For James Dyson, working and studying, learning and doing, while developing pioneering technologies and radical new designs, is paramount. It is also an opportunity for an accelerated career within his company, with international perspectives to shape the future of engineering and innovation.  

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Can you introduce the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology in a few words?   

 

The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology is a new model of engineering education that combines the academic rigor of a traditional university with hands-on, real-world experience of working on products and technologies in a global technology company. Undergraduate engineers are mentored by practicing scientists and engineers - world experts in their field - who teach alongside professors from the University of Warwick, a world-renowned engineering university. Dyson undergraduates receive a salary from day one and pay no tuition fees.   

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“These young engineers are studying for an engineering degree by working on real projects. They question things, challenge things, and approach problems with fresh eyes”

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What are the expectations of the students at the end of the experience?   

 

Students become part of the Dyson community, with all the opportunities that brings. Studying at Dyson is different, as students work on real projects. This allows them to gain skills immediately and be trained before they take up their first engineering position. After graduation, the transition to a new career stage at Dyson is smooth, with accelerated progression opportunities designed to develop and shape the next generation of innovative Dyson technologies and products globally.   

1. A year on assignment: Students can consider a year on assignment to put into practice the skills and knowledge developed at the Dyson Institute as part of a “full-time” project development team. They may also choose to explore different areas within a new team or business sector. These assignments can be based in the UK or abroad, depending on personal preference and business needs. This gives them the level of an experienced engineer and an accelerated career path.  

2. A post-mission year: After the mission year, undergraduate engineers have a range of projects to think about and can choose where they want to continue their careers at Dyson. They have the opportunity to receive ongoing career development mentoring from a senior engineering manager. However, we recognize that after the undergraduate engineering experience, students may want to take a step back before pursuing their engineering career at Dyson. With this in mind, Dyson has identified two opportunities after graduation:

- A three-month paid sabbatical, to recharge, travel, and celebrate achievements.

- A 12-month unpaid sabbatical, again to rest and relax or to pursue further study (e.g. a Masters).   

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Where do you see the Dyson Institute of Engineering in five years?   

 

The future of Dyson is in the talented young engineers and scientists we bring into Dyson through the Dyson Institute. It's exciting. We have 160 undergraduate engineers at the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology living and working at our research and development campus in the southwest of England. They study for an engineering degree by working on real projects while being paid. They question things, challenge things and look at problems with fresh eyes. We will continue to welcome new young engineers to the program to help shape the future of Dyson and the engineering sector. The evolution of the program over the years offers an exciting prospect and we look forward to telling you more as the Institute grows and develops.