Advanced Composite Training and Development Centre
The result of a groundbreaking partnership between Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Airbus, Coleg Cambria and the Welsh Government, the Advanced Composite Development and Training Centre helps thousands of Airbus employees and apprentices to develop their composite manufacturing skills.
Its launch in October 2010 marked a further step forward for Wrexham Glyndŵr University as an indispensible expert partner for industry in North Wales.
The capability to design, manufacture and assemble composite materials is vital in the aerospace industry. The use of composites in aircraft helps to optimise the weight and design of aircraft, thereby improving efficiency and performance.
Training
The manufacturing processes and skills needed to produce composite parts and components differ from current metallic work, so training in this highly skilled sector is important to employees and apprentices in the industry.
The centre allows students to progress from craft apprentice level at Airbus to Chartered Engineer, through qualifications which are delivered by Wrexham Glyndŵr University at every level, including the HNC/HND, foundation degree, BSc, MSc and PhD. The University’s new MSc and MRes in Composites have been developed in association with Airbus.
Research
Research led by Wrexham Glyndŵr University is targeted at developing faster manufacturing and processing techniques for composite materials, which will help to meet future demand for aircraft and composites in general.
The Centre welcomes enquiries from industry and academia to establish new co-operative research links. Projects can vary from short-term consultancy, to more long-term collaborations through schemes such as Technology Strategy Board Collaborative R&D, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP), Research Council funded collaborations and contract research.
Contact
Professor Richard Day
University of Wales Professor of Composites Engineering
Academic Leader in Mechanical, Aeronautical and Electrical Engineering
Associate Director for the Graduate School responsible for the Institute for Arts, Science and Technology
Phone: +44(0)1978 293117
Email: r.day@glyndwr.ac.uk
Martyn Jones
Lecturer in Engineering
Phone: +44(0)1978 293978
Email: Martyn.Jones@glyndwr.ac.uk
