Dr Raja Toqeer

I am the Academic lead for CCEE within Multidisciplinary Engineering Education (MEE) in the Faculty of Engineering. My role focuses on the design, delivery and continuous enhancement of practical and project-based engineering education for undergraduate and postgraduate students across electrical and electronic disciplines. I work to ensure that students can effectively apply theory in practice and develop the technical, professional and transferable skills required for modern engineering careers. My teaching and research expertise includes analogue and digital electronics, embedded systems, control systems, electrical machines and power systems.

Alongside my academic responsibilities, I have worked closely with universities, industry partners and national organisations to support engineering skills development and qualification design. I have delivered skills forecasting projects with the University of Warwick, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and the University of Lincoln, contributing to the development of competency frameworks at Levels 4–7 in areas including electrification and electric vehicles, industrial digitisation, batteries, power electronics, motors and drives, and agri-tech. This work informs my approach to curriculum design and helps ensure that teaching aligns with employer needs and future skills demand. As a subject matter expert, I have led mapping of Engineering and Manufacturing occupational standards and the Engineering Council’s AHEP and UK-SPEC requirements against Levels 4 and 5 Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) in Engineering for Pearson. This experience supports my contribution to curriculum development with a focus on equipping students with the knowledge, skills, behaviours and competencies required for employment and professional progression.

I am the academic lead for a large-scale multidisciplinary project initiative within the Faculty of Engineering: Engineering You’re Hired (EYH). This project engages large cohorts of students in intensive, team-based activities that integrate sustainability, ethics, inclusivity, cyber security and real-world problem solving, supporting the development of collaborative and professional engineering practice. My work also extends beyond the University through externally funded education and skills projects. I co-led the Addressing Shortages in Semiconductor Skills and Training (ASISST) and Practical Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PPEMD) Innovate UK funded projects, delivering teacher training, school outreach and public engagement activities. This work contributed to the PPEMD project receiving both the Innovate UK Best University-Led Skills Intervention Award and the University of Sheffield Knowledge Exchange Impact Award. I also co-develop accessible educational resources, including training kits and online learning materials, to widen participation in engineering education. I am currently co-leading the skills and training theme for the UKRI-funded Innovation and Knowledge Centre for Heterogeneous Integrated MicroElectronic and Semiconductor Systems (IKC‑CHIMES2). This work focuses on upskilling UK industry to adopt global advances in semiconductor technologies, with a particular emphasis on Heterogeneous Integration (HI), while aligning closely with wider UK Semiconductor Strategy skills initiatives.

In addition, I support early-career academics and engineers towards professional registration (CEng and IEng) with the IET, and act as an IET Academic Accreditor and an external examiner to support quality assurance and accreditation across UK and international higher education. My work is underpinned by a strong commitment to inclusive, high-quality engineering education and to supporting students in developing the confidence, skills and professional identity needed to succeed and contribute positively to society.