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Years of studying and hard work finally paid off for 567 students last week as they became the latest cohort to graduate from WMG. In a glittering ceremony held at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Art Centre's Butterworth Hall on Friday 31 July, 391 Master's, 28 PhD, two EngD, and 146 undergraduate students proudly took to the stage to receive their degrees.

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s proposed education reforms for secondary school pupils to study subjects such as manufacturing and AI alongside core academic learning, Stewart Tait, CEO of the , said:

“We are thrilled that the Government is adopting a model of delivering high-quality technical education starting at 14. For over a decade, our WMG Academies for Young Engineers have delivered exceptional outcomes for young people by providing access to specialist, industry-standard facilities, real employer projects, and career pathways.

Dr Rebecca WildeLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, Head of Business Innovation, Supply Chain and Trade Education, plays a leading role in shaping industry linked learning at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG), ¹û¶³´«Ã½.

A key priority for Dr Wilde and her team is to ensure that students gain meaningful, hands-on experience by working on real industry challenges alongside their academic studies. The team is committed to strengthening partnerships with businesses and enhancing the student experience by creating high-quality opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

Building on this commitment, Dr Wilde has partnered with Tata Global Internships (TGI), to design two bespoke Industry Impact Projects (IIPs) exclusively for WMG students on the International Trade, Strategy and Operations (ITSO)Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window and Supply Chain and Logistics ManagementLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window (SCLM) Master’s programmes.

The ¹û¶³´«Ã½ has been named Motorsport Valley's first STEM Racing Centre of Excellence in a new partnership with , Maaden and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Teamâ„¢, announced at the Aston Martin Technology Campus (AMRTC) on 1 July.

Opening in the upcoming academic year, the Centre of Excellence will serve as an open-access engineering hub, providing neighbouring schools and students with opportunities to develop practical skills in computer-aided design (CAD), CNC machining and aerodynamic testing using industry-standard equipment.

It has been another exciting month at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the ¹û¶³´«Ã½, marked by international visitors from India, Azerbaijan and the United States, alongside key strategic visits to India and China.

WMG academics and ¹û¶³´«Ã½ alumnae have launched a pioneering skills development programme to help Pakistan’s graduates become career-ready. Working in collaboration with fellow ¹û¶³´«Ã½ alumna Dr Naima Quereshi (University of Education, Lahore), Dr Freeha Azmat, Associate Professor (Reader) in Engineering Education, and Dr Asima Iqbal, Assistant Professor and International Academic Integrity Lead, have created an initiative aimed at reducing the country’s skills gap by equipping young people with in-demand professional competencies.

Degree Apprenticeship programmes delivered by ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ have been recognised as among the strongest offered by any Russell Group university, according to newly released government data.

Figures released through the Government’s service show that ¹û¶³´«Ã½ ranks among the top-performing Russell Group institutions for achievement rates in Higher and Degree Apprenticeships (Levels 6 and 7) during the 2024/25 academic year.

WMG highlights  

Two courses offered by WMG ranked first in England:

• The Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist programme thrived with a 100% achievement, retention and pass rate.

• The first cohort on the Product Design and Development Engineer Standard on the Level 6 Applied Professional Engineering programmeLink opens in a new window succeeded with a 94% achievement rate.

¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ strengthened its regional, national, and international partnerships throughout April, engaging with academic institutions, industry leaders, and representatives from international universities.

These meetings underpin WMG’s role in connecting academia with industry and highlight its ongoing commitment to collaboration and innovation across the globe.

¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG) strengthened its regional, national and global relationships throughout March, meeting MPs, international university representatives, and business leaders.

The meetings highlight WMG’s crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, as well as its strong commitment to collaboration and innovation.

Below is an overview of some of the key meetings that took place.

In February, representatives from ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG) met with MPs; Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) leaders; and international guests, including colleagues from the PNB Research Institute in Singapore and Osaka University in Japan.