t Training - Plant & Works Engineering

Ovarro, a remote monitoring specialist across several sectors — including water, oil and gas, broadcast, transportation and power — has unveiled an ambitious new Graduate Programme. The initiative is aimed at fortifying Ovarro’s operations in the water management and leak detection industry and developing a dedicated sales division. Five graduate hires have joined the global company at its offices in Chesterfield, UK.

Martyn Williams, managing director of COPA-DATA UK, explains how industry can help to tackle the skills shortage in the sector, with just a little influencing required.

Hundreds of people potentially looking for a career within engineering and maintenance at Sellafield attended the department's first careers day.

On 28th September, National Manufacturing Day, local youngsters enjoyed a factory visit with a Fort Dunlop-based manufacturer today as they considered careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sector.

Cramlington-based industrialised construction and digital manufacturing specialist, Merit, has announced it has welcomed 21 new engineering apprentices to the business as it continues its growth journey.

SIX students gave up time in their summer holidays to take part in an engineering sustainability challenge which has inspired them to pursue future employment opportunities.

A student “annoyed” at wasteful plastic hotel toothbrushes launched a business providing recyclable bamboo products as part of their MSc in Entrepreneurship at Aston Business School.

A Coventry University Group’s apprenticeship course has been named as one of six green apprenticeships awarded the Coronation Emblem in celebration of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

Today manufacturing companies are facing more challenges than ever before, from rising energy prices to parts supply issues and more recently an increasing skills shortage. The figures are telling and are indicative of conditions across the globe. PWE reports

The skills shortages in engineering has been well documented. Led by the Institution of Engineering & Technology, a national campaign is now underway to try once again to address the shortfall of new entrants and embed engineering into the curriculum.

Daemon3D Print has announced it is launching a new initiative that equips and supports teachers to deliver highly effective lessons on how to use and apply 3D printers and scanners. It is aimed at both STEM and arts subject specialists for key stages 3 and 4.

Manufacturing, assembly and testing specialist Express Engineering has announced it is linking up with schools and training providers in a new initiative to attract engineering apprenticeship talent and secure future skills.

Serena Cooper, QMS International, looks at closing the skills gap in manufacturing and engineering

Multidisciplinary engineering firm adi Group has announced it has embarked upon a huge recruitment drive amid the widening STEM skills gap, on a mission to diversify its workforce as well as employ talented individuals who uphold its responsible business values.

Students at 12 Cumbrian schools are to benefit from new digital manufacturing equipment and specialist teacher training thanks to a collaboration between 3D printing experts and industry.

The skills gap is a prevalent problem across the industrial landscape, but can it be minimised through technology alone? Andy Graham*, explains further

PWE spoke to Martin Smith, Director at Technical Training Solutions (Tech Training) about the need to get the most from your engineering training providers by ensuring their courses are relevant and engaging so that staff return to work as competent, confident and empowered individuals.

Skills shortage

Serena Cooper, QMS International, looks at closing the skills gap in manufacturing and engineering.

Both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on the recruitment process. Amidst a pool of vacant positions, employers are having a hard time when it comes to attracting the best talent. Employees are reluctant to switch roles due to uncertainty, outsourcing workers from the European Union isn’t on the cards anymore, and employees are lacking both hard and soft skills. PWE reports

‘The UK skills crisis will keep growing unless government and industry take action’. This fear was highlighted by the IET off the back of its recent skills survey which found that less than half of new engineering recruits have either the necessary technical or soft skills needed for work within the industry. PWE reports.

The AEMT (Association of Electrical & Mechanical Trades) has announced the remaining training dates in 2021 for its Ex Training Courses, which will take place in classrooms and online.

The new Compressed Air and Vacuum Technician apprenticeship is now ready to receive its first candidates. PWE reports.

With companies focusing on semi- rather than fully automated intralogistics models, it is important to consider the role of the workforce in this new, collaborative environment. From skills to safety, Jon Divers* considers the creation of a smart workforce and the evolving skillset for the material handling and logistics engineers of tomorrow.

Neil Ballinger* shares three trends in manufacturing training and explains how to implement them in a successful training strategy.

Engineers are now being challenged with rapid advances in technology, changing age-old processes and methods, resulting in an increasing skills gap. PWE discusses how standard components can help bridge that gap.

