News: Brinsworth Academy supporting a new era

The Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in Rotherham has further developed its Employer Ready Apprenticeship (ERA) Framework.

The new ERA apprenticeship programme was developed in South Yorkshire and is designed to create a highly skilled breed of young engineers. The Templeborough training company took matters into its own hands, after local manufacturing and engineering employers advised that they were finding it extremely difficult to recruit skilled staff of the right calibre.

In response to input from local employers, the leading engineering and manufacturing training provider has updated the framework that provides 42 weeks of off the job training for apprentices in skills of machining and maintenance.

The apprentices, who are on average between 16 and 21 years of age, can now join the programme at differing points throughout the year, in order to fit with the increasing demands of production that is facing many of the employers in the sector.

Daniel Swift, employer engagement manager at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, said: "We came up with this new model to cater for the needs of employers who want to have apprentices joining their business at any point during the year. The programme now has a staggered start throughout the year with courses starting every month as opposed to the traditional annual academic start in September. The content has been refreshed and new teaching methods have been applied in order to create a blended learning experience for the apprentice."

The programme covers machining (turning, manual, CNC, AutoCAD) and maintenance (mechanical and electrical). Both courses include health and safety and engineering principles. In contrast to other traditional study centres 80% of the time is spent on machines in the workshop with the remaining 20% spent on classroom based work.

Orchid Orthopedic Solutions (Sheffield) Ltd, which took over Sandvik's European Centre of Excellence in Rotherham, have worked with Brinsworth Academy of Engineering since 2006 and are one of the companies taking part in the programme. HR Manager, Julie Edwards said: "As a business we see apprentices as the future of our business and want to ensure they learn skills which translate into the workplace. We currently employ two people on the ERA course and find the structure of the course means that the apprentice is able to learn advanced skills which add value to the Company as soon as they commence work on site."

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering website
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News: Search begins for the next captains of Industry

Leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Training has started the search for the future "Captains of Industry."

The campaign which is backed by local employers was launched this week at the New York Stadium, home of Rotherham United FC to find the next generation of engineers for the sector.

The Government announced last year their concerns in the lack of new engineers entering the marketplace and issued a stark warning that the problem could constrain the UK's economic recovery. A number of reports have been issued from both BIS and the Royal Academy of Engineers to confirm these fears and locally, employers are very keen to find a wave of young people to address the skills shortages in the region.

The "Captains of Industry" campaign has been devised by Brinsworth Academy of Engineering to use sport as a vehicle of engagement for new recruits to the sector.

The academy has state of the art facilities at Templeborough in Rotherham and has secured a record number of vacancies for apprentices, despite the harsh economic climate.

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Training (pictured, left), said: "The engineering sector in South Yorkshire needs to recruit over 15,000 people over the next five years simply to replace those who are set to retire, we need to engage as many new entrants as possible and we see this campaign as the ideal vehicle to do that.

"We are working with local sporting clubs to communicate our message across their fan base. We are hoping that supporters will take an interest in some of the opportunities that are available within the engineering sector and become the next industry Captains.

"Engineering and sport are very similar, we need to develop team players who are dedicated, can communicate and can develop a range of skills that will make them part of a winning organisation. We have employers literally waiting to pick their new teams and need as many new engineers as possible. There are some fantastic opportunities out there with excellent career prospects."

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News: Stafforce Apprenticeship Academy celebrates first year of success

Rotherham's fast growing national specialist recruiter, Stafforce, recently celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of its Stafforce Apprenticeship Academy.

With a head office on Percy Street in Rotherham town centre and over 150 staff and has a UK-wide network of 27 sites, Stafforce offers a range of services to clients through its Stafforce Recruitment and Nicholas Associates brands.

The academy was first launched in September 2012 to make it easier for businesses across the UK to benefit from having apprentices working as part of their team.

Apprenticeship Training Academy status means that Stafforce directly employs apprentices on behalf of clients, reducing businesses' risks and making the whole process of recruiting, developing and supporting an apprentice much more straightforward.

