MATER I A L S WORL D
Closing the materials skills gap
Isle of Anglesey Flintshire
Conwy
Wrexham
Gwynedd
An understanding of materials science is essential in many engineering and manufacturing projects, yet levels of expertise in this area are declining. Dr David Warren tells Materials World about a scheme at Swansea that is trying to change this.
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Denbighshire
Ceredigion
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aterials considerations are frequently at the heart of engineering projects and manufacturing issues, yet the skills or Pembrokeshire knowledge within companies Carmarthenshire Merthyr Blaenau to address these issues can be Tydfil Gwent limited. This was highlighted as a Monmouthshire skills shortage in a UK Government White Paper in 2007. Combine this Neath Port with an ever-ageing manufacturing Talbot Rhondda workforce, and the importance of Cynon Caerphilly Swansea Taf improving employees’ knowledge base is Newport becoming increasingly important. In these difficult Bridgend Cardiff economic times the ability to close this skills gap is The Vale of Local authority boundary becoming ever more difficult as belts are tightened Glamorgan (01/04/03) on training budgets. Funding is now helping to address this skills shortage through the provision of Above: Eligible regions in the Convergence area fully or partially funded work-based learning courses in materials and metallurgy. Government to help tackle economic inactivity, and increase skills and employment Convergence funding (previously known as in Wales. This includes support to help promote materials knowledge, such as Objective 1) comprises the Economical Regional through the Materials Education Training and Learning (METaL) scheme at Swansea Development Fund (EDRF) and the European Social University. Fund (ESF), and is allocated to regions whose GDP per head was less than 75% of the EU average between 2000 and 2002 (Eurostat figures). Convergence METaL, from Swansea University’s College of Engineering, is a £1.5 million scheme applies to 99 regions across EU-27, representing 35% backed with Convergence ESF of £665,000. METaL forms part of the work-based of the population, and aims to promote conditions learning programme (WBL), which is led by the University of Glamorgan, UK. The conducive to jobs and growth. aim of WBL is to offer training to companies, allowing them to improve the skills In the UK, eligible Convergence regions include of their workforce and to help people fulfil their potential by improving their skills West Wales and the Valleys, which is benefiting and job prospects. As part of the WBL programme, METaL has already trained over from £1.7 billion for the period 2007–2013. Together 50 people at degree standard levels 4 to 7 (1st year degree to Masters) in the subject with match funding from the public, private and of materials science and engineering. By the end of the scheme, METaL will have third sectors, it will drive a total investment of £2.9 trained more than 350 people from around 20 companies with a minimum of 10 billion. Of the Convergence funds available, £690 credits at degree standard levels. Similar schemes are being undertaken in other EU million from the ESF is being invested by the Welsh regions, including Knowledge in Metallic and Composite Materials in Belgium and
Working in Wales
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Plastic – Material with Possibilities in Finland. METaL offers a broad range of courses. Work based learning offers the ability to improve skills in your workforce while employees get to learn while they earn. Investment in staff through fully funded courses minimises the disruption and expense of paying for staff to attend courses in different counties or even countries. Swansea’s METaL courses are delivered in concise modules at the employer’s preferred frequency and location. In addition to the cost savings, the knowledge gained from the courses can improve outputs through improved problem solving and identifying process improvements. The university credits gained can also be used towards further study, and some delegates later go on to study for part-time degrees. If your company is located in, or you work or live in the Convergence region in Wales then you are eligible to apply for funding for one of the METaL courses. Courses are available to all employees, from trainees starting out in the company to long-standing members of staff who wish to improve their materials knowledge. Due to the nature of the training, people of all abilities can apply, regardless of their academic qualifications. Indeed, many of the WBL’s participants have worked their way up in companies and are more than capable of following course content despite not having the standard A-Levels required for entry into a full- or part-time undergraduate degree course. Courses run over an equivalent period of three days, although these may be spread over a number of weeks. They are delivered using interactive techniques and eLearning, allowing for theory to be applied and to improve understanding. A subsequent assessment in the form of reports or exams then allows the award of 10 university credits. These credits can be put
FEAT UR E
towards further study or used for personal and professional development. You can study up to a maximum of 60 credits. The current Convergence funding period runs from 2007–2013 and work by the Welsh Government, with its partners, is currently underway, on the development of the successor 2014–2020 programmes, for which West Wales and the Valleys is likely to qualify. The WBL programme also offers a number of different courses ranging from engineering through to management. For more information, visit www.higherskillswales.co.uk.
How METaL can benefit a company training plan METaL has worked with Tata Steel, offering training and professional development to its employees. Many employees come into the workplace with A-Levels as their highest qualification typically and lack the applied materials science that is often needed within industry. The METaL – Tata partnership has put together a training programme where the employees study six modules providing them with the foundation knowledge needed to prosper within the industry. Following the completion of six modules, a number of the 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. Terry-Louise Betambeau took part in the METaL – Tata initiative, and explains, ‘I work in a company whose primary activity is focused around metallurgy. It was my employers who brought the training to my attention. 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.’
Further information Visit www.project-metal.co.uk or contact David Warren on +44 (0)1792 606541.
Percentage of total ESF funding in the UK compared to EU average
ESF funding per priority 35% 30%
34%
34%
31%
UK
29%
25%
EU average
25%
20% 18%
15%
14%
10%
9%
5% 0% More adaptable workers and firms
Easier access to employment
Combating social exclusion and discrimination in the labour market
Enhancing human capital
1%
Supporting reforms for more and better jobs
1%
3%
Better public administrations and public services
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