James Dyson is offering degrees to would-be engineers through Warwick University
Vacuum magnate James Dyson is doing his bit to solve the UK's engineering skills gap, after he announced his Dyson Institute of Technology will begin providing university degrees to aspiring engineers.
The institute will work with the University of Warwick on the courses, in which students will hold down salaried jobs at Dyson while studying for a degree.
Dyson said he will invest £15m over the next five years to on the courses, which will be based at the research and development campus in Wiltshire. Applications for the courses open today.
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Keen Brexiteer Dyson said his decision to offer the course was borne out of frustration. He is trying to double his 3,000-strong workforce by 2020.
“The UK’s skills shortage is holding Dyson back as we look to increase the amount of technology we develop and export from the UK," he said.
"We are taking matters into our own hands. The new degree course offers academic theory, a real-world job and salary, and access to experts in their field."
Jo Johnson, the universities minister, added: “The Dyson Institute of Technology will not only offer students the chance to study on cutting edge degree level programmes, it will also play a vital role in educating the next generation of much needed engineers."
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Dyson launched its £250m technology campus back in September.