In the past year the academy has employed 142 apprentices to place with 22 host employers and is working with 17 training providers across the UK. The ATA also had 100% apprentice to employment exit strategy on completion of Apprenticeship agreements.

During this year, the Stafforce Apprenticeship Academy also successfully joined forces with the Brinsworth Academy of Engineering to help them hire apprentices in the engineering business.

Jacqueline Lovewell, head of the Stafforce Apprenticeship Academy, said: "It has been a challenging but enjoyable year for us. We have developed great relationships along the way and hope to keep on building new ones this coming year."

Established in 1977 by local entrepreneur, now chairman, Nick Cragg, Stafforce is a £60m business and on track to becoming a £100m operation.

Vicki Nee has recently joined the Nicholas Associates team to help develop and drive forward successful business opportunities with new and existing clients across the UK. Vicki worked on the Stafforce business four years ago, working closely with chief executive Ian Anderson as he began to shape his vision for Stafforce, offering added value services to clients that were over and beyond those of the traditional recruiter.

The range of added-value services it offers to clients now includes offering temporary and permanent recruitment, executive search and selection, business improvement and organisational development, learning and talent development, robotics and automation, software development and access to Apprenticeships.

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News: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering and tomorrow's engineers

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering is having its say on the issue of young engineers, especially women, in the Sheffield city region.

A leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, the academy has state of the art facilities at Templeborough in Rotherham and has secured a record number of vacancies for apprentices, despite the harsh economic climate.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the professional body for the industry, recently secured backing from a number of MPs for its pledge to support young engineers, especially women, in their constituencies.

It follows from the results of the IET's skills survey 2013 that showed that only 7% of the engineering workforce in the UK is female.

Barry Brooks, president of the IET, said: "Engineering underpins our everyday lives but we in the UK are facing a serious skills shortage. We urgently need to provide the right career advice and encourage more young people to take the right subjects at school and then to support them as they progress into a career in the engineering sector."

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering worked with Barnsley manufacturers of technologically advanced electronic and electromechanical products, Kostal (UK) Ltd, to train three female apprentice engineers; Imogen Stennett, 17, Zoe Baker,19 and Jade Hickling, 20.

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, said: "We have got to get as many young people to see the opportunities within the engineering sector. It is important to see the skills that employers require being matched to a suitable individual regardless of whether they are male or female. The secret is to change perceptions, by introducing young people to organisations such as Kostal (UK) and showing them what impact engineering has on everyday life and the important role that young people can play in the future.

"We are in the process of developing a Girls Engineering and Manufacturing Skills (GEMS) programme and are hoping to secure funding from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) to facilitate this. Our aim is to encourage more girls to follow in the footsteps of ambassadors such as Zoe Baker and realise the potential within the sector."

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News: Gas Safe at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering is launching a new range of gas safety training with a free safety briefing event for employers being held next week.

A leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, the academy hopes to see employers take on board the often over looked safety issues that involve the use of compressed gas in the engineering sector.

The morning briefing on September 12 at the Templeborough site will give employers a vital presentation in the safe use of compressed gases, Oxy-Acetylene & Oxy-Propane, and will include recent and relevant industrial case studies outlining what lessons can be learnt and will outline best practices to help attendees meet their obligations as an employer.

The event is being held in association with Proactive Gas Safety and Technical Director, David Openshaw will lead the presentation looking at the key health and safety issues when working with compressed gases, Oxy-Acetylene and Oxy-Propane. The presentation will cover important issues such as your employer responsibilities and how to effectively manage the associated risks within the workplace.

Paul Reeves, business development director for Brinsworth Academy said: "We are delighted to be able to add to our commercial portfolio of safety programmes and gas safety is something that is paramount in the sector of engineering and we really see the value that this will add to employers."

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News: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering upgrades equipment

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in Rotherham has upgraded its training facilities so that students, apprentices and adult learners are working with current equipment and cutting-edge technologies.

Much of the new equipment has been supplied by control and automation specialists – Mitsubishi Electric – working in partnership with SMC Pneumatics, which has supplied training rigs with actuators and other pneumatic products to the Templeborough centre.

