News: Cadets gain insight into industry at Tata Steel

Tata Steel's speciality steel business in South Yorkshire has recruited 13 students into an innovative programme that provides the first step into a career in engineering.

The students, from the University Technology College (UTC) in Sheffield have joined the Tata Steel Industrial Cadets programme.

Beginning with Tata Steel and the backing of the Prince of Wales in Redcar, the pilot project aimed to give young people an insight into industry and manufacturing and to raise awareness of local career opportunities. It has since been expanded and now includes firms such as Airbus, BAE Systems and Nissan.

As part of the programme, which lasts 12 months, students spend two hours a week taking part in hands on activities at Tata Steel sites or at the UTC Sheffield.

Opened last year and led by a steering group of employers, the UTC is helping to shape the future workforce for two of the region's key sectors - advanced engineering and manufacturing, and creative and digital media.

The cadets will be introduced to various aspects of business including engineering, manufacturing, design, sales, marketing and finance. They will visit the steelworks and take part in hands-on workshops and learning activities that support their curriculum.

The programme is delivered by Tata Steel staff, and the students have to apply to join it. On successful completion, students are guaranteed an interview for an apprenticeship at Tata Steel so long as they are on course to achieve their GCSEs.

Nick Crew, principal at the UTC Sheffield, said: "We are delighted that Tata Steel is supporting UTC Sheffield. We provide our students with a well rounded education comprising traditional academic and technical qualifications. Support from employers is integral to preparing our students for the world of work, and developing their skills and future prospects for careers and university."

Tony Goddard, lead training advisor, Tata Steel,added: "Exposing young people to the types of experiences and activities involved in the industrial cadet scheme prepares them for potential careers in our industries. This not only gives the students an exclusive advantage, but also gives future employers an applicant who has a very good understanding of industry and associated careers."

2013 saw 30 apprentices begin their training at Tata Steel Speciality Steels in South Yorkshire, the largest intake in three years. Apprentice and graduate recruitment restarted for Tata Steel in South Yorkshire in 2010 following large scale restructuring in 2009.

Over 2,000 people are employed by the Indian-owned company in South Yorkshire where sites like Stocksbridge and Aldwarke in Rotherham, focus on exceptional high-value products and sectors.

Tata Steel website
UTC Sheffield website

Images: UTC Sheffield

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News: Royal visit to region

His Royal Highness (HRH) The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO has visited Inditherm in Rotherham to see its innovative range of products.

Prince Richard, The Queen's cousin, visited the company's headquarters at Manvers before going on to officially open the University Technical College (UTC) Sheffield.

AIM-listed Inditherm has developed products using low voltage carbon polymer technology to provide heat. Its systems are used for patients undergoing operations which carry risk of inadvertent hypothermia and in neonatal wards. It is also used in industrial applications such as keeping pipes at a set temperature.

CosyTherm uses the low voltage carbon polymer technology to help prevent hypothermia in new born babies. The systems are already highly popular in the UK and used in almost half of all NHS neonatal units, with that number still growing. The product is also gaining increased international recognition, with users in over 30 countries world-wide.

Nick Bettles, CEO of Inditherm, said: "Inditherm is unique in that we are a small UK manufacturing company utilising our own carbon polymer heating technology to manufacture specialist products for the most demanding and diverse markets both at home and around the world. We are delighted to have been able to welcome His Royal Highness to see for himself something of what we are achieving here, both in terms of technological advancement and commercial success."

The UTC, based on Sheffield Council's Porter Brook Site in Sheffield city centre, was the first UTC in Yorkshire to open when the first students began studying at the £9.9m campus in September. It is helping to shape the future workforce for two of the region's key sectors - advanced engineering and manufacturing, and creative and digital media.

His Royal Highness met students and staff during a one-hour tour. Student Daniel Kay, 16, who is studying advanced engineering and manufacturing, demonstrated to His Royal Highness how to make test parts on a computer numerical control (CNC) lathe (pictured). Daniel, who wants to go onto a higher level apprenticeship or university after completing his studies at the UTC Sheffield, said: "It was a great experience. His Royal Highness asked me whether I had programmed the machine software. I explained that my teacher had helped me, and I demonstrated how to test the parts."

Student Thomas Gladwin, 16, also showed His Royal Highness how to set up the CNC milling machines. He said: "I'm very glad I took part today. I'm really enjoying my studies at the UTC and I hope to go onto a higher level apprenticeship or university afterwards."

Nick Crew, principal of the UTC Sheffield, said: "This is a really proud day for all those involved in the UTC project. The official opening marks the end of the successful design and build programme and the start of something really special for the young people of our region."

