Companies in Telford, Shropshire, and Herefordshire are poised for a significant boost in ‘advanced manufacturing’ as In-Comm Training prepares to unveil a cutting-edge robotic automation cell. The leading independent training provider, having opened its Telford Technical Academy just over a year ago, is channeling more than £200,000 through the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and the Marches Education Partnership. This investment aims to establish a dedicated 7-axis robotic training capability, catering to the upskilling and reskilling needs of firms operating in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electrification, and renewables.
Through this initiative, hundreds of individuals will gain access to courses covering robotic programming, maintenance, and automation. These programs will equip them with the skills necessary to enable their employers to capitalize on emerging opportunities in key sectors.
In recognition of the continually evolving technical skills landscape outlined in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), In-Comm Training has collaborated with Telford-based Bauromat to design the robotic automation line. The initial features of this state-of-the-art facility will be showcased at the ‘Automate your Productivity’ event scheduled for next Wednesday, March 6.
Gareth Jones, Managing Director at In-Comm Training, emphasized the importance of providing specialist training to meet the evolving skills requirements of the burgeoning advanced manufacturing sector in the Marches region. He highlighted the role of In-Comm Training as a key provider within The Marches Education Partner, delivering essential robotics, maintenance, and automation training to empower companies in gaining competences, enhancing efficiencies, increasing capacity, boosting productivity, and overcoming recruitment challenges.
Jones added, “There is restricted training provision currently available in the area that covers this growing discipline, so we have used the expertise of Bauromat to come up with a solution that will give learners access to technology that is being used on shopfloors now and in the future.”
The installation of the robotic and automation cell is in progress and is expected to be completed by May. Learners will have access to cutting-edge equipment, including a Kuka robot, a single servo powered head and tailstock positioner, an integrated Siemens PLC control system, and a state-of-the-art ESAB MIG welding power source enclosed in a Kyrus guarding enclosure.
This addition to the Telford facility aims to assist existing engineers in upskilling or reskilling in the realm of a new engineering discipline. It is geared towards providing companies with a more agile workforce, prepared for the ongoing shift towards automation and digital transformation. The focus will be on delivering Level 3 courses in Industrial Robot Technology, Principles of Robotics, Programming of Robotics, offline simulation, and a Level 4 course in Industrial Robotics.
Gareth Jones expressed enthusiasm about an upcoming special event where businesses can get a ‘sneak peek’ into the development work and explore ways to leverage automation for productivity improvement. He highlighted a session on modularized maintenance courses designed by industry experts for industry practitioners, emphasizing that embracing the right technology and upskilling staff can be a cost-effective initial step with a swift return on investment.
The Marches Education Partnership, in collaboration with various educational institutions and industry stakeholders, secured £2.5 million to enhance skills training in the manufacturing, engineering, and construction sectors. With a particular focus on ‘green’ technologies, this project involves the launch of 14 new training centers and the creation of at least 30 new courses across Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire, and Herefordshire. The funding, provided by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), addresses specific skills needs identified in the latest Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for the Marches area.