City research site ‘will train next generation of engineers’
A GOVERNMENT Minister has paid tribute to the work of a South Yorkshire facility “helping to train the next generation of engineers and manufacturers in the Northern Powerhouse”.
Jake Berry, a former University of Sheffield student, yesterday visited its Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), which carries out world-leading research into advanced machining, manufacturing and materials.
During the visit, the university joined the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, made up of organisations across the North that have pledged to join forces with the Government to help the region achieve its full potential.
Northern Powerhouse Minister Mr Berry said: “I was delighted to visit my alma mater, the University of Sheffield, including its state-of-the-art AMRC Training Centre which is helping to train the next generation of engineers and manufacturers in the Northern Powerhouse.
“The University of Sheffield is at the forefront of higher education in the UK and joins a number of British universities commanding high positions in global rankings .
“They contribute enormously to the international standing of the Northern Powerhouse and its reputation as a world-leader in research and academic excellence.”
More than 1,000 young people, employed by 250 small and medium sized companies across the Sheffield City Region, have been trained at the centre, and a sister organisation is now planned at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Professor Sir Keith Burnett, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “If the North of England is to create the strong economy which will be needed to create wealth and opportunities, it needs to work in new ways to be globally competitive.
“As the cradle of the first industrial revolution, the north of England sent new products to the world. Now we need the infrastructure, research, innovation and skills which will enable us to lead in the era of Industry 4.0.”
As part of his tour, Mr Berry learnt how a team at the AMRC is working with Yorkshire Water on the use of virtual reality within the design and prototyping phase of new pumping stations.
The technology will enable Yorkshire Water – and other water companies – to significantly reduce the time and the cost of producing new facilities.
The North needs to work in new ways to be globally competitive. Professor Sir Keith Burnett on efforts to create a strong economy in region.