The UTC application has been sponsored and led by The Sheffield College with Sheffield Hallam University and the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry as co-sponsors but it is effectively led by employers from the relevant sectors within the city region. The UTC Steering Group includes representatives from The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, Newburgh Engineering and Firth Rixson.

The student experience at the UTC is dominated by employer-led projects and supporters include AESSEAL, Darron Tools, Rolls-Royce, PES Ltd and Tata Steel.

Inditherm website
UTC Sheffield website

Images: UTC Sheffield

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News: Newburgh Engineering signs partnership agreement with UTC Sheffield

Newburgh Engineering in Rotherham has signed a partnership agreement with the University Technical College (UTC) Sheffield.

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

The £9.9m UTC Sheffield was the first institution of its kind to open in Yorkshire and the Humber when it opened last month. Its focus is on two of the region's key sectors - advanced engineering and manufacturing, and creative and digital media. GCSEs and A-levels are offered alongside specialist technical courses.

Newburgh has committed to providing industry projects and visits, work experience placements and four guaranteed interviews for its apprenticeship programme to UTC Sheffield students.

David Greenan, managing director at Newburgh Engineering, said: "Advanced engineering is a very vibrant industry but we find it difficult to recruit the skilled workers that we need. We are committed to raising the profile of advanced engineering, and the interesting and rewarding careers that this sector offers.

"Working with the UTC Sheffield will help us to address those challenges, and ensure that young people are work ready, and gain a more rounded education, so that we can address the skills shortages and generate more growth in advanced engineering."

Newburgh currently employs 28 apprentices in total, which is 20% of its workforce. It is also involved in other city region skills initiatives such as the AMRC Training Centre and Work-wise.

The UTC is sponsored by The Sheffield College with Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry as co-sponsors, but it is effectively led by employers within the city region.

Nick Crew, Principal of the UTC Sheffield, said: "The backing of employers is at the heart of everything we do. Their support ensures that our students develop technical skills, as well as gaining traditional academic qualifications, to generate business growth and more jobs."

Newburgh Engineering website
UTC Sheffield website

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News: UTC Sheffield opens for business

Sheffield City Region's new £8.5m University Technical College (UTC) opened to students this week, helping to shape the future workforce for two of the region's key sectors - advanced engineering and manufacturing, and creative and digital media.

The college, based on Sheffield Council's Porter Brook Site in Sheffield city centre, is the first UTC in Yorkshire and one of only 18 across the UK and will eventually have a capacity for 600 students aged 14 to 19.

The UTC is sponsored by The Sheffield College with Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce but it is effectively led by employers from the relevant sectors within the city region. The UTC Steering Group includes representatives from The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, Newburgh Engineering and Firth Rixson.

The student experience at the UTC is dominated by employer-led projects and supporters include AESSEAL, Darron Tools, Rolls-Royce and Tata Steel.

Andrew Cropley, Chair of Sheffield UTC Academy Trust Board, said: "The UTC is the most radical new education offer in the Sheffield City Region for a generation. It provides a unique opportunity for young people to benefit from extensive collaboration between employers, universities, colleges and schools to gain a rounded educational experience preparing them for a wide range of future careers."

Performance Engineered Solutions (PES) Ltd, a high performance engineering design business based on Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham is backing the new UTC. Dan Fleetcroft, design director at PES Ltd, said: "We believe that the UTC will provide a much more hands-on approach to engineering, where students will learn both the skills and how to apply them in real world situations. Students like this will help make a massive difference to our business.

"We will be working with the UTC by discussing design engineering with the students and also setting them a number of engineering design projects during the year."

PES is a team of design and performance engineers, and technologists with extensive experience in many industry sectors including; Formula One, motorsport, Olympic sport, aerospace, medical technology and renewable energy technologies.

Looking ahead, Dan added: "We're looking to bring on young engineers and to develop them within the company but we'll also require the higher level knowledge-based skills that universities will provide. We anticipate taking on a mix of students coming through places like the UTC as well as graduate engineers from university.

"With prospects for engineering in the UK looking strong for the foreseeable future the UTC Sheffield is set to play a key role in providing the future workforce to help drive forward the region's advanced manufacturing economy."

UTC Sheffield website
PES Ltd website

Images: UTC Sheffield / Wates Construction

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News: STEM showcase at the AMP

A showcase event is taking place this week highlighting the new £9.9m University Technical College (UTC) Sheffield, due to open next year.

Young people, parents and teachers can find out more about the brand new college and other careers and training opportunities as part of a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) event being held in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the education arm of the Cutlers Company Sheffield.

