BMTA Newsletter BMTA Newsletter - Autumn 2019 | Page 18

bmta.co.uk Events EVENTS NPL MMN EVENT: SUCCESSION PLANNING & SKILLS 21 January 2020 MAKE UK Technology Hub, Birmingham It’s well known that people are the most important part of NPL MMN EVENT: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING IN 2020 14 January 2020 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, Huddersfield Additive manufacturing processes, often referred to as 3D printing offer a great deal of potential to manufacturers by opening up new possibilities; rapid prototyping, greater product design flexibility and increased product personalisation. Some industries have already adopted these processes, especially where design is more important than safety or functionality. However, the new freedoms created by additive manufacturing also mean new challenges with regards to product validation and assessment. Join us at this event to find out more about the current state of play in Additive Manufacturing and hear from people who are already working in this environment and meeting these challenges daily For more information visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/additive-manufacturing- in-2020-tickets-69709668495 any business, and it is also recognised that there is a general lack of suitably trained people to meet current industrial demands as well as future needs. Apprentice schemes are covering some of these gaps as are other vocational and workplace training schemes, but is it enough? The Government paper ‘Higher technical education: the current system and the case for change’ (DfE-00143-2019) includes within its conclusions that there is currently no national assurance that every higher technical qualification is meeting employer needs. Low awareness of level 4-5 and a lack of clear information available to students, providers and employers, plus the cultural bias towards degrees, means that many young people perceive that undergraduate degrees at level 6 provide better value in the labour market and are more widely recognised by employers. This is despite evidence that level 4-5 qualifications can improve earning potential and employability by providing good progression routes and cheaper tertiary education choices. Level 4-5 training is between A levels and undergraduate degrees. So, how can we find the right training for our staff and how can we ensure that the skills that we have within our teams are maintained and passed on to other members of our teams? Two key themes regarding the future of manufacturing are access to appropriate technology and how to develop a team with the appropriate skills to meet the current and future needs of the business. This includes team members who have grown up with advanced technology and want to use it to drive innovation and product ability improvements within businesses. Hear from a range of speakers about how they have addressed the skills challenge alongside a range of skills/training providers and how they can help. For more information visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/succession- planning-skills-tickets-67692352649