Fife college has invested over £400,000 in newest manufacturing equipment to allow students to be fully equipped in latest industry techniques.
Fife college, which is the first in Scotland to acquire such a significant range of equipment for students, is one of the largest colleges of further education in Scotland which offers over 400 courses and a strong drive towards STEM.
The equipment was purchased from German automation company, Festo, and includes Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Robotics and PLC control. The college believe by introducing these technologies to students they will have a much more efficient training environment based on industry standard production lines.
Fife college hopes to increase STEM skills among students in the region and help address the needs of the manufacturing industry as manufacturing moves towards smart factories.
Stephen Ayton the Academic Head for Engineering, Science, Mathematics and STEM at Fife College said: “This new investment illustrates just how committed Fife College is to provide the very best learning experience for our students.
“We want to make sure anyone studying manufacturing with us learns about the latest techniques that are being used in the industry, so that they’re equipped with the skills needed to work in any modern factory.
“It’s required a lot of hard work and effort to get the equipment installed, but I’m delighted that we’re the first college to offer this wealth of experience to our students.
“This forms a part of our drive to increase STEM skills in the Fife region and to ensure that we meet the digital needs of this ever-evolving industry.
“The digitalisation and automation of manufacturing processes is evolving all the time, and thanks to this new technology our students will be work ready for industry.”
Kayleigh Ferguson, an Academic & Quality Manager at the College who has been using the equipment said: “This equipment showcases the latest technology in the manufacturing industry, and it’s been great to be able to introduce our students to it.
“Learning about this machinery and the manufacturing processes they are used in will provide them with the knowledge and skills to work in the most modern factories in the world.
“They’ve all really enjoyed having a chance to operate this equipment, and I’m looking forward to introducing more of our students to it over the coming months.”
Images courtesy of Fife College