News: Auction at liquidated training firm

An auction is taking place today at Brinsworth Training's premises in Rotherham after the well-established training firm went into liquidation.

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.

A meeting of members and creditors was held in December to discuss the proposed liquidation of the business under the supervision of Gareth Rusling and Ashleigh Fletcher of business advisers Begbies Traynor in Sheffield.

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The advisers at Begbies Traynor were subsequently appointed as liquidators and Ellis Willis & Becket auctioneers were brought in to recover revenue for the creditors by selling off everything from swivel chairs to CNC machines.

The business advisers said that the business experienced falling revenues leading to cash flow problems making it unviable to continue trading.

Documents filed at Companies House show that the company had a deficit of some £400,000. Preferential creditors - the staff and redundancy office, and NatWest Bank are owed £26,000 each. Unsecured non-preferential claims include a £147,000 tax bill from HMRC and £100,000 from employees and the Redundancy Payments Office.

With £125,000 owed to trade creditors, the biggest bill is for Tata Steel, whose site the training academy was based.

In 1995 the EITB (Engineering Industry Training Board) closed down, leaving a great need for apprenticeships training. Three former employees of the EITB recognising the demand for this knowledge and in 1998 seeing there was a niche in the marketplace formed a centre for training in engineering. Brinsworth Training was wholly owned by managing director Mick Crossley, a former Rolls-Royce manufacturing engineer, and worked with many of the region's top firms such as Firth Rixson, AESSEAL, Premier Foods, KP and Safestyle.

In 2014, the Academy of Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence (AMEE) was established at the centre with the target of training up to 800 young people and placing 300 jobless into apprenticeships.

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News: Rotherham training business to close

Rotherham-based Brinsworth Training has ceased trading after experiencing falling revenues.

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.

A meeting of members and creditors is due to be held in respect of Brinsworth Training Ltd of Sheffield Road, Rotherham, on 6 December 2016 to discuss the proposed liquidation of the business under the supervision of Gareth Rusling and Ashleigh Fletcher of business advisers Begbies Traynor in Sheffield.

A statement via the business advisers said that the business experienced falling revenues leading to cash flow problems making it unviable to continue trading.

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The shareholders will vote on a resolution to place the business into a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) and the chosen liquidators will then seek to recover revenue for the creditors by marketing the business' assets, which is mainly engineering equipment used for training purposes.

The business has already ceased trading with all 15 staff having been made redundant. The apprentices being supported, mainly through the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), will be found alternative trainers by the SFA.

In 1995 the EITB (Engineering Industry Training Board) closed down, leaving a great need for apprenticeships training. Three former employees of the EITB recognising the demand for this knowledge and in 1998 seeing there was a niche in the marketplace formed a centre for training in engineering. Brinsworth Training was wholly owned by managing director Mick Crossley, a former Rolls-Royce manufacturing engineer, and worked with many of the region's top firms such as Firth Rixson, AESSEAL, Premier Foods, KP and Safestyle.

In 2014, the Academy of Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence (AMEE) was established with the target of training up to 800 young people and placing 300 jobless into apprenticeships.

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News: Apprenticeships levy on the way

The Government has outlined plans to increase the number of quality apprenticeships across England and launched consultation on how it plans to raise funds from a levy on large employers.

The aim is for three million new apprenticeships to be created by 2020 and the control of funding is being placed in the hands of employers via a digital apprenticeships voucher. Following consultation, a levy is set to be introduced in 2017 and is designed to increase investment in training and apprenticeships.

The proposal is for apprenticeship levy funding to only be used to support apprenticeship training and assessment with registered providers to ensure quality. The Government believes that firms that are committed to training will be able to get back more than they put in.

Also announced are requirements to take a company's apprenticeship offer into account when awarding large government contracts and publishing new "industry standards" so that apprentices have the skills that companies need.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The greatest asset any employer has is their workforce. And by investing in them, they are investing in the success and future of their business.

"As a one nation government, we are committed to supporting three million quality apprenticeships over the next five years – to help strengthen our economy, deliver the skills that employers need and give millions more hardworking people financial security and a brighter future."

