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A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC) and the University of Sheffield has been awarded the highest grade of ’outstanding’ by the KTP panel.

Materials science and engineering graduate, Emma Gill (27), undertook a three-year KTP with the leading global manufacturer of ceramic components at its facility in Stourport, Worcestershire. Morgan Technical Ceramics innovates in advanced ceramic materials to produce components for many technology-led markets including aerospace, automotive and medical. The aim of the KTP was to develop a cost-effective process for metal injection moulding of titanium for biomedical applications.

The project has been highly successful and achieving the ‘outstanding’ grade proves that the partnership has facilitated the transfer of research-based knowledge, skills and expertise to enhance the development of management skills to the highest standard.

“Investing in tomorrow’s engineers through partnerships such as this is critical for UK manufacturing, and particularly the West Midlands, to retain its engineering excellence,” says Mike Thomas, Technical Director, Morgan Technical Ceramics. “By carrying out KTPs we can share our knowledge and expertise to innovate and identify opportunities, developing real solutions for tomorrow’s engineering problems.

“We take pride in supporting those in higher education and are delighted to have achieved such a high standard with this project.”

Since completing the KTP and her PhD, Emma has transferred to MTC’s site in New Bedford, USA, where she is employed as a process development engineer.

“The skills I gained through the combination of research, development and technical work during the KTP have been invaluable,” says Emma. “I am now using them to carry out further projects, developing novel processing routes and new materials for the company.”

“It has been incredibly satisfying taking charge of a large project that makes a real difference to the business. There have been many great opportunities and the senior management have been incredibly supportive. Undertaking the KTP was not simply a job, but an exceptional career opportunity.”

The company invests in and supports students and graduates in a number of ways, from undertaking KTPs to having undergraduate students carry out shorter projects during their summer holidays.

Dr. Thomas continues: “Every summer we take on students to give them experience of working in an industry. They face real working challenges and gain skills such as self-awareness, willingness to learn, confidence and self-reliance. Giving students this experience means that they are better equipped to enter the workplace.

“Today’s materials and engineering students are a precious resource and the more industry can do to support the next generation, the more innovative we can be, pushing boundaries and continuing to develop high-performance engineered components.”