BCAS’ Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR 2000) compliance courses cover everything people need to know about this key piece of legislation for the compressed air industry. To understand your obligations, BCAS training and development officer, Roy Brooks, has put together an overview of the legislation and the top ten reasons to keep up to speed.

PWE’s Aaron Blutstein caught up with Arron Farghaly, lead applications and business development engineer at Atlas Copco, to discuss his recent experiences on the company’s Graduate Programme.

Jonathan Wilkins, director of EU Automation, discusses the role of education in closing the skills gap.

In order to get the most from your engineering training providers, ensure their courses are relevant and engaging so that staff return to work as competent, confident and empowered individuals. PWE spoke to Martin Smith, director at Technical Training Solutions (Tech Training).

The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades’ (AEMT) training course, Repair, Overhaul and Reclamation of Ex Equipment has had another successful group pass their assessments in Loughborough, with all delegates saying what they learned was invaluable for their working lives. PWE reports.

Engineering and manufacturing companies of any size could fill skills gaps by using the Government’s new apprenticeship levy, which comes into force on 6 April. For the first time, employees aged 24 and over will attract 90% funding for apprenticeship training, with no upper age limit and with eligibility for graduates. PWE reports.

Cleaning, repair and maintenance of industrial systems can sometimes cause damage to pipework. Compliance with a line breaking policy is therefore essential to reduce the potential dangers. PWE reports.

Eliza Rawlings, managing director, Festo, takes a look at preparing for the fourth industrial revolution.

Dr Susan Scurlock, CEO and founder of Primary and Secondary Engineer explains why and how we should encourage children to consider careers in STEM related professions, and the importance of smart manufacturing and engineering in doing this.

As the age-old proverb states, “a problem shared is a problem halved”. This forms the cornerstone of modern HR practice, not least because problematic experiences make a strong foundation for improving the next generation of HR professionals. PWE reports.

Robin Whitehead, business development and strategic projects director at Boulting Technology explains how engineering companies and manufacturers should change their recruitment strategy as Generation Z joins the workforce.

Andrew Lufkin joined Essex-based Pacepacker Services Ltd as an apprentice engineer in 2011. Aged just 20 at the time, he liked the idea of earning while he learned without the worry of taking on soaring university debt. PWE reports.

Brian Booth, VP of the Water Treatment Innovation Platform of global water, energy and maintenance solutions provider, NCH Europe, gives a snapshot view of what 35 years in engineering has taught him.

Engineering employers predict education system won’t keep up with technological change. PWE reports.

High rates of youth unemployment have created an abundance of available talent for entry-level positions. As a result, hiring managers can be increasingly particular in their requirements, demanding specific credentials and experience in the hunt for the ‘perfect’ candidate – an individual described in recruitment circles as a ‘purple squirrel’. Carl Plant, CEO of technology expert bITjAM, explains why the time has come for recruiters to move beyond the CV.
 


Three years ago Stephen Thompson embarked on an apprenticeship at William Cook Precision Ltd but already he is running his own section and passing on his knowledge to others. PWE reports.

After attending a See Inside Manufacturing open day at Schaeffler UK in 2012, 18-year old Liam Smith is now enjoying life as an engineering apprentice toolmaker at the company’s Llanelli plant in South Wales. PWE reports.

The majority of capable engineers are expected to climb the corporate ladder during their career, yet less than half of companies have a formal management training programme and a third are expected to learn on the job. Neil Lewin, learning & development consultant at Festo Training & Consulting reports.

PWE spoke to Mike Cogan, head of engineering training at EMK Educational & Environmental Services Ltd, about its BOAS training courses for boiler plant managers.

The organisation responsible for developing skills in the UK’s nuclear energy sector has outlined its plans to chemical and process engineers as the country prepares to build 12 new nuclear reactors by 2030. PWE reports.

Hundreds of young people from around the UK have been given the chance of a secure future thanks to the work of a North East training provider.

Advances in the technology of steam plant control have brought enormous improvements to the efficiency and cost effectiveness of steam as a heating medium. However, getting the most from such advanced control systems demands high quality training of plant operators. PWE reports.

A recent survey undertaken by Festo Training shows that the UK manufacturing and engineering sector is still experiencing a shortage of skilled labour and that it is middle management that is plugging the shortfall. PWE report.

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