Dormer Pramet has thrown its support behind the training of the UK’s next generation of engineers. The global cutting tool manufacturer has become a patron of the Manufacturing Technology Centre’s state-of-the-art training centre – the Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC).
As part of the agreement, Dormer Pramet will provide a wide assortment of round and indexable tools, product support material, literature and advice to the Coventry-based centre over the next three years.
It all adds to the company’s long-term commitment to support and increase the knowledge of young engineers about cutting tools and machining processes.
The MTC, opened at Ansty Park in 2011, has become a leading centre for developing new manufacturing techniques in the aerospace, automotive, rail, power generation and food & beverage industries.
Its aim is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, improving manufacturing processes through research and development and combining current techniques with modern operations, such as additive manufacturing.
The AMTC, which celebrated its first anniversary in November 2016, is an all-encompassing facility that includes automation, metrology and machine workshops, classrooms, conferencing facilities and restaurant.
The apprenticeship scheme, which recruits 40 apprentices per year, is available to applicants aged 16 and above, supporting their preparation for a work environment. Currently more than 120 apprentices use the centre and recruits gain a wide range of engineering skills in areas that underpin high value manufacturing.
Neil Fowkes, head of training, said: “The support from Dormer Pramet is excellent news for our young engineers, who will benefit from their vast industry knowledge and experience. Their cutting tools are renowned for delivering consistently high performance in a wide range of versatile applications.
“This then provides our students with an excellent base to develop their skills on our varied assortment of machines. Skills and experience they will take into a future career in engineering.”
The training centre focuses on three key disciplines, automation technology; including robots, drives and sensor technology; CNC machining, including computer aided design (CAD) and advanced 3D printing and metrology, the measurement and inspection of materials, products, coordinate measurement machines (CMM), including 3D scanning.
The MTC’s machining workshop provides a range of manual and CNC machines for apprentices to develop their skills in a variety of turning and milling applications. After their initial training, recruits can continue their apprenticeship at the MTC or in industry placements with engineering companies.
Fowkes added: “We offer a broad range of tasks to allow them to step-up their skills from using basic components with manually operated machines, through to programming modern CNC machines. We add new skills at each stage so the apprentices become fully adaptable to all levels of machining.
“They learn the principles for all machines, working in small groups with experienced and knowledgeable tutors.”
John O’Donoghue, managing director of Dormer Pramet UK, said: “The partnership with the MTC is another example of the continued support and assistance we offer to apprentices; from our technical handbook and in-house training through to easily-accessible advice from our team of sales engineers and technical specialists.
“The MTC’s training facility is fantastic and we are pleased to offer our support in this way. The centre has been designed to provide high level training for the next generation of engineers and technicians, covering basic skills and principles, through to advanced manufacturing techniques.
“Our cutting tools and product literature are the ideal combination to support the students through every step of their learning. They will give them the skills they need to work in a wide range of manufacturing industries and ultimately an exciting and rewarding career in engineering.”
