August 24, 2023, by jhillary1

My Experience as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate

By Leonardo Rodrigues, PhD researcher

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a UK-wide part grant-funded scheme helping businesses of all sizes to innovate using the knowledge and expertise of qualified graduates, with the capability to lead a strategic business project.

My experience as a KTP Associate with XAIS Asset Management Ltd has been transformative. Choosing KTP was fuelled by my ambition to bridge the gap between academic research and industry application. As a civil engineer and PhD holder, the project offered an exciting opportunity to collaborate with the University of Nottingham and XAIS Asset Management Ltd.

Transitioning from a structural engineer to a data analyst and developer, I’ve been developing life-cycle asset management modules. We are leveraging the stochastic Petri-Nets approach, a strategy for deterioration modelling developed by the Resilience Engineering Research Group at the University of Nottingham. This approach has facilitated the creation of a flexible, risk-based model for asset management. Notably, this adaptable approach can accommodate a range of infrastructure assets, ranging from road gullies to bridges.

The KTP programme enabled me to shift my career focus from the resilience of timber buildings in seismic-prone regions to asset management for civil engineering infrastructures. The programme also provides opportunities to attend project management and innovation strategy courses, which were crucial to enhancing my skills.

The recruitment process, though simple, was quite rewarding. From submitting an initial application that included a CV, cover letter, and referee selection, to a final interview with a presentation, I showcased my passion and dedication. Despite being an international candidate, the support from KTP and the University of Nottingham was invaluable, particularly during the visa process.

To those considering KTP, I recommend you seize this unique opportunity. KTP offers a unique platform where innovative academic research merges with leading industry practices. It also provides a supportive network, which includes a knowledge base supervisor, business partner, and KTP adviser, to help navigate your project and shape your career.

Now, in the second year of the project, I can confidently state that KTP has been pivotal in advancing my career. It has not only allowed me to pivot my career focus, but it has also set the stage for future growth. While currently a developer and data analyst, I aspire to become a product owner. Leveraging my civil engineering background and programming skills, I aim to bridge the gap between end-users and developers.

In conclusion, the KTP experience is a rewarding journey that effectively connects academia and industry. It is a platform for growth, exploration, and innovation, contributing significantly to the community and the industry. I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on this journey to those looking to make a significant impact in their fields. This journey can profoundly shape your career, as it has done for me. So, dive in and reshape your career, as I did.

Visit our Knowledge Transfer Partnership page if you are interested in finding out more about the scheme.

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