As well as offering traditional engineering courses, the academy is using the new equipment to develop standard training courses and will, in the future, develop further into the fields of servos, motion and mechatronics.

The training rigs allow practical training in many aspects of engineering including pneumatic circuitry, PLC (programmable logic controller) programming, precision motion and manufacturing processes.

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering (pictured above, left), said: "We have to keep pace with the changing needs of our regional industry. So we have developed training facilities and programmes for the latest technologies, such as robots, precision motion, HMIs (human-machine interfaces) and energy saving inverter drives."

Brinsworth has had an association with Mitsubishi for many years and Gary Hatfield of Mitsubishi Electric (pictured above, right) describes the South Yorkshire region as something of a Mitsubishi stronghold.

"We supply our products and systems to a great many companies, large and small, in the region. So when Brinsworth trainees enter industry they immediately see equipment that is familiar to them."

As well as the extensive refit, Brinsworth Academy of Engineering is celebrating having secured a record number of vacancies for apprentices, despite the harsh economic climate – proof that the region's engineering employers benefit from the college's forward-thinking and passion for developing youth employability.

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News: BP cadets at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

Leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Academy of Engineering recently played host to 11 cadet trainee officers from BP Maritime Services as they attended a bespoke two-week engineering course in Rotherham.

BP Maritime Services, based in Singapore, runs the BP's international fleet of oil tankers and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) carriers and employs around 1,000 seafarers worldwide.

With training premises at Templeborough, Brinsworth Academy of Engineering offers bespoke courses to meet the needs of the employer or the individual and training can be delivered on or off site.

The course saw trainees using a range of precision hand fitting skills to produce high quality work pieces in line with standards set by BP. In addition, torque training was provided to gain the skills to meet the requirements of the tightening of specific fasteners in the oil industry. The trainees also covered the correct use of abrasive wheels, learning about the safety standards for a range of portable tools used for grinding -  an essential skill used when on board ship.

The cadet trainee officers are training to become either deck or engineering officers. As a deck officer they will be part of the team responsible for the navigation of the ship and care of the cargo, whereas an engineering officer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship's equipment.

The course was account managed by Vickey Knight, account manager at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering. She said: "The trainee officers were all aged between 18 and 24, with two of the trainees coming from Poland having previously studied at Warsash Maritime Academy and Gdynia Maritime Academy, Poland. The remaining trainees had previously studied with Blackpool & Fylde College at their Fleetwood Nautical Campus. We worked hard with the management team at BP and we are delighted that we were able to assist them with this bespoke package."

The course was supported by BP's Maritime Services general manager, Mark Fortnum who also flew in from Singapore to check on progress of the trainees. 

The course was tailor made for BP and ensured the skill level of all of the participants from across the group was to the expected company standards.

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, said: "Working with BP is a major coup for Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, for us to be able to provide crucial training to these Trainee Officers who will be fulfilling vital highly skilled engineering roles is a great accolade.  Following the success of this course we are looking forward to building on the content to assist future trainees from BP."

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News: Further success for MTL apprentice

Yaser Rauf, an apprentice at contract manufacturing specialist, MTL Group in Rotherham, has been recognised for his achievements at the recent National BTEC Awards.

The awards recognise vocational excellence reward these individuals, along with the excellent teachers, tutors, schools, colleges, training providers and employers who deliver their learning.

Yaser has been working through an apprenticeship to become a qualified mechanical engineer and has received training at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in Templeborough. He was named "Outstanding BTEC Apprentice of the Year (19+ years)" at the awards ceremony held in London earlier this month.

It follows on from being named the SMC International Training award in 2011 at the Brinsworth Academy of Engineering awards evening and the National Advanced Apprentice of the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber 2012. Yaser was also a regional runner-up for the EEF Future Manufacturing Award 2012.

MTL Group is one of Europe's fastest growing project manufacturing specialists in the metal sector and is a global supplier of secondary steelwork. It works with a global blue-chip customer base in the defence, construction equipment, rail and off-shore wind energy sectors.

Moving to a £5m, 300,00 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Brinsworth in 2011, MTL currently has around 380 employees, 22 of these are apprentices.

