The METaL Project - helping secure sustainability for the Welsh industry
Materials considerations are frequently at the heart of engineering projects and manufacturing issues, yet sufficient skills or knowledge within companies to address these issues are limited. Due to the ever aging manufacturing workforce it is becoming increasingly important to build and improve employee’s knowledge. However, in these difficult economic times the ability to close this skills gap is becoming ever more difficult as training budgets are being tightened. METaL (Materials Education Training and Learning) aims to address this skills shortage through the provision of fully/partially funded work based learning courses in materials and metallurgy. METaL forms part of the work based learning programme (WBL), made possible by the EU’s Convergence European Social Fund (ESF) through the Welsh Government. The aim of the work based learning project is to offer training to companies allowing them to upskill their workforce and to help people fulfil their potential by giving them better skills and better job prospects and enabling employees to learn while they earn. As part of the WBL programme METaL has already trained over 100 people at degree standard levels 4 to 7 (1 st year degree to Masters) in the area of materials science and engineering. Over the lifetime of the project METaL will train over 350 people from 18+ companies achieving a minimum of 10 credits at degree levels. METaL courses are delivered in concise bite sized modules that can be provided at the company’s desired frequency and location e.g. over 3 days or 3 weeks. In addition to the cost savings, the knowledge gained from the courses can improve outputs through improved problem solving and identifying process improvements. Courses are delivered in a modern fashion using interactive techniques and eLearning. Following an assessment in the form of reports or exams 10 university credits are awarded. These credits can then be put towards further study or simply used for personal and professional development. You can study up to a maximum of 60 credits. METaL offers a wide range of courses covering materials fundamentals such as Introduction to Materials Engineering, Mechanical Properties of Materials, Corrosion and Coatings to applied courses such as Manufacturing Technology, Joining and Practical Metallurgy that can then be applied into the workplace. METaL has worked with companies such as Tata Steel and the Royal Mint, offering training and professional development to its employees. The METaL – Tata partnership has put together a training programme where the employees study six modules. Following the completion of the six modules, a number of employees have gone on to study for a part-time BEng degree in Materials Science and Engineering. The METaL project is now forming a part of the steel academy that Tata partake in to train employees up to doctorate level. TerryLouise Betambeau took part in the METaL – Tata initiative, and explains, ‘I work in a company whose primary activity is focused around metallurgy and the course focused on teaching the fundamentals of metallurgy, which is of a great help in my day-to-day job. The things I have learnt have benefited me in my day-to-day work. It has already led to a promotion and has given me a really good foundation for the new job. Having a fundamental understanding will allow me to make the right decisions.’ The Manufacturing and engineering industry are strategically important to the country’s future. METaL aims to up skill the workforce through the provision of work based learning which will ultimately help secure sustainably for the Welsh industry.
WBL offers opportunities for Up-Skilling, Initial Personal Development (IPD)and Continuous Personal Development (CPD) For more information visit www.project-metal.co.uk or contact David Warren on +44 (0)1792 606541