Cutting-edge telecommunications research, new educational opportunities in engineering and innovative staff development programs are set to flow from a unique partnership between UTS and telecommunications giant Alcatel.

Alcatel, a world leader in data and voice converged communications solutions, has formalised its longstanding relationship with UTS under a pioneering agreement that will provide a timely foundation for the growth of IT&T industry skills in Australia.

The two organisations have announced a special "Education and Research Partnership" which highlights Alcatel’s commitment to research and development in Australia. For UTS, the deal reinforces the university’s focus on applied and professionally oriented scholarship, research, education, staff development and training.

The agreement will provide critical postgraduate educational programs, corporate sponsorships, engineering scholarships and internships, staff exchanges and workplace R&D designed to keep the Australian workforce abreast of the latest telecommunications technology.

Part of the agreement is the establishment of an innovative Centre for Telecommunications Systems (CTS) signalling an Australian first in collaborative research and development.

The CTS has been welcomed by industry, the tertiary education sector and government as a unique opportunity for engineers and scientists to collaborate in a competitive environment. "Alcatel is in the exciting position of being the founding member of this innovative program," said Mr Ross Fowler, CEO of Alcatel Australia and founding board member of IT&T Skills Exchange. "The biggest problem facing our industry is skills shortage and we call on the rest of the industry to work together to solve this situation."

UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Tony Blake said the partnership was an excellent example of the way UTS collaborates with industry. "It will provide our students and staff with the opportunity of working closely with a major international player in the telecommunications industry," he said. "By partnering in this way both the University and Alcatel will benefit enormously."

The partnership was facilitated by the Faculty of Engineering through its Industry Advisory Network (IAN). The IAN brings together industry leaders, practising engineers, Faculty staff and students to discover and act on opportunities best tackled cooperatively.