On winning the latest award, Yaser Rauf, of MTL Group, said: "It's been a fantastic success for myself and my employer, MTL Group.

"I have had fantastic support from every single person, from the directors to managers to colleagues and it's because of their positive support I have made my apprenticeship a success.

"I have been given opportunities to expand my knowledge in other areas within engineering. I have already worked on various projects aimed to maximise the efficiency of our operations. So I'm learning something new everyday and am genuinely enjoying the process. I am very excited to continue working at MTL and hope to have a fulfilling and challenging career within the company.

"I would absolutely recommend apprenticeships to anyone interested. If you are passionate about working in a particular industry and want to gain technical and practical knowledge then an apprenticeship is a fantastic way of achieving this."

Yaser is pictured at the awards ceremony with Radio 1 presenter, Matt Edmondson and Paralympic Gold medalist, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE.

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News: Engaging young people is key to employers in engineering

Engaging young people in the sector of engineering was the biggest concern for employers who attended the Employer Apprenticeship event at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering.

The event was aimed at employers looking to take on apprenticeships and informed them of the new initiatives and support available within the engineering sector.

The leading engineering and manufacturing training provider has an extensively equipped machine shop along with specialist equipment at its Templeborough base.

Employers were given an overview from a sector skills perspective by Lee Smith, engagement manager for SEMTA (the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies), who outlined the need to recruit 80,000 engineers nationally just to replace those who are due to retire before the year 2016.

Wayne Miller, employment services manager from the National Apprenticeship Service (pictured) spoke to the audience about the new Traineeship offer and the remaining Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) that can provide £1,500 subsidy towards recruitment costs.

Jakki Lovewell from Stafforce Apprenticeship Academy launched the new partnership between Brinsworth Academy of Engineering and Stafforce ATA, which allows employers to utilise a dedicated recruitment service for employers who cannot increase direct head count but have a need to recruit apprentices.

The final presentation was made by Mark Scanlan, training and environmental officer at Koyo Bearings (Europe) Ltd based in Barnsley. Mark outlined how apprentices have had a positive impact on his business and the bespoke service that he had received from Brinsworth Academy of Engineering to help him achieve a structured training and development plan.

Paul Reeves, business development director for Brinsworth Academy said: "This was a great event, we were very pleased with the range of employers that were in attendance and lots of them were reasonably new to the apprenticeship system. As a result, a number of the employers are very keen to offer vacancies or work placements to young people.

"Over 40 businesses such as Sheffield Forgemasters, Nifty Lift, Premier Foods Hovis, Symington's and Toyoda Gosei attended the event. By working closely with those employers and the educational system we are confident that as a sector we can make positive strides to continue to develop the next generation of engineers.

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News: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering joins forces with Stafforce

Leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, has joined forces with Rotherham's specialist recruiter, Stafforce, to launch an Apprentice Training Agency.

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering underwent a restructure recently but continues to focus on its successful divisions of education, workforce development, apprenticeships and commercial recruitment.

The academy hopes to see more employers take on apprenticeships via this service and utilise the offer using the new-style delivery of apprenticeship training in the engineering sector.

The training premises at Templeborough boast an extensively equipped machine shop along with specialist equipment for Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Electronics, PLC, Instrumentation & Control, CAD CAM and Rapid Prototyping.

Acting as a recruitment agency, the ATA hires out apprentices to "host" employers, matching a suitable apprentice to the organisation's requirements.  Employing the apprentice directly through the ATA is a major benefit to employers, as they will be able to appoint apprentices who have been pre-vetted for their suitability, eliminating the costly recruitment process. It also provides support for the company through managing the apprentices' wages, holidays and any training they may need.

Paul Reeves, business development director for Brinsworth Academy (pictured above, left with Jakki Lovewell, head of Stafforce ATA), said: "We are pleased to be able to add to our apprenticeship offer through this route. The skills and expertise apprentices bring to businesses is vital to the local and wider economy."

Paul Brammer, director of services at Stafforce, added: "We're looking forward to developing a strategic partnership with Brinsworth Engineering Academy and working together to help engineering businesses in the Yorkshire area benefit from apprenticeships and engage with new talent."