In Rotherham, demand continues for high quality apprentices in the manufacturing and engineering sector.

The AMRC Training Centre is currently training more than 400 people aged from 16. Part of the The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, apprentices at the £20.5m centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) have opportunities to progress on to postgraduate courses, doctorates and MBA levels. Sponsoring companies range from global leaders such as Rolls-Royce and Tata Steel to local high-tech supply-chain companies.

Dan Swift, programme manager at the AMRC Training Centre, said: "Due to continual high demand from local employers and candidates wanting to use the AMRC Training Centre this year, we have recruited more trainers to cope with the response and offer further recruitment opportunities across all five of our engineering and business services pathways that commence from September 2015.

"We have also added a second intake for apprentices in October 2015, giving aspiring apprentices and prospective employers alike, additional time to take advantage of this amazing opportunity."

All throughout next week (24-27 August) between 10am and 2pm, the AMRC Training Centre is holding an open week and encouraging anyone looking at progressing into an apprenticeship to come and visit the centre's state-of-the-art training facilities and meet with staff and current apprentices.

Also in Rotherham, Brinsworth Training has seen an impressive 60% increase in apprenticeship starts in the 14/15 financial year. With state of the art facilities at Templeborough, the centre provides specialist engineering training to learners and employers across the Sheffield City Region.

Jen Bramley, operations director at Brinsworth Training, said: "In my first year at Brinsworth Training I have restructured the organisation and dramatically changed the training offered to both employers and young people to ensure that we are providing flexible employer led training, responding to industry innovations and technological advancements with increased flexibility.

"In addition to the growth, Brinsworth Training has applied a strong focus on quality improvement which has seen us significantly increase both overall and timely success of learners on apprenticeship programmes, ensuring a quality service for both employers and young people, enabling us to boast success rates well above the national average."

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News: Work-wise Innovation Challenge

Schools and companies from across the Sheffield city region are joining together to showcase how important innovation is to the manufacturing and engineering sector.

The work-wise programme was developed in partnership with a number of manufacturing and engineering companies in response to their concerns that not enough young people are attracted to the sector as well as not having the basic work ready skills to take up apprenticeships and jobs.

The work-wise Innovation Challenge, an annual event, has been running since 2010. This year's challenge has 12 companies each setting a problem for a group of students from local schools where they work on a design, research and manufacturing problem for the company.

Students from Wales High School in Rotherham will be taking on a challenge set by Newburgh Precision's apprentice training manager, Pete Kerfoot to invent, design and manufacture and marketing outline a portable health and safety kit.

Based at Templeborough, Newburgh Precision has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components. Customers come from the UK and around the globe, in the nuclear, defence, oil and gas, petrochemical, aerospace and power generation industries.

The students will work with Newburgh Precision's team to develop the kit to be suitable, practicable and as cost efficient as possible.  Designing something that is specific to the needs of the company as the off-the-shelf products that are already in the marketplace do not fully support all the company’s requirements.

Eight Year 10 students from Brinsworth Comprehensive School in Rotherham will be taking on a challenge set by Brinsworth Training's Keith Thacker to carry out testing methods on different metal and materials strengths.

With state of the art facilities at Templeborough, specialist and bespoke engineering training is provided to leading local firms including AESSEAL, KP, Kostal and Premier Foods.

The group of future female engineers have been tasked with producing a method of testing the strengths of various metals. This design will be used by the tutoring staff of Brinsworth Training in the teaching of their current apprenticeship students.

The schools will come together at the end of three months to present their projects at a finals day at the annual Get up to Speed with Engineering and Manufacturing showcase event at Magna in Rotherham on April 22 2015.

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News: Brinsworth Training apprentices join Alcoa

Rotherham-based Brinsworth Training has worked successfully with US firm, Alcoa to support 14 new engineering apprentices at its two former Firth Rixson sites in Sheffield.


In November, lightweight metals leader, Alcoa completed the acquisition of Firth Rixson, a global leader in aerospace jet engine components, in a deal worth £1.7 billion. The company recently secured a deal to supply Boeing with aluminum sheet and plate products in a multiyear contract valued at more than $1 billion.

