The first cohort of 150 apprentices have begun training at The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing’s Training Centre, to pump-prime engineering companies with skilled staff.
The long-awaited AMRC Training Centre began its first training semester on October 7 with over 150 apprentices training across disciplines including machining, metallurgy, mechanical and electrical maintenance, design, quality assurance, welding and fabrication and even business administration for the manufacturing sector.
The apprentices, accompanied by their employers, were prepared before the start date with a series of meet and greets with their practical trainers and further education delivery team, and were taken through their training pathways.
Three weeks in, the apprentices have experienced daily start-up meetings that expose them to a real production environment, basic engineering principles that include design, hand tools, and bench fitting along with access to some advanced training equipment such as the virtual reality welding machines, two of only 10 in the country.
The recruits, who are all from companies in Yorkshire, receive master classes in personal development such as ’employability skills’ to help them prepare for their first days back at their employer and an introduction to the world of manufacturing, to gain an understanding of quality, cost and delivery aspects.
The AMRC Training Centre says it recognises the need for additional support and has included extra-curricular maths so that apprentices reach the standard that engineering study requires.
Building delays at the centre did not deter the start of training, a temporary centre has been set up and the quality of delivery remains at the highest level.
The new training centre will be fully operational by January 6, larger machinery is to be delivered and commissioned over the next few weeks and existing equipment is to be transferred over the Christmas period. A further 60 apprentices will begin their studies in April 2014.
An open day is planned for January 23 to showcase the modern facility. The AMRC Training Centre says all manufacturing employers are welcome to come along.
