The National Foundry Training Centre Spoke, based in Tipton, has advanced moulding and melting facilities which will be used to deliver foundry training at all levels.
Craig Adams, pictured, has a wealth of experience working in a range of foundries and manufacturing related businesses. His role will initially focus on commissioning equipment and then ensuring the smooth running of the Centre for the benefit of the learners.
Craig is passionate about enthusing the next generation of casting technicians and foundry engineers; He said: “My aim is to ensure that this new, state-of-the-art facility lives up to its Elite name – we need to teach our young people in a safe and modern environment, giving them good habits that they can take through their working lives.
“To be able to be part of the team, working alongside the enthusiastic tutors from the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers’ new training company, Foundry Training Services Ltd, showing our apprentices the range of processes and skills we use in the industry using this brand new facility, is an honour.
“I hope we can also help those who join the industry, seeking a change of career, as well as upskill existing employees from around the country. I do a lot of voluntary work with young people already, as I am involved with a local youth boxing club, Darlaston Boxing Gym, and this is a passion of mine that I can now also bring into my working day.”
Ian Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive at the ECMS, said: “This appointment is very timely as the first group of apprentices are being enrolled during October with further new intakes coming on board early in 2019. We will also be delivering a range of technical short courses, to be offered by ICME, so Craig’s appointment is important to ensure all the kit is fully operational and maintained and can be properly demonstrated.”
Dr Pam Murrell, CEO for the Cast Metals Federation, said: “We can now, thanks to the project funding grant and the generous support of sponsors including Omega Sinto Foundry Machinery Ltd, Inductotherm Europe Ltd, Weir Minerals and many, many others, look forward to the industry having access to this new, practical facility and hands-on training, not just classroom based education. We have a great opportunity in this centre that industry can take advantage of.”
The foundry has been equipped by the project team from the ECMS, with support from the project partners, Cast Metals Federation and ICME. ECMS is a collaboration between the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, University of Wolverhampton, Dudley College, Cast Metals Federation, Confederation of British Metalforming, Institute of Cast Metals Engineers and In-Comm Training.
Based on a Hub and Spoke model, dedicated training centres are now fully operational in collaboration with training providers and professional industry bodies to both upskill employees and train new apprentices in a range of metals processing skills.