The apprentices are currently undergoing up to 14 weeks of intensive, basic training at Brinsworth Training in Rotherham. With state of the art facilities at Templeborough, specialist and bespoke engineering training is provided to leading local firms including AESSEAL, KP, Kostal and Premier Foods.

Nine apprentices are based at the Meadowhall site and are being trained in machine operations and computer-controlled systems. Three apprentices at Ecclesfield will work in laboratories in the technical department.

Jen Bramley, operations director of Brinsworth Training, said: "As the manufacturing industry's fortunes are turned around they need staff with the right skills to carry out the work.

"And young people need the skills to do the jobs out there; so apprenticeships are a great way to marry the needs of both school leavers and industry."

After hearing about the Introduction 2 Engineering pilot run through the Academy of Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence (AMEE), 17-year-old Joseph Askham approached Brinsworth Training and spent eight weeks in the training centre learning bench fitting and engineering maintenance techniques.

AMEE delivers solutions identified by local employers to address sector skill and staff shortages. Part-funded by the government's Employer Ownership Fund, AMEE runs until 2017 and has a strategic advisory board made up of more than 20 employers from the engineering and manufacturing sector. It has a target of training up to 800 young people and placing 300 jobless into apprenticeships.

Joseph was also given support with interview techniques and CV and profile writing, before being offered the apprenticeship and is now studying for a level 3 qualification in mechanical engineering, initially at Brinsworth Training, before moving to spend more time at Alcoa.

Jo Banks, HR advisor at Alcoa, said: "What we look for in apprentice is someone with the aptitude and enthusiasm to do the job. Then we need to work closely with them to gain the skills and knowledge, which is why it is so good to have Brinsworth Training as a partner."

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News: Brinsworth Training fills skills gaps for manufacturers

More than 100 companies have signed up to the Academy of Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence (AMEE), a scheme operated by Brinsworth Training in Rotherham.

With state of the art facilities at Templeborough, the training company has again taken matters into its own hands to ensure that training meets the needs of employers in the Sheffield City Region. Part-funded by the government's Employer Ownership Fund, AMEE runs until 2017 and has a strategic advisory board made up of more than 20 employers from the engineering and manufacturing sector.

AMEE has a target of training up to 800 young people and placing 300 jobless into apprenticeships. In its first eight months the academy has found apprenticeships for 63 unemployed youngsters and has training completed or in the pipeline for more than 40 staff at more than 20 firms.

Employers who have signed up include Ronseal, Cutting & Wear, Firth Rixson, Toyoda Gosei and Robson Handling Technology. The companies can access subsidised training under the scheme, which is aimed at delivering training that cannot be found elsewhere.

Jen Spendlove, operations director of Brinsworth Training (pictured), said: "The training is bespoke in each case. It might be that a company has an employee who knows how to use one piece of equipment, but not another. And rather than sending them on a big course which doesn't really cover what they want and has all the costs in time and money, we can organise the niche training they need.

"That way it literally fills the skills gaps that can hold companies back. But it is not just for the shopfloor, it can also cover training for managers where they have gaps in knowledge, perhaps in exporting or identifying new markets."

Jason Sharland, production manager at Robson Handling Technology, which makes conveyor belt systems for sectors including airports and manufacturing, has two apprentices undertaking training under the AMEE scheme.

Jason said: "Being able to access tailor-made training at a reduced cost is a great help to us. It means we can upskill or multi-skill staff much more easily than we could before. That helps with productivity and ultimately the bottom line."

Most of the training is done at the company's own premises, with the Introduction to Engineering taster days for would-be apprentices run at Brinsworth's Rotherham base.

Jen Spendlove added: "We have an impressive engineering and manufacturing sector here in the Sheffield City Region, but we need to make sure we have the skills to keep up in a global market.

"Relying on market solutions to the problem doesn't seem to work but AMEE is about employers being pro-active and finding the solutions themselves."

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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."

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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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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.

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News: Rotherham engineering apprentice achieves industry accolade

The achievements of a budding young Rotherham engineer have been honoured at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Liam Jones, 18, an apprentice at Sheffield's DavyMarkham, achieved the Outstanding Achievement by a First Year Apprentice runner-up accolade at EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2011.

