- Cllr Sharon Thompson discovered innovative ways students are developing skills during her visit to Aston University.
- She visited the state-of-the-art Design Factory Birmingham for a showcase of creative solutions developed by students and a demonstration of their skills.
- She also met the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Commercial Officer to discuss ambitions for young people in the region and Aston’s bold strategy.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands and Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, visited Aston University and discovered the innovative ways students are developing skills and achieving their ambitions.
The visit opened with a showcase of creative solutions students have developed in response to societal challenges around sustainability and accessibility. Students then showed their skills in action in the Design Factory Birmingham with a demonstration of how advanced 3D printing technology can revolutionise medicine. The Design Factory is a unique space that brings together students, the Aston team, industry partners, and entrepreneurs to collaborate, learn, and create new products that solve real-world problems.
On display were also resources used to inspire the next generation of engineers. The team gave insights into how they work in partnership with local schools and colleges to engage young people around STEM subjects. Cllr Thompson talked about the growing number of young people she had met who were expressing an interest in pursuing high-value careers such as engineering, reinforcing the value of Aston’s work.
Cllr Thompson also met several placement students. They talked passionately about the transformational experiences they have had during their studies and the exciting projects they have worked on during their placements, spanning AI, virtual reality, and other digital technologies. Critical to the success of Aston’s students after graduation are the work placements that 70% undertake, as well as the innovation and entrepreneurial skills embedded into the curriculum. With 40-50% of graduates remaining in the West Midlands, high-value skills are often retained in the area, filling skills gaps and boosting the local economy.
Cllr Sharon Thompson said: “It is inspiring to see how Aston University is equipping students with the critical skills they need to succeed in high-value careers. The hands-on experience and innovation-driven learning on display here are exactly what we need to drive economic growth and ensure young people in the West Midlands can thrive in the industries of the future. We are proud to have Aston University as one of our key institutions in Birmingham and greatly value its contribution to the city’s economic development through business, innovation, and entrepreneurial initiatives that create opportunities for our citizens and strengthen our economy.”
Toward the end of the visit, Cllr Thompson spoke to Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and CEO about the importance of being ambitious for our young people and for the region. Both are central to Aston’s bold 2030 Strategy which is inclusive, entrepreneurial and transformational, with student success at the core.
Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal, Chief Commercial Officer, who facilitated a discussion on skills during Cllr Thompson’s visit, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Cllr Thompson to Aston University and demonstrate the transformative effect of initiatives designed to build critical industry-ready skills, power entrepreneurship, and encourage collaboration on innovative projects through partnerships between academia, industry, and government. Our commitment to student success means Aston is second in the country for social mobility while contributing to economic growth.”
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage.
Birmingham Municipal Technical School was established in 1895 and evolved into Aston University which received its Royal Charter in 1966. Aston University was named University of the Year for Student Success 2025 by the Daily Mail University Guide and in 2020 was named Guardian University of the Year.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Loretta Milan, Head of Communications, on (+44) 7773 773060 or email: l.milan@aston.ac.uk.