Employers are invited to hear more about the offer at a breakfast event at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering on July 3. A keynote speech at the event will be given by Lindsay Middleton, national manager (North) of SEMTA. This will be followed with an overview of the ATA by Jakki Lovewell, head of Stafforce Apprentice Academy, Wayne Miller, employer services manager at the National Apprenticeship Service, and a question and answer session with employer Koyo Bearings Europe.

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering website
Stafforce website

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News: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering restructure

Rotherham-based Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, has initiated a process of restructuring the company around its core of apprenticeships and training delivery.

A leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, its training premises at Templeborough boast an extensively equipped machine shop along with specialist equipment for Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Electronics, PLC, Instrumentation & Control, CAD CAM and Rapid Prototyping.

The restructure involves a "consolidation of the management team and the streamlining of contract delivery processes" and the company said it will "work towards increasing their profitability and continue to provide a quality service for existing, returning and new employers that are developing their workforce."

The focus will continue to be on its existing, successful divisions of education, workforce development, apprenticeships and commercial recruitment.

In April, Brinsworth Academy of Engineering joined forces with TSL Recruitment and launched a new division Brinsworth Recruitment Services offering temporary, permanent and site service recruitment to the engineering sector.

Mick Crossley, managing director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, said: "The company is ahead of its financial performance from last year and has seen an increase in apprenticeship numbers for the last three years. The company will continue to build on this success in the months to come.

"We are building the basis of a long term sustainable business with ambitious plans for the future. With a restructured organisation, we will have a manageable overhead base that will allow us to make the necessary investments in machinery and technology to meet the needs of industry."

Brinsworth Training rebranded to Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in January 2012 and is now wholly owned by Managing Director Mick Crossley. His fellow director Paul Reeves joined the organisation in April 2010.

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News: Awards for next generation of engineers

Rotherham-based engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, recently held their Annual Employer and Learner Awards.

The event at Magna Science Adventure Centre showcased both apprentices and employers alike paying tribute to their continued hard work and dedication.

Guest speakers included Sarah Champion MP, the Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham and Wayne Miller from the National Apprenticeship Service.


There are over 250 apprentices currently in training with the Templeborough academy. All are following a training framework developed with the engineering industry sector, which includes attainment of a vocational qualification, a technical certificate and specified key skills.

Conner Wild of C B Kaymich & Co Limited (pictured) was named Level 2 - Apprentice of the Year with Joe Pantin of Davy Markham named Level 3 - Apprentice of the Year.

Daniel Poultney of Kostal UK picked up the Special Achievement Award and Alex Montisci of Eldon Tool & Engineering was given an Award of Excellence.

Employer of the Year was Davy Markham and Mick Marriott of Brinsworth Academy of Engineering was named Assessor/Trainer of the Year.

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, said: "We saw some extremely promising young engineers win awards that we are very proud to say they started their careers with our academy and with our on-going support we will continue to make a positive difference to the encouraging developments across the sector."

Mick Crossley, managing director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, added: "I would like to congratulate all of the nominees and winners and encourage them to celebrate and acknowledge their own success that they have achieved during their time here at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering."

Sponsors on the night included Koyo Bearings (Europe) Ltd, Institute of Mechanical Engineers, AESSEAL, SMC International, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems and Mondelez International.

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News: Apprentices work for Newburgh

With apprenticeships at the heart of the business, precision engineering company, Newburgh, has just enjoyed a record year and December was its best ever in terms of orders and production.

With a state of the art facility at Templeborough, Newburgh is a specialist contract manufacturer of component parts and assemblies for the nuclear, defence, oil and gas, petrochemical, aerospace and power generation industries.

The firm has recently signed off four of its Rotherham team who have completed their four-year apprenticeships.

Luke Thickett, Matt Hall, Tom Allison and John Hannam completed their advanced apprenticeships having spent one year at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, followed by a further three being closely mentored in production.

The apprentices got to work on projects such as manufacturing the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) gearbox casings for use in the Bloodhound SSC supercar that aims to break the world land speed record by achieving the supersonic speed of 1,000mph.

