Coventry first to launch 3D printing apprenticeships

COVENTRY is to become a pacesetter in the very latest high-tech training by launching apprenticeships in 3D printing.

The apprenticeships at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Ansty Park, which launch this September, will be the first of their kind in the UK.

The MTC’s additive manufacturing (3D printing) apprenticeship programmes will focus on providing the skills needed for one of the fastest growing advanced manufacturing technologies in industry.

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is now employed across multiple manufacturing sectors in a variety of materials, producing everything from simple tools to major parts for aero engines.

The MTC houses the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM) bringing together the most comprehensive combination of equipment and capability in the UK.

The MTC’s learning design manager Martin Dury said the new apprenticeship programmes will address a current shortage of skills in this vital area of advanced manufacturing.

He said: “While there are a number of additive training courses currently available in the UK, these tend to be focused on equipment use.

“The MTC is aiming to provide additive manufacturing apprenticeships that will cover the whole range of competencies necessary for specific occupations.

“They will also offer accredited curricula of short courses to enable the upskilling of existing staff.”

Mr Dury added: “We are currently writing competency frameworks that will define the knowledge, skills and behaviour required to operate in the various job roles in an end-toend additive manufacturing production environment.

“These frameworks will then form the foundation for the apprenticeship programmes and short course curricula. We have spent the last three months consulting with industry, manufacturers, OEMs and academia to ensure the frameworks exactly match the needs of industry.

“The manufacturing industry is crying out for this and we will be able to make it available in a format which allows people to learn while earning, funded by the apprenticeship levy.”