The Role of the Link Office
BAE Systems has had a long association with Cranfield University for education and training, research and project-related contract work. Of particular note was the establishment in 1990 of the British Aerospace Manufacturing Centre, to conduct research into composite materials for civil aircraft structures.The broad range and scope of the partnership between BAE Systems and Cranfield University arising from the experience of the centre led to the opening in 1997 of a jointly-funded and jointly-staffed Link office to co-ordinate activities more effectively and to enable the company and the university to learn from each other.
Present Day
The Link Office continues with its important strategic partnership between BAE Systems and Cranfield University. The main role is to administer and manage the EDY (Engineering Developing You) courses developed to increase the competency and knowledge of engineers within BAE Systems, its partner companies and its supply chain.The courses are constantly being reviewed and updated so that they provide up-to-date, relevant and accessible on-line learning in their work place.
The principle objectives of the Link Office are ...
- to support the partnership between Cranfield University and BAE Systems
- to advance interaction between staff of both parties at all levels
- to actively encourage the generation and transfer of world class knowledge and expertise within the partnership
- to manage and promote the suite of Engineering Developing You Level 2 tutored, on-line learning courses created by Cranfield University for BAE Systems and its partner companies
- to promote Cranfield University MScs and other courses within BAE Systems
- to maintain records of the Annexes to the Enabling Agreement ZN1314
The Enabling Agreement
There is an Enabling Agreement (ZN1314/AT2114 Amendment 3) in place between BAE Systems and Cranfield University. This provides a simple and efficient way of placing any contracts, whether fully or partly funded by the company, in any field or discipline for research & technology, education & training or any other activity (such as project support, seminars, workshops etc.) without protracted negotiation of contractual terms & conditions, including those relating to intellectual property, confidentiality and publication, by means of a creating a simple Annex to be signed by an authorised Point of Contact.