Andy Millward, apprentice training manager at Newburgh, said: "I'm proud of the apprentices - it's rewarding to see how they've developed, arriving fresh from school and now they're skilled engineers. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment on their side, and a lot of time and investment on ours – and it's really worth it."

Newburgh is well known for its part in the promotion of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) to the schools around their two sites at Rotherham and Bradwell, Hope Valley. It also co-founded the innovative work-wise programme that helps young people gain the work ready skills they need in order to take up apprenticeships and jobs.

Chairman Vincent Middleton is the third generation Middleton to run Newburgh, and developed the four-year apprenticeship after failing to recruit the highly skilled engineers the company needed to sustain their future. This advanced apprenticeship, developed with Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, has since won several awards, and is the apprenticeship of choice for many other engineering SME's across the region.

Last year, Ed Middleton, the great grandson of Newburgh founder, Isaac Middleton, successfully achieved an advanced apprenticeship at the firm.

87% of Newburgh's 140 staff were apprentice-trained, with over half of those trained by Newburgh itself, including managing director David Greenan. 25 apprentices are currently in place and recruitment is underway for six additional Advanced Apprentices.

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News: Engineering students learn at cutting edge with B. Braun

A team of students from Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in Rotherham learned at the cutting edge with a tour of B. Braun Medical Ltd in Sheffield.

As part of a Prince's Trust initiative, the students and academy lead tutor Peter Wooding visited its purpose-built showcase facility which repairs, services and maintains the precision surgical instruments and medical equipment the company provides to hospitals throughout the UK.

The Prince's Trust runs "Get into" courses for young unemployed adults which includes a visit to an employer in their area of interest. Participants from Brinsworth Academy who visited B. Braun Medical Ltd as part of their "Get into Engineering" programme were given a short presentation introducing the company as well as a tour demonstrating B. Braun products and the engineering skills required to repair and maintain them.

Andrew Pritchard, technical services operations manager at B. Braun, said: "Our technical services building enables us to provide excellence in technical innovation, education and support solutions for the healthcare organisations that we work with, in particular the NHS.

"Brinsworth Academy asked B. Braun Medical Ltd to provide the employer experience on the grounds that our company is cutting edge, both in terms of the facility and the engineering we undertake.

"We were very pleased to be able to show the students around and hope it inspires them to further explore the world of – and career opportunities involved in - engineering."

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, added: "We were delighted to see the involvement of an organisation the size and scope of B. Braun Medical Ltd in this programme.

"It was a great opportunity to demonstrate how employers can get directly involved with our training facility and it also provided a fascinating and educational experience for the learners to find out about the intricate and technical side of modern engineering."

Paul has recently been shortlisted for Sales Director of the Year Award by The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (ISMM), an individual award for directors responsible for creating and delivering sales strategy.

Paul said: "To be shortlisted for this National award is a great accolade, to be in an awards ceremony that includes sales staff from major brands such as Sky, Virgin, and DHL speaks volumes for what we have achieved here at the Academy."

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B. Braun Medical website

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News: Record numbers at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

Record numbers of young apprentices are being trained for skilled engineering jobs at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in Rotherham, assisting in generating sustainable employment with some of the largest employers in the region.

The Tembleborough centre has generated 150 vacancies so far for young people in 2012 and has over 280 learners currently on a three year long training programme to become skilled engineers.

Brinsworth Training rebranded to Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in January 2012 and is now wholly owned by Managing Director Mick Crossley. His fellow director Paul Reeves joined the organisation in April 2010.

The team works closely with key employers in the region such as Firth Rixson, AESSEAL, Newburgh Engineering, Premier Foods, Kraft Foods and many others.

Its training premises boast an extensively equipped machine shop along with specialist equipment for Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Electronics, PLC, Instrumentation & Control, CAD CAM and Rapid Prototyping.

Cllr. Gerald Smith, the cabinet member for Regeneration and Development at Rotherham Council recently toured the site. He said: "Some of the largest employers have seen significant improvements in the quality of the apprentices that have been entering the industry and a major factor in all of that has to be aligned to Brinsworth Academy of Engineering.

