The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), located near Coventry, will be launching this September a series of apprenticeships dedicated to providing the skills needed in the manufacturing sector, specifically in the additive manufacturing. The aim of the programmes is to provide a pipeline of technicians fully skilled in one of the fastest growing advanced manufacturing technologies in industry.
As 3D printing is becoming more and more popular across multiple manufacturing sectors in a variety of materials, these apprenticeships are needed for the growth of the industry.
While there are a number of additive training courses currently available in the UK, these tend to be focused on equipment use. The MTC is aiming to provide additive manufacturing apprenticeships that will cover the whole range of competences necessary for specific occupations. They will also offer accredited curricula of short courses to enable the up-skilling of existing staff, explained Martin Dury, learning design manager.
At the MTC, the team is currently working on frameworks that will help apprentices with the knowledge, behaviour and skills needed in various job roles across the additive manufacturing sector. These frameworks will then form the foundation for the apprenticeship programmes and short course curricula. We have spent the last three months consulting with industry, manufacturers, OEMs and academia to ensure the frameworks exactly match the needs of industry, added Martin.
“The MTC is an acknowledged world leader in additive technology and the home of the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing. We have all the equipment and capabilities to deliver first class, sector-wide and technology agnostic programmes for apprentices or existing employees. The manufacturing industry is crying out for this and we will be able to make it available in a format which allows people to learn while earning, funded by the apprenticeship levy, concluded Martin.
If anyone with additive manufacturing expertise would like to get involved in the design of the frameworks, then they are more than welcome to contact the MTC.
