year?

Thanks to a special funding stream aimed at helping a priority sector of the economy to boost competitiveness, Teesside University can help with a generous 50% reduction in fees for a range of part-time postgraduate courses.

The scheme applies to businesses in the science, technology and engineering fields where advanced level skills are increasingly critical to high performance.

Employers in these sectors can sponsor individuals or groups of staff on postgraduate courses beginning next month (February) at half the normal cost.

Anil Bhatia can testify to the value of a postgraduate degree at Teesside University both to himself and the process sector, which is burgeoning in the North East and needs top skills to ensure its continued success.

Anil studied for an MSc in Process Manufacturing Management and now works for Rolls Royce in Derby responsible for the design and safety of a system for the next generation of nuclear submarine.

Anil said: 'I recently boarded a submarine at BAE Systems – it was a fantastic insight into the depth of engineering involved, understanding how the components make up such a complex system.

'My current technical role allows me to use the thermodynamics, fluid and heat transfer skills l learnt at Teesside University. It’s a great challenge. In the future l hope to become part of the commissioning phase for the next generation of nuclear submarine.'

Margunn Hindenes, from Norway, studied a master’s degree in Digital Character Animation and works as a 3D animator at Ubisoft Reflections in Newcastle. She said: 'My master’s gave me crucial skills for my job at Ubisoft.'

Dr Graham Hillier, Director of Strategy and Futures at the Centre for Process Innovation, Wilton, said: 'At CPI we work with companies at the high end of the manufacturing and process technology spectrum. As an innovation centre, we help them develop, prove and scale-up the next generation of processes and products. We help our partners create more sustainable, efficient and economic industries for the future.

'The high value manufacturing sector – which is key to the UK’s future economic success – needs people with industry relevant postgraduate skills and qualifications. We welcome this initiative by Teesside University to help business develop people’s advanced skills.' Professor Cliff Hardcastle, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Business Engagement at Teesside University said: 'Postgraduate skills and qualifications are immensely important for high performing businesses in science, technology and engineering. We are delighted to be able to offer this special funding stream directed specifically at helping a key sector to develop and grow.

'The subsidy reflects the University’s recognition of the need to address critical skills gaps and its commitment to creating opportunities for talent to flourish.

'Our central role in supporting economic growth and business development means we are committed to working closely with employers and stakeholders. Halving the cost of postgraduate study in a key economic sector makes it easier for companies to invest in high value skills and knowledge for their workforce.'

Teesside University will pay 50% of the fee for the eligible postgraduate courses starting in February 2013. There are a number of options available for payment of the remainder.

For more information contact Elaine Hooker on 01642 384265 or email e.hooker@tees.ac.uk

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Find out more about postgraduate study