Tata already has links with Swansea University, ranging from joint work on the history of the steel industry to the SPECIFIC project which is developing coatings enabling buildings to store their own energy.

The new agreement, however, will see the two organisations establish a fuller working relationship, initially involving the College of Engineering with support from the Swansea Employability Academy.

Tata and the University will explore opportunities in the areas of curriculum and assessment enhancement, guest lectures, collaborative training, scholarships, summer placements, year placements, graduate positions and final-year research projects at both Bay and Singleton Park Campus.

This represents a formalised and co-ordinated development in the relationship between the two organisations.  Tata, the Employability Academy and the College of Engineering have already been working to promote opportunities for Swansea University Students.  Pete Toms of Tata Steel has been a member of the Swansea Employability Academy Strategy Board since it was formed in 2012.  

The opening of the Bay Campus, the new home to the University’s College of Engineering, has been made possible through the University working with Tata to develop the way the academic sector can support its businesses.  

This relationship will cement the plans both organisations have to ensure talented graduates are able to remain in the region and support the growth of the Welsh economy across a global marketplace

The agreement was signed at the College of Engineering’s Graduation Reception at the National Waterfront Museum

Pictured:  the signing of the agreement by (l-r) Swansea University Vice Chancellor Professor Richard B Davies;Stuart Wilkie, Managing Director, TATA Strip products UK; Professor Javier Bonet, Head of the College of Engineering, Swansea University.

Swansea University Vice Chancellor Professor Richard B Davies said:

"Drawing on a strong, enriching relationship, backed by many years of working together, this agreement builds on the successes we’ve already shared as we face a time of change.  

Through this Memorandum of Understanding we can share in the making of cohort after cohort of the most highly qualified engineers, for Tata in our region and across the globe.   Together we confirm our commitment to the training of engineers, the leaders of tomorrow."

Stuart Wilkie, Managing Director for TATA Strip Products UK, said

"This new level in our relationship has the potential to be even more successful than the Engineering Doctorate we’ve shared for the past 20 years – and this can only be good news for engineering in Wales.  This agreement confirms our commitment to make Tata the first choice for engineering students at Swansea University."

Professor Javier Bonet, Head of the College of Engineering at Swansea University, said:

"We are delighted to be signing this Memorandum of Understanding with Tata which allows us to further develop the talent pipeline, supported by the Swansea Employability Academy.  

Swansea University students and graduates will be able to explore the opportunities in the region as we develop with Tata the knowledge and skills that they need."