Front-Loaded LEAN Apprenticeship Awards and Presentations
The front-loaded LEAN Engineering apprenticeship, now in its second year, held its student-led awards ceremony and presentation to employers, who included ABP Technologies, Gama Aviation and MSA Foams and Field International.
Ten students delivered ten-minute presentations, showcasing the projects they completed during their Front-Loaded course – a course where all college training is completed in 10 weeks at the beginning of the apprenticeship, before students begin work with their employer. Each student discussed the separate elements of the course they undertook, including Health and Safety, Communication, Working Relationships, Rights and Responsibilities, Workplace Organisation Techniques, Problem-Solving Techniques, and Preparing, Concluding, and Finishing Manufacturing Operations. They covered topics such as Machining, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), Electronics, 3D Printing and Machining.
Student, William, explained that he worked on a Light-Dependent Resister (LDR) as part of a darkness detector circuit assembly. Another student, Cameron, explained how he used a CNC Router which is used for cutting with G-Code, to create a spinning top. He said: “I’ve never done CNC before, it’s a good look at a different industry for me.” He added, “I’ve learned quite a lot and have really enjoyed it. Thanks!”
Olly, a student apprentice who works at Field International, explained Machining and using two billet blocks of aluminium to create a tool-maker’s clamp and the precision around getting this correct. During hand-fitting, ‘students created a ‘bevel’ gauge, from inception to delivery.
Steve Burns, Learning Manager for Engineering, said: “The students this year were very focused and seemed to certainly enjoy their studies. A highlight seemed to be the inclusion of a real crashed and seized drone gas turbine engine into the maintenance section, with the students striping diagnosing and repairing the engine. As they pass on to their future careers in the Engineering sector, we wish them the best of luck.”
Student, Callum, won the Best Apprentice Award of this year.
Attending the event, Joanne Guy from Gama Aviation said: “The day was enjoyable, listening and seeing the different experiences everyone has had throughout the course, and it was interesting to see the individual’s interpretation of the course. As uncomfortable as it for most of us to stand up in front of a crowd, it is good experience for them, and I think they all did very well, all things considered. Naturally, we are very proud of our apprentice’s achievements and Callum receiving the Apprentice of the Year too!”