The teenager's potential was recognised after he hosted a presentation to four leading engineers from Rolls Royce, EAL Systems and EEF in a Dragon's Den style interview. Liam also had to submit a detailed application showcasing the projects he has worked on and his future ambitions.

Liam, of Sunnyside, Rotherham, said: "I'm really pleased, but shocked to receive a prize especially as there were hundreds of entrants from some of the country's leading manufacturing companies.

"The awards ceremony was really exciting and the atmosphere was brilliant. I'm really enjoying my apprenticeship at DavyMarkham and this is the icing on the cake to my first year with the company.'

Liam's apprenticeship will lead to an NVQ Level 3 in Engineering and he is also studying for a BTEC National Diploma in Engineering at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

He was one of 400 apprentices competing for the award from companies such as Tata Steel, BAE Systems, ITM Power and Ford Aerospace. The awards celebrated apprentices who have seized training and development opportunities to further their careers.

DavyMarkham's apprentice programme, supported by Brinsworth Training in Rotherham, has gone from strength to strength, with 15 currently in training. The apprenticeships, which cost the company £100,000 annually, last between three and four years depending on competence and commitment and the roles include mechanical and electrical maintenance, fabrication and welding, machine shop and production fitting.

Peter Kerfoot, apprentice training manager at DavyMarkham, said: "Liam is an excellent machining apprentice who has done really well and everyone is really proud of him. He has applied himself with an excellent attitude towards his work, other apprentices and supervision. As an apprentice he has made a valuable contribution to the company in his short time at DavyMarkham.

"We get a huge interest in our apprenticeship scheme and the calibre of applications is rising all the time. We are always delighted when our apprentices are recognised for the superb work they do."

Rush Garfitt, a technical metallurgy apprentice at Tata Steel's Rotherham site was named as the winner of the EEF "First Year Apprentice of the Year" award at this year's Northern final.

Davy Markham website
RCAT website
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News: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

Leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Training in Rotherham, will re-open its doors in the New Year as the "Brinsworth Academy of Engineering."

The brand change reflects the progressive development that the company has made over the last 24 months in becoming the leading provider of engineering apprenticeship training in the region.

The change comes from months of research and discussion not only with local employers but also with the assistance and specialist advice from Sheffield Hallam University students.

Mick Crossley, managing director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, said: "We have seen a tremendous amount of support from the employers in the area to develop our decision of moving forward with an academy brand, the name now reflects what we do and epitomises our desire to become a World class centre of excellence for individuals working within the engineering sector."

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, added: "It's important that we address the changing landscape for engineering employers and the Academy is now strategically placed to meet the future needs of the sector."

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering will be holding an open day for employers at their Templeborough base on February 9 2012 as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

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News: Master Cutler visits Rotherham apprentices

The recently-elected Master Cutler, Pamela Liversidge OBE, has visited Brinsworth Training in Rotherham to meet with apprentices that are undertaking vocational training to become the engineers of the future.

The leading engineering and manufacturing training provider works with the region's top companies including Firth Rixson, AESSEAL and Newburgh Engineering.

The Master Cutler said: "I was impressed by what I saw at Brinsworth. As this region attracts more investment, our requirement for apprentices of the sort I saw today will grow. We must continue to focus providing the right skills for the future and I commend Brinsworth for their very effective approach."

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Training said: "We are delighted that The Master was able to allow us time from her hectic schedule and was able to see so many young people that are being given an opportunity to begin their careers in the engineering industry by working through our apprenticeship programme."

During her visit to Templeborough, The Master Cutler, accompanied by Consort Doug Liversidge CBE, met a number of learners who are developing the crucial skills that Pamela herself used during her career as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, including meeting the latest batch of female learners that have recently taken roles the engineering sector.

During a career of almost forty years in heavy industry, Pamela worked in manufacturing, including four years creating her own business to manufacture specialist metal powders by atomisation, in addition to five years as a senior executive in the electricity industry during its privatisation. In the 1999 New Year's Honours List, she was awarded the OBE for her services to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The Cutlers' Company was established by a parliamentary Act of Incorporation in 1624 and for almost four hundred years has sought to maintain the standards and quality of Sheffield manufactured cutlery and steel products and to promote the name of Sheffield.

