GENERAL NEWS
Joining and cutting show
At Messe Essen in Germany , more than 700 companies from 36 countries will present innovative products , technologies and services at the SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN exhibition ( 11-15 September 2023 ). This key event for joining , cutting and surfacing has attracted industry exhibitors such as Lincoln ; ESAB ; Microstep ; ABICOR BINZEL ; EWM ; Fronius ; Messer Cutting and voestalpine , among others . Niche players , start-ups , research institutions and associations will also participate .
“ Trade visitors can expect a complete overview of the entire industry at the exhibition . Networking , establishing business contacts , placing orders and preparing purchasing decisions are the main goals of many trade visitors at the show . They come from far and wide to Essen ; about every second visitor is from overseas ,” Messe Essen told ISMR .
The show organisers have optimised the hall layout to provide exhibitors and visitors with “ numerous synergies and a seamless experience .” Halls 1 to 5 will be dedicated to companies from the welding sector , while Halls 6 to 8 will house exhibitors presenting cutting products and services .
“ This strategic arrangement ensures that related products ( such as surface technology ; heat treatment ; gas ; consumables and filler materials ; equipment ; safety ; health ; quality assurance ; service and digitalisation ) are conveniently located in close proximity ,” explained Messe Essen
The trade fair will feature a special show on digitalisation , in collaboration with the Industry Fusion Foundation IFF and the German Welding Society ( DVS ). Through a digital rally , trade visitors will gain insights into practical applications and the advantages of digital solutions . This innovation , facilitated by a dedicated app , will enable exhibitors and visitors to connect and engage in discussions about the integration of machine , man , AI and software in the industry .
The DVS Congress will also be held during SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN . The event includes lectures on operational practice and numerous application-oriented , current research results from completed projects by the DVS ( German Welding Society ).
Visitors will also find themed areas at the trade fair such as the underwater technology section in Hall 7 ; international joint stands from specific countries and ‘ The Young Innovative Companies ’ programme ( sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology ). n
www . schweissenschneiden . com
Call for UK apprenticeship levy review
Manufacturing growth in the UK is “ being hamstrung by an out-of-date Apprenticeship Levy scheme that is failing to address key labour shortages in the workforce ”, according to the UK Metals Council .
Rachel Eade MBE , Chair of the UK Metals Council , is calling on the UK Government to review the current system , tear up unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure that entry-level apprenticeships benefit from the same level of funding and importance as higher-level qualifications .
“ Rachel believes that more than 10,000 jobs are currently available across foundation industries in the UK and there is little sign that these positions will be filled
Rachel Eade MBE , Chair of the UK Metals Council .
as a complicated training landscape is putting off training providers , companies and young people looking to enter industry for the first time ,” said the UK Metals Council .
The manufacturing specialist , who has held senior positions at supplychain initiative ‘ Accelerate ’ and the Manufacturing Advisory Service , points to the fact that significant sums raised under the Levy last year were unspent and have gone back to the UK Treasury . A letter on behalf of the 12 trade associations represented by the UK Metals Council has been sent to Ministers and MPs in a bid to highlight the issue .
“ We ’ re calling on the Government to urgently review the current system and look at four important improvements . Reduce the amount of bureaucracy involved , widen the focus of standards so they cover all engineering and manufacturing disciplines and ensure realistic funding levels for Level 2 / Level 3 apprentices and the foundation skills that employers need . Finally , we must rebuild the engineering training provider capability in the UK ; giving them the funding level that they require to deliver the skills that our sector needs ( now and in the future ) is vital ,” continued Rachel Eade .
The UK Metals Council features twelve industrial trade associations including the Aluminium Federation , the Confederation of British Metalforming and the Cast Metals Federation . Together , they represent over 11,000 companies , employing nearly onemillion people ( directly and indirectly ). n
10 | ismr . net | ISMR September 2023