NEW opportunities for the car engineers of the future have this week been created by Malvern's Morgan company.

The firm, famous for its hand-built sports cars, has just opened the Morgan Academy in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton.

The company and the university have been working together since 2106, when a three-year partnership deal was signed.

Now students on the automotive engineering degree course at the university’s Telford Innovation Campus will spend one day a week at the Pickersleigh Road factory, working alongside skilled Morgan employees, sharing their skills and learning and applying theory and practice in a business environment.

University of Wolverhampton race team students work alongside traditional craftsmen on a range of Morgan vehicles as well as getting involved in the annual AR Motorsport Morgan Challenge.

Morgan managing director Steve Morris said: “As a company which focuses on traditional craftsmanship coupled with modern design and engineering innovation, it’s been an extremely fruitful partnership working with university students who are set to become the engineers of the future.

“Working with the university we are informing our future development. It’s absolutely vital that, as a small company building sports cars in this day and age, we blend old skills with new ideas and technology. Having access to state-of-the art learning and research in this unique collaboration certainly gives us a competitive edge.”

Student James Higginbotham, from Shropshire, said: “Working alongside Morgan has provided me with valuable skills and given me a real insight into teamwork and the engineering expertise needed in the industry.”

Professor Ian Oakes, deputy vice-chancellor at the university, said: “The significant investment we have made in engineering at our Telford Innovation Campus has provided us with facilities which are amongst the best in the country combined with a really attractive course offering for students who want to study engineering.

“This exciting partnership, which combines our expertise on a number of projects, brings added benefits to both parties whilst affording students an invaluable insight into the world of car manufacturing and racing.

“From an employability perspective, this partnership provides an outstanding opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry.”