AMRC Training Centre: New blood keeps industry alive

It’s been a decade since the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre opened its doors. That’s ten years of unforgettable industry experience for 1,700 students. And fresh talent for more than 400 businesses. To mark the occasion we asked tutors, apprentices and employers past and present what the centre has meant to them.

Inspiring the next generation

First up is Bethany Cousins, one of the very first students to study at the centre. Beth started as an advanced apprentice in manufacturing engineering. Now 28, Beth is an award-winning role model for young female engineers. And she’s one of the team next door at the AMRC. 

“I enjoyed meeting other apprentices, especially those who were based in other companies. It enabled me to hear about how others applied the theory and perhaps did things a little differently, it was a great learning experience.” 

New apprentice Lola is working with McLaren Racing – home to the Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, Extreme E and e-sports teams. Though they’re ten years apart, Lola’s experience mirrors Beth’s: “Working at McLaren, while undertaking my studies at the AMRC Training Centre, was the best thing that could have happened for me… apprenticeships help to transfer the vital skills of others in industry, to prepare the next generation.” 

View from the inside

Gareth Wilkinson, the AMRC Training Centre’s Head of Skills, knows how important it is to keep thinking about the future. 

I was one of the first to be employed by the University’s AMRC Training Centre,” Gareth explains. “We built everything from the ground up, started to deliver engineering frameworks and were the early adopters of the new apprenticeship standards. I don’t think there has been an intake year over the last decade where we’ve had the same recruitment strategy for more than one year.

Where does Gareth see the AMRC Training Centre in the next ten years? “I’d like for us to… build on what we’ve got, as well as exploring the food and drink sector, nuclear, robotics and Industry 4.0.” 

For new engineering tutor Animesh Anand, apprentices are not only essential to meeting new challenges. Each one will shape the future of their industry in many different ways, which is why Animesh tailors his teaching:

“I can teach the same lesson to four different groups, but they are not taught the same way, as each group is different,” he said. “I try to tailor my teaching to the individual as best I can.”

Animesh also advocates for diversity and inclusion in engineering, adding: “I’ve worked a lot with the UK’s Institute of Materials, Mining and Minerals (IMO3). I’m vice chair of its ably-different and LGBT+ committees. One of the biggest things I talk about when it comes to diversity in engineering is encouraging diverse discussion,” he explains.

“It’s great to see the AMRC Training Centre carrying that diversity message too and being open to expand on it more in the future.” 

The partners’ perspective

The AMRC Training Centre’s apprenticeships are made possible thanks to the work of employers of all kinds. We give the last word to two very different companies – one global, and one local SME. 

Boeing was the AMRC’s first major partner in 2001. They’ve been an advocate of the AMRC Training Centre since its creation. Early Careers Lead at Boeing Gabriella Stannah explains: 

At Boeing, we are committed to supporting the UK aerospace industry’s expansion, and with partners including the AMRC Training Centre, our apprenticeships are helping to build the skills needed to drive future growth. They also support our goals to build a diverse, productive workforce, by creating opportunities for people who may not previously have considered a career in aerospace.

Chesterfield’s Penny Hydraulics has been a partner for seven years. According to HR manager Martha Penny, more than one third of their staff joined as apprentices: “Five of these staff now have permanent roles and six are at various stages of their apprenticeship journey, ranging from advanced through to degree apprenticeships – and we plan to take on another AMRC Training Centre apprentice this year, so the relationship continues.”

It’s clear that the AMRC Training Centre and its apprentices are keeping manufacturing alive in the region. They’re doing it while gaining life-changing career experience for themselves. And shaping a sustainable, prosperous future for the country. Proof that you can only create a ‘tomorrow, done better’ by investing in people, today.