Bucking the trend: Network 75-a scheme that attracts students onto engineering and technology courses at universities

Network 75 is a scheme developed at the University of Glamorgan that is attracting a new market of students onto a range of Engineering and Technology courses. Students that are recruited onto the programme have higher entry qualifications than our traditional intakes. This is necessary to satisfy the engineering council requirements (SARTOR) for a higher level of student intake to retain accredited status for courses. Network 75 is also meeting a need of local industry by providing a commodity that there is a growing shortage of good people with engineering/technological expertise. The scheme is being heralded by some as a blue print for addressing the growing pressures faced by Universities and business alike- the recruitment of good people. Network 75 is not a quick fix gimmick, but a 5-year plan that builds a sustainable partnership between a university and its local industry. Able people are recruited to study engineering/technology at university part time whilst gaining professional training/experience at a local company. Network 75 addresses local needs and helps the SME community attract and retain engineering and technology graduates which enables the companies to be more competitive by increasing their capacity for innovation.