Automotive alumnus steers future Engineers
Undergraduate Engineering students at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø (ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø) welcomed Jacob Frappe, Vehicle Test Lead at Applus+ IDIADA, for a special lecture on ‘Advanced Driving Assist Systems’.
The event marked the first guest lecture of the academic year, and was part of the Professional Development and Employability series organised by the university’s Engineering department.
Jacob Frappe, a former graduate of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s BEng Motorsport Engineering now holds a prominent position at Applus+ IDIADA, a global Automotive Development Partner and Test House. His lecture provided valuable insight into the world of Advanced Driving Assist Systems (ADAS), durability testing, and field operation testing.
Jacob’s role sits at the forefront of innovation in the automotive industry, where the focus is shifting towards autonomous and connected vehicles. He emphasised the increasing importance of Driving Assist Systems – technology that helps drivers with the safe operation of their vehicle – in improving road safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Jacob’s work involves physical vehicle testing in diverse global locations, and simulation-based testing, which is a cost-effective approach that is gaining prominence in the industry.
Jacob shared his journey from ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Alumnus to a dynamic career that has taken all over the world including Spain, China, USA, Japan, and Australia. Reflecting on his academic experience, he said: “I learnt a lot of great theory and skills at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, which allowed me to slot in alongside a range of other engineers when I entered the industry.
“Applus+ IDIADA is a very supportive company that helps engineers develop and gain additional work-based skills, so I was pleased to return to the University and speak to students about exciting recruitment opportunities available to them.â€
Dr. Kerry Tudor, Assistant Academic Director of Engineering at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, expressed her enthusiasm for hosting Jacob Frappe, saying: “It’s always lovely to see what career directions our alumni have taken. Jacob’s current role is very topical for our automotive engineering students due to the increase of autonomous and connected technology, so it was a great to hear him lecture on relevant topics and cover recruitment opportunities with global companies too.â€
The lecture by Jacob Frappe serves as a testament to the strong ties between ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and its alumni, as well as the university’s commitment to providing students with industry insights and opportunities for professional development.
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Ella Staden
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Email: ella.staden@uwtsd.ac.uk
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