Industry Experts Gather at Burnley College to Shape Future of Engineering
The first Engineering Employer Advisory Board of the academic year welcomed 30 industry professionals to Burnley College to inform our curriculum and support our Students to be industry-ready.
Head of Engineering Chris Platt and Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships, Employer Engagement and Adult Skills, Neil Burrows explained the new equipment being installed at the College including a 3D printer farm with 15 different machines that can handle glass, composites and polymers and a new Meltio – a special 3D metal printer to fabricate parts and multi-metal 3D printing research.
The new machines have been acquired with consultation of our partner businesses to ensure they are industry-leading, giving Students the experience of using this industry-standard equipment from the start of their learning journey.
Neil Burrows highlighted the important function the advisory board serves in shaping education for our Students:
“The board is a vital forum for us to engage with engineering businesses and drive our curriculum. The impact this has on our Students places them ahead of the pack, equipping them with the tools, the experience and the industry connections they need to excel in the future careers.”
The board heard from some of our industry partners including Leaders in Advanced Technology Solutions Mazak, global automation business Festo and European leaders in the area of tool handling Haimer who have a showroom and teaching facility in Burnley.
The leaders learned of the College’s new industry partnerships, including Budweiser and Stolle, with Budweiser training three Themis Apprentices.
Curriculum Manager for Engineering Claire Trickett talked about the impact of engineering excellence across Vocational courses and T Levels. During a recent industry afternoon, T Level Students were able to present to businesses including Veka and Safran and communicate their passion for engineering and their future in the field, giving them the opportunity to come face to face with businesses in their chosen field who are leading the way.
Claire added that as well as guidance from businesses, 10 of our Apprentices form a College feedback group, ensuring our training remains effective. This, along with the two-way relationship we have with these businesses is key to success:
“We focus on the quality of learning and we are always listening.”
“We are exposing learners to the vast range of business industries in the area, that will advance their skills and benefit the economy.”
Neil concluded:
Do you see your future in Engineering? Do you want to be at the pinnacle of the industry?
Learn more: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/search/?st=engineering
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