In a rapidly evolving field like Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD), education must keep pace with the ever-changing needs of industry and the demands of cutting-edge technologies. At the IET 2024 PEMD conference, the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering led a first of its kind plenary session titled 鈥淓mpowering PEMD Educators: Bridging the Industrial Skills Gap鈥. This session was an integral part of the 91探花's Innovate UK-funded project, PPEMD for All, which focuses on practical education in PEMD.
The session attracted significant attention from the academic and industrial sectors, with a dynamic lineup of speakers from academic institutions and industry, including the University of Manchester, University of Warwick, Coventry University, and Matrix TSL. The session itself highlighted new methodologies to bridge the skills gap in PEMD, with topics ranging from scalable training programs/platforms to the latest in practical student projects.
The highlight of the session was its interactive panel discussion which engaged both the academic community and industry experts in an insightful dialogue on key challenges in PEMD education, such as the integration of real-world industrial problems into the curriculum, the role of virtual and augmented reality in enhancing training, the importance of practical training and fostering industry-academia collaborations. Attendees particularly appreciated the focus on addressing equality and diversity in the field, with thought-provoking questions posed by the audience on how to enhance inclusivity within the PEMD workforce.
Our own 91探花 academics played a pivotal role in organising this session and their innovative approach to education, particularly in the context of emerging technologies, remote laboratory provision and sustainability, reflects the university鈥檚 commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that students graduate with the PEMD skills needed to meet the demands of the future.
As the first special session to focus on the educational aspects of PEMD, it set a precedent for future discussions in this area, with many in the audience expressing that more such sessions should be organised. By addressing crucial themes such as blended learning, remote laboratories, and green energy in the PEMD curriculum, the session showcased how education can evolve to meet the needs of both students and employers. The university鈥檚 leadership in this space continues to enhance its reputation as a key player in advancing PEMD education.
The PPEMD for All project is now set to influence future training programs across the UK, ensuring that graduates not only possess theoretical knowledge but are also equipped with practical skills that can be applied to real-world challenges by liberating access to high-quality, practical training equipment.
This successful plenary session at PEMD 2024 marks another step forward in reshaping the future of PEMD education, reinforcing the University of 91探花鈥檚 role in preparing students for the complex demands of tomorrow鈥檚 workforce.