Aston University expert states education and transport industry is vital to sector
An Aston University transport expert has called for further links between the transport sector and education.
Senior lecturer in transport and head of the Department Engineering Systems and Supply Chain Management Dr Lucy Rackliff was speaking at a conference which brought together leading local transport figures to mark 50 years of transport studies at the University.
She made the comments while heading a discussion panel of transport professionals from across the sector. They included principal policy manager for Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Geoff Clarke, regional director of freight AECOM and Jack Hope of West Midlands Trains who is a former Aston University student.
Dr Rackliff said: “Covid taught us a lot about how quickly things can change and we must adapt.
“Transport courses can’t be taught by people who just read books, they need industry experience. However, what is vital to the future of transport education is the link between industry and courses.
“Our students spend a placement year working in industry and when they return to Aston University to complete their final year, they bring with them their experience of new innovations in the sector.
“This symbiotic relationship helps us keep our courses up-to-date and relevant to employers’ needs for a skilled future workforce who will help keep the country moving.”
Other speakers and panel members included Richard Bradley, head of strategy at Midlands Connect and former student Richard Harper who is now an associate director of the global business consultancy Steer.
Transport historian and Aston University teaching fellow Dr David Turner gave a talk about changes in the industry and their effects on the sector today.
The event provided an opportunity to discuss issues that are critical to the sector such as improving connectivity in the West Midlands and the importance of good links between universities and the transport industry.
The event took place on 18 April at Conference Aston, on the University campus and was open to transport professionals and students and was co-organised by strategic partnerships lead at Midlands Connect, Sarah Spink, who is also an Aston University teaching fellow.