"We are seeing some of our major engineering companies such as Newburgh Engineering, AESSEAL, MTL Group and Darron SBO, benefit from what is a forward thinking and engaging organisation that is passionate about developing youth employment within such an important industry sector."

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, added: "We have worked hard to develop a training company that meets the needs of industry; we have done that by including employers in some of our major decision making processes and curriculum development. We are delighted that Cllr Smith has seen first-hand the important part we are playing in the economy."

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News: MTL apprentice recognised at prestigious awards

Yaser Rauf from Rotherham contract manufacturing specialist, MTL Group has been named as Advanced Apprentice of the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber at the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards and National Training Awards 2012.

The National Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the achievements of the country's most outstanding Apprenticeship employers and their apprentices. The winners were announced at a high profile awards ceremony organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, at Leeds College of Music earlier this month.

Yaser is currently in his final year of his apprenticeship to become a qualified Mechanical Engineer and has received training at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in Templeborough. He said: "The National Apprenticeship award evening was a great success for myself and my employer, MTL Group Ltd.

"Undertaking an apprenticeship has given me a fantastic opportunity to advance my career into engineering. The support I have been given from my employer has motivated me to play a vital role within the company.

"I am looking forward to my next challenge at The NEC in Birmingham where I hope to win the National Apprentice Award title."

Yaser has also won the SMC International Award earlier this year in recognition of his success at an aerospace manufacturing company.

Anita Adams, HR Manager at MTL, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Yaser won this award. Yaser is a very dedicated young man and this award commends his ability to apply himself in a professional manner.

"We understand, as a business, the value apprentices add to industry and have invested significantly in this area and we were delighted that Yaser has been recognised for his hard work and contribution. He is a shining example to all our apprentices and sets the benchmark for the future."

MTL Group is one of Europe's fastest growing project manufacturing specialists in the metal sector and is a global supplier of secondary steelwork. It works with a global blue-chip customer base in the defence, construction equipment, rail and off-shore wind energy sectors.

Moving to a £5m, 300,00 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Brinsworth in 2011, MTL currently has around 380 employees, 22 of these are apprentices.

Sue Price, divisional area director for the North at the National Apprenticeship Service, said: "This year's awards were a terrific showcase of the outstanding wealth of talent that we have across Yorkshire and the Humber.

"Given the volume and high calibre of entries we received, I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Yaser Rauf for this superb achievement. They are a testament to the many benefits Apprenticeships and training bring to businesses, allowing employers to tap into new raw talent, up-skill their staff and grow."

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News: Koyo enters new era with Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

The Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in Rotherham has helped the first three new trainee engineers complete their new "ERA" apprenticeship programme at Barnsley employer Koyo Bearings Europe.

The new ERA apprenticeship programme was developed in South Yorkshire and is designed to create a highly skilled breed of young engineers. The Templeborough training company took matters into its own hands, after local manufacturing and engineering employers advised that they were finding it extremely difficult to recruit skilled staff of the right calibre.

Mark Scanlan, training officer and apprenticeship project leader at Koyo Bearings Europe said: "We recognised some time ago how important it was to invest in training our own apprentices to ensure that they have the skills and abilities to enable us to contribute to future development of the organisation.

"With the ERA programme, Apprentices spend longer at the Academy of Engineering developing the required skills to make them more effective in their roles. The aim is that when they join a company like ours they are already well on the way to being productive and can make a difference from the start of their employment."

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, added: "This programme is modelled on the traditional EITB model that was successful many years ago, but of course we have added a modern slant by including disciplines such as CAD/CAM and CNC Machining and maintenance techniques.

"More and more employers are looking at the ERA programme as a worthwhile investment in their future workforce and we are seeing some excellent young people progress from the Academy into a successful career in engineering."

Bearing manufacturer, Koyo has already committed to have a further three ERA apprentices to join the company in 2013.

Koyo Bearings Europe website

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering website

Images: Koyo / Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

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News: Royal recognition for Beatson Clark apprentice

Matt Lee, an engineering apprentice at Beatson Clark in Rotherham attended a prestigious event in London to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Matt was one of around 700 invited guests from all over the UK whose profession was represented by one of the different Livery Companies taking part in the lunch held on June 5 at Westminster Hall.

