Siemens links up with university's engineering college

A new school of engineering run in partnership with private sector firm Siemens has opened at the University of Lincoln.

The £7m school will have about 30 students in its first year studying for an undergraduate degree in engineering.

Andrew Atherton, of the University of Lincoln, said the school will focus on industrial power production and energy.

Higher Education Funding Council for England has given a £4.3m grant for a centre of excellence at the college.

Skills pipeline

Mr Atherton said: "This is a significant development for the University of Lincoln. To be aligned with a world-class engineering firm like Siemens will really put us on the map."

The students will study at existing facilities for the next year with a new buildling opening on the campus next year.

Siemens chief executive for North West Europe Andreas Goss said: "Our investment into this landmark School of Engineering demonstrates our commitment to help develop a skills pipeline for UK industry."

Twenty of the company's staff will be taking part-time degrees at the college.

The teaching will be provided by the University of Lincoln with input from Loughborough University.

Siemens designs and manufactures industrial turbines at its base in Lincoln.