Experts from education and industry will be at the "Make, Create, Innovate" event to showcase what is on offer with hands-on examples including robots, 3d animation and building gadgets. The event takes place at the Knowledge Transfer Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham on Thursday evening, October 18.

Also on show is the AMRC's MANTRA, a specially equipped 14m long lorry designed to give aspiring young engineers a hands on experience with real, leading-edge manufacturing technologies being developed at the AMRC.

The public will also have a chance to meet UTC Sheffield Principal Nick Crew, and learn about the courses and qualifications on offer from next year.

Nick Crew said: "I am looking forward to meeting more young people, parents and teachers and answering any questions they may have about UTC Sheffield at the showcase event this week, which profiles the exciting options now available for young people interested in careers in manufacturing, engineering and the creative and digital industries across the region.

"The UTC Sheffield is a brand new and exciting choice for young people in Sheffield City Region. We've seen a lot of interest at the taster sessions that we've already run."

The first of its kind in Yorkshire, the UTC Sheffield opens to 14 to 19-year-olds from Sheffield City Region in September 2013 offering GCSEs and A-levels alongside specialist courses. Young people will develop the academic and technical skills to secure jobs in the advanced engineering and manufacturing, and creative media industries sectors.

UTC Sheffield website

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News: Ground breaking for University Technical College

A major step forward in the delivery of Sheffield City Region's new £8.5m University Technical College (UTC) was celebrated last week with a special ground breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the project.

Master Cutler, Pam Liversidge OBE and Cllr Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, joined contractor, Wates Construction, and project sponsor, The Sheffield College, to mark the start of the work.

The college, which will become the first UTC in Yorkshire and one of only 18 across the UK, will have a capacity for 600 students aged 14 to 19 years. The facility will provide specialist vocational learning within the engineering and digital sectors.

The project has been made possible through the financial support of Sheffield City Council, which bought the Porter Brook Site on which the UTC will be built, alongside lead sponsor The Sheffield College. The college has also received £9.9m capital funding from the Department for Education.

Nick Crew, principal of UTC Sheffield, said: "It is a very exciting time as work commences on this fantastic facility. Interest in the UTC is really growing amongst the region's young people and this is testament to what will be achieved here, a state of the art institution that will excel in providing work-based learning via an employer-led curriculum."

Pam Liversidge, Master Cutler, added: "We in this region have a proud tradition of technology, engineering and innovation. The UTC along with other local initiatives will help to stimulate interest in these areas and give young people the passion for innovation as well as the entrepreneurial spirit, which will be so vital to us in the future.

"Much hard work has gone into winning the right to have the UTC here and we, in business, must put our full support behind it to ensure the best result and enjoy the advantages it brings."

Whilst the project sponsors are The Sheffield College it is effectively led by employers from the relevant sectors within the City Region. Directors of the Sheffield UTC Academy Trust include representatives from the two Sheffield universities, Sheffield Chamber and businesses including Vincent Middleton, managing director of Newburgh Engineering in Rotherham.

Other significant local employers have put themselves forward as partners including Rotherham's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, Newburgh, Darron Tools, AESSEAL, Rolls-Royce and Tata Steel.

Andrew Cropley, principal of Norton College and chair of the UTC Academy Trust, said: "As the UTC starts to take on a physical form and becomes more than a concept I hope it will encourage even more employers to get involved by leading projects or sponsoring students.

"I'm sure the commencement of work on site will inspire young people across the Sheffield city region to explore the exciting opportunities the UTC can offer them to continue their education and begin their future careers."

UTC Sheffield website

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News: Have your say on University Technical College

Local employers are being encouraged to have their say on plans for a new Sheffield University Technical College.

The Sheffield UTC is the first of its kind in Yorkshire and the Humber, and is due to open to 14 to 19-year-olds in September 2013.

Up to 600 young people from the Sheffield city region will have the opportunity to train in the work-related skills and qualifications that the advanced engineering and manufacturing, and creative industries sectors need.

Responses to the consultation are being accepted until March 9 and an event is taking place at the Cutler's Hall tomorrow for local employers in engineering and manufacturing, and creative and digital industries.

The UTC application was initiated by Sheffield City Council and is being sponsored and led by The Sheffield College with Sheffield Hallam University and Firth Rixson Ltd as co-sponsors.

Andrew Cropley, executive director at The Sheffield College, said: "The consultation process is well underway and we want to urge more members of the general public to have their say in shaping the Sheffield UTC."

"The economic growth sectors of advanced engineering and manufacturing, and the creative and digital industries, are vital to the future of this region. Both are facing challenges in recruiting people with the right skills.