The invitation to have lunch with the Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry meant a second visit to the capital for Matt in the space of six months.

In November he attended a dinner at The Mansion House in London to receive the Apprentice of the Year award from the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Michael Bear, and Martin Scarth, Master of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers.

Matt Lee, apprentice at Beatson Clark, said: "It was a great honour and a privilege to be invited. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Now based on Greasborough Road, Beatson Clark has been making glass in South Yorkshire for 260 years. They are currently undergoing an ivestment programme that involves both new machinery and new apprentices.

Matt completed 14 weeks of basic engineering training at Brinsworth Training in Rotherham before joining Beatson Clark last year.

The internal training programme lasts from 12 to 18 months and covers every aspect of the business, from glass making, packaging and quality procedures to sales, marketing, accounting and customer relations.

Matt is pictured (right) with Vivian Bendall, Master of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers.

Beatson Clark website

Brinsworth Academy of Training website

Images: Beatson Clark

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News: Support for young engineers in Rotherham

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering is working with local engineering company Arnold Wragg Ltd to successfully offer career opportunities to young engineers across a range of employment projects.

The academy is a leading engineering and manufacturing training provider with over 250 apprentices currently in training at their Templeborough site.

A supplier of fasteners and turned parts, Arnold Wragg Ltd in Sheffield is part of the Specialist Technologies Aerospace Group (STAG), an international group with operations in UK, France and the USA which specialising in the supply management of aerospace components, parts and equipment.

Although relatively new to the modern apprenticeship scheme the company has been fortunate to have experience some very positive results, scooping the Employer of the Year Award in addition to their apprentice Yaser Rauf winning the SMC Award of Excellence at this year's Brinsworth Academy of Engineering Annual Employer and Learner Awards.

The organisation has also successfully engaged in working with an ex-offender programme offering a learner who had already undergone an NVQ level 1 at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering a position within Arnold Wragg Ltd as a full time apprentice.

Paul Brunton, production manager at Arnold Wragg, said: "Arnold Wragg is very proud to be in the position to offer these opportunities and sees the challenge as a positive with rewards to be gained by each party involved."

John Edwards, quality manager at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, added: "We are delighted to be able to work with Arnold Wragg Ltd on delivering sustainable employment for young people and the impact that they have had on the learners is rewarding to see, committed employers make a real difference to successful apprenticeships."

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering website

Images: brinsworthtraining.co.uk

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News: Celebration and recognition for engineering talent

Rotherham-based engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, recently held their Annual Employer and Learner Awards.

The evening, which was headline sponsored by MTL Group and held at the Magna Science and Adventure Centre, saw over 190 guests enjoy an evening of celebration and recognition for some of the region's finest young engineering talent.

The night was also host to the Award of Excellence, sponsored by SMC International Training which was won by 21 year old engineer Yaser Rauf (pictured, left) of Arnold Wragg Ltd.

The award was presented by Martin Bevan, Business Manager at SMC International who explained why they are involved with the awards: "We were delighted to be involved in the awards and it is good to see talented young engineers getting into the limelight. This can only be good for the region as it needs so many more engineers!"

Other winners on the night included Jonathan Cheeseman of Davy Markham who won the Special Achievement Award, Luke Rayner of Edward Pryor & Sons who won the Level 2 Learner of the Year and Daniel Houchin of Newburgh Engineering who won the Level 3 Learner of the Year. Arnold Wragg Ltd won the Employer of the Year Award

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, said: "We are delighted to see such a showcase of young talent coming through the system, it is a great credit to the learners, our own training team and of course the employers that are supporting them through this critical part of their careers."

There are over 250 apprentices currently in training with the Templeborough academy. All are following a training framework developed with the engineering industry sector, which includes attainment of a vocational qualification, a technical certificate and specified key skills.

Other sponsors for the awards also included Newburgh Engineering, AESSEAL, IMechE, and Oxley and Coward Solicitors.

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering website

Images: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

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