T-PIKE will provide technical staff at the University of Kent, the University of Essex, the University of East Anglia and the University of Sussex opportunities to gain vital skills and expertise via training, mentoring, and linking with industry partners. The programme content will focus on themes of ‘AI, Digitisation and Data’ and ‘Engineering Net Zero’.
The programme is led by technicians, who will work closely with local industry partners to identify placements. They will also design programmes that address existing training gaps.
Dan Knox, T-PIKE’s Institutional Champion for Kent said: , “‘T-PIKE represents a significant step forward in supporting technicians across our institutions. By investing in their development and recognising their vital contributions, we are helping to build a more sustainable, skilled, and empowered community. I’m proud to champion this important work and to advocate for the essential role technicians play in teaching and research.’”
The official launch of the project was accompanied by an event at the University of Essex’s Wivenhoe House, attended by staff from across the Eastern Arc universities and local industry partners.
The event began and ended with networking opportunities, encouraging technical staff and industry partners to meet and discuss their areas of expertise and opportunities for collaboration. This was followed by a series of interesting talks, which began with a welcome from Maria Fasli, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex, and an introduction to Eastern Arc from Phil Ward, the Director of Eastern Arc.
The Leadership Team gave an overview of how T-PIKE came to be and the four work packages that encompass it. The Operations Team then introduced themselves and the industry partners. The University of Kent was also able to share several examples of successful T-PIKE funding bids which have already enabled staff to attend various trainings and Knowledge Exchange activities.
Jo Scamp, Technical Manager for the Technician Commitment and Co-Lead for T-PIKE says, “T-PIKE demonstrates our commitment to the technical community and shows the vital role that they play in education, research and innovation. It was created by technicians for technicians, and at its core it is about pioneering, collaborating and leading. This innovative strategic technical platform will open up direct links with industry and generate opportunities for the technical community, that historically would not have been available to them. It transcends traditional programmes and I’m proud to be the Kent Co-Lead on this programme.”