"The Sheffield UTC will develop the next generation's skills in these sectors, whilst offering a broad education, so employers can grow their businesses and create more jobs."

Sheffield City Council recently approved that the Sheffield UTC be located on the Porter Brook site in the city centre on the corner of Shoreham Street and Matilda Street. The council will provide the land on a 125-year lease at a peppercorn rent, subject to government funding being formally approved for the Sheffield UTC scheme.

Alison Bettac, group human resources and health and safety director at Firth Rixson Ltd, said: "We need more young people trained in job specific skills that match the needs of our business, so that we can grow. Getting involved with the Sheffield UTC offers us an exciting opportunity to achieve that."

Sheffield UTC website

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News: Employers show support for Sheffield University Technical College

More than 100 employers have attended a consultation to discuss how they will support a new Sheffield University Technical College.

The Sheffield UTC will be the first of its kind in Yorkshire and the Humber and is due to open to upto 600 students aged 14 to 19-year-old in September 2013.

The Sheffield UTC will specialise in developing the technical skills of young people entering the advanced engineering and manufacturing, and digital and new media sectors, and could receive up to £10m of government funding.

At the consultation meeting at Sheffield Town Hall on October 31, employers discussed how they will get involved in shaping the curriculum content that would be tailored to their industry needs.

Employers will influence all aspects of the Sheffield UTC including the curriculum and building design, in addition to providing work placements and sponsorship. Staff will include trained teachers and those from technical backgrounds.

The Sheffield UTC application was initiated by Sheffield City Council and is being sponsored and led by The Sheffield College with Sheffield Hallam University and Firth Rixson Ltd as co-sponsors.

The bid was approved by the Department for Education last month. Details about the location, curriculum content and funding have not been formally approved at this stage.

The bid set out the intention to locate the Sheffield UTC Academy Trust within a £8m new build on the Digital Campus in Sheffield but the possibility of a location on or alongside the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham is also being explored.

Andrew Cropley, executive director at The Sheffield College, said: "We are receiving a very good response from local and regional businesses, reflected in a strong turnout to the consultation. There's still time for more employers to get involved, as we are planning another consultation in the New Year."

Sheffield College website

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News: Sheffield City Region University Technical College bid approved

The Government has approved a bid for a University Technical College (UTC) for the Sheffield City Region that will "bring together Advanced Engineering and Materials and Creative and Digital Industries in a community of learning."

UTCs are academies for 14–19-year-olds. They focus on providing technical education that meets the needs of modern business. They offer full-time courses, which focus on technical specialisms and academic studies.

The bid from the Sheffield UTC Academy Trust has now been approved by the Department for Education. The Sheffield UTC will specialise in Advanced Engineering and Materials and Creative and Digital Industries. These two high growth sectors will be brought together in a community of learning which will deliver greater impact than either could achieve independently.

The proposed project sponsors would be The Sheffield College but it would effectively be led by employers from the relevant sectors within the City Region. Directors of the Sheffield UTC Academy Trust include representatives from the two Sheffield universities, Sheffield Chamber and businesses including Vincent Middleton, managing director of Newburgh Engineering in Rotherham.

Other significant local employers have put themselves forward as partners including Rotherham's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, Newburgh and Tata Steel. Rotherham-based training provider, Brinsworth Training is also involved as partners.

The bid set out the intention to locate the Sheffield UTC Academy Trust within a £8m new build on the Digital Campus in Sheffield but the possibility of a location on or alongside the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham is also being explored.

The UTC is planned to open in 2013 with 240 students, rising to 600 in 2015. It will "engage closely and deeply with employers to create a workplace driven learning experience. Students will emerge with the right skills and will be highly employable, flexible and productive lifelong learners with clear, exciting prospects."

As well as delivering full time courses, it is anticipated that the UTC will be at the heart of a growth in apprenticeship provision for the two sectors.

Cllr Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "This is fantastic news as it will be a huge boost to the region. Not only will it provide world class expertise right here in Sheffield but it will also bring much needed jobs to the area.

"Our modern economy depends on advanced technical skills, and to have one of the first dedicated University Technical Colleges right here on our doorstep will be a great opportunity for future generations in the area."

Education Secretary Michael Gove added: "The people who are driving Free Schools and UTCs are true pioneers. They are leading a revolution in the education system.

"UTCs are a key part of the Government's drive to provide school leavers with the technical knowledge and skills that industry demands. This is vital for our economic growth."

The bid to create "Rotherham Central Free School" has also been approved by the DfE.

Sheffield College website

Images: Carey Jones / Sheffield College

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