Uster Technologies, the global market leader in textile testing and quality control, is playing an important role in encouraging and fostering young and dynamic generation of professionals in China, offering scholarship programs for over eight universities, involving over 500 students, over the last ten years with its close links with Chinese universities.
Richard Furter, Uster’s former head of textile technology, started the scholarship initiative and was personally involved in developing the program through its early years. At that time, he was assisted by Ellen Liu, head of textile technology in China, who translated. She remembers that students in the program were immediately impressed by the concept of quality control and management and the potentiality offered by quality testing and monitoring instruments.
Today, the Uster scholarship program still encourages successive generations of students to continue the transformation of China’s textile industry from a traditional sector to a modern global player in quality markets.
Since 2010, Uster has also been offering internships at its laboratory in Suzhou, in collaboration with Donghua University. Each year, two masters degree students are able to gain experience as testing engineers, working with Uster staff – as well as having access to latest test technology to help with their theses. The internships allocate students’ time 50:50 between work in the lab and individual study, all supported by regular training from Uster Textile Technologists.
The first Uster scholarships at Donghua University and Qingdao University started in 2008. So far, 563 students at different levels (undergraduate, masters and PHD) have been awarded Uster scholarships. Successful students must demonstrate high performance – in marks and engagement – but also involvement in research and university projects, along with well-developed personal and interactive skills.
Uster is convinced that younger staff members are the key to implementing sustainable and successful quality management concepts in the spinning industry. The university environment introduces students to modern methods and attitudes in the textile industry, opening their minds and giving them the courage to challenge strong traditions. (GK)