Paul added: "We fully support the work of The Cutlers Company and embrace their commitment to apprenticeships, we have seen a significant rise in not only the amount of young people that want to enter the sector of engineering but also a healthy appetite from employers who want to create real job opportunities for apprentices."

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News: Brinsworth Training delivers for SOVA Ltd

Leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Training has successfully delivered a pioneering engineering training programme with local charity group SOVA Ltd.

The latest group of graduates recently completed their "Entry to Engineering" course at the Templeborough company and are now looking at furthering their training.

Supporting some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society SOVA has been working to transform lives and improve communities for more than 35 years. SOVA is the leading national voluntary organisation for recruiting, training and managing volunteer mentors to work to promote social inclusion and within the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales.

Mark Willoughby, project manager for SOVA Yorkshire and Humber Offender Partnership, which is part financed by the European Union, said: "Employment is one of the most important factors in reducing re-offending. SOVA has worked to build communities where everyone has the chance to fulfil their potential for many years and we believe that with the right support everyone can change their lives for the better.

"By working with local communities we can find long term solutions to disadvantage and crime and our partnership with Brinsworth Training allows us to be responsive to the needs of the local economy to the benefit of individuals and the whole community. We can help to fill skills gaps whilst giving people support to stay away from crime and the chance to make a fresh start."

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Training, added: "We are delighted to be able to work with SOVA on the Entry to Engineering programme and the impact that the course has had on the learners is rewarding to see. These individuals have illustrated their desire to develop a set of skills and are now looking to further their training up to an NVQ standard in order to successfully gain employment."

The project is funded until December 2011 and the growth of SOVA over the last decade has been substantial. The organisation is determined to continue to offer its services to a wide constituency of partners in order to positively impact on local communities and assist in the reduction of crime.

SOVA website
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News: Promotion at Brinsworth Training

Leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Training recently announced the promotion of Philip Upton to Business Services Manager as he takes on the role to head up their service delivery to employers following their growing presence in South Yorkshire.

Philip is an established engineer having worked for over 30 years in the private sector and also has a strong understanding of apprenticeship funding following his work for a number of years in Further Education at Stannington College.

Mick Crossley, managing director at Brinsworth Training said: "We congratulate Philip on his new position within the company. Philip will strategically work alongside the business development team and also the senior management team to ensure that we maintain a solid reputation in South Yorkshire for delivering effective, pragmatic and professional engineering training services that meet the needs of local business."

Philip added: "Brinsworth Training is one of the UK's leading training providers and offers bespoke courses to meet the needs of the employer or the individual. This new role will ensure that the training we deliver meets the technological advances within the engineering and manufacturing industry."

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News: Another New ERA begins in Rotherham

A group of eight new trainee engineers have completed an in depth training programme as part of the "New ERA" apprenticeship programme, developed in South Yorkshire.

Rotherham's Newburgh Engineering and Kostal UK in Barnsley have worked with Brinsworth Training to pioneer a new approach to Apprenticeships, which is designed to create a highly skilled breed of young engineers. The Rotherham training company took matters into its own hands, after the two employers advised that they were finding it extremely difficult to recruit skilled staff of the right calibre.

Vincent Middleton, managing director of Newburgh Engineering, 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 this region's reputation for precision engineering on an international scale.

"With the New Era programme, Apprentices spend longer with the training provider learning the required skills to make them more effective in their roles, whilst removing the need for day release. 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, for the benefit of everyone."

The ERA (Employer Ready Apprenticeship)programme is a hybrid of the Advanced Apprenticeship framework, which includes the current Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) (Levels 2 and 3), combined with the Technical Certificate and Key Skills. For this, they attend for a 42 week period at Brinsworth Training in Templeborough.

The programme has already seen 24 young people complete the programme and progress into full time employment and mirrors the previous tradition of engineers spending a year long period in a training school.

Philip Upton, business services manager at Brinsworth Training said: "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.

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

The training company already have two further ERA groups fully committed to start before the end of the year.

Newburgh Engineering website
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