Looking to reducing lost time to almost zero in just four weeks, or improve productivity by 23%?
These are just some of the improvements already implemented by Jack Barber, Production Manager at West Midlands-based Heat Treatment 2000.
Jack was one of the first delegates to complete our Manufacturing Efficiency Skills Bootcamp, which is delivered in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority.
HT2000 offers heat treatment of fasteners, forgings, pressing and aluminium castings in automotive, construction, medical and energy industries. Running at 400 tons a week on ferrous metals and 100-150 tons on non-ferrous metals means efficiency is a key part of business effectiveness. As a supervisor of the day-to-day operations of the plant, Jack had started to investigate LEAN and Six Sigma to see if he could help take the business to the next level of efficiency. Our Bootcamp helped him to take those crucial next steps and to understand how to effectively apply these principles to maximise value.
Why did you choose to attend the Bootcamp?
I wanted to expand my knowledge on continuous improvement and I’m really keen to make positive improvements at my company. For me, it was all about understanding how to put LEAN principles into a real-life working environment.
How have you found the balance between study and your role in the business?
I knew investing this time was beneficial to me and the company, so I wanted to make sure I got the most out of it. Our trainer, Andrew, was very understanding if I was running a day or two behind with all of the commitments I have in my home and professional life. I found it really helpful to squeeze in an hour in the morning before the office gets busy.
How do the skills you’ve learnt fit into your day-to-day role?
As a production manager, I strive to make our processes as effective and efficient as possible. The slightest improvement can have a major effect on any business, whether it be morale, improvement in output, or even customer service. We’ve seen major benefits in our processes since implementing some of the techniques so far, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how I can put even more of the LEAN principles into practice.
What were your favourite parts of the course?
Meeting the other delegates and the trainers in person. When we spent the week together, we were able to understand different points of view and discuss how each of us would approach the same task. The trainers had real life experience in using the LEAN principles, which helped me understand how to implement it and the challenges or obstacles I could face. I’d been researching LEAN in my own time before the course, but I found being on the actual course with the hands-on approach was far more beneficial.
Have you noticed any benefits so far?
At HT2000, we’ve noticed huge benefits to my learning on the Bootcamp, one being the way we record lost time, which has enabled us to put changes in place to go from 13% to 0.2% in four weeks on one line! This was done by putting the LEAN principles into practice and working with the management team to help overcome the issues we faced. I also managed to improve productivity in one area by 23% in three weeks.
Did this course fit into any progression plans within your career (if you have any)?
Yes, it has most definitely given me knowledge on how to lead projects with confidence, and I see this as progressing into the next stage of management and leadership.
What did you think about your trainer?
The trainers were fantastic. They were knowledgeable, friendly and very understanding. I felt comfortable enough to bring up anything I was unsure about and able to bounce ideas off them whilst on the course and even out of the course hours.
What did you think about your time at MTC Training?
MTC Training has really put some thought and detail into the Bootcamp. I could tell they’ve taken the principles and made it relevant and suitable for any business in any sector to understand and utilise for their own benefit. It was also really helpful that there wasn’t an overload of information and it wasn’t over complicated, so it was very easy to understand and take in.
Would you recommend this Bootcamp?
Yes, I would definitely recommend the Bootcamp. It’s worth investing the time, especially if you are in a supervisor or manager role and want to keep making positive changes in your working environment. It can be quite daunting going back into a classroom environment, but this has pushed me to look to do more courses with the MTC to continue my upskilling journey.
Upskilling in lockdown – save 20% on career-boosting courses extended until 30th September 2021
For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a professional turning point. With a break from business as usual, employees have seized the rare opportunity to hit pause, plan ahead and crystalise career goals.
Whether you’re currently furloughed, sizing up a post-lockdown promotion or making the leap into management, MTC Training’s flexible online learning and development options can fast-track your path to progression.
A new generation of agile, technology-inspired courses deliver content for every career stage – from specialist additive manufacturing techniques to the soft skills required for senior management roles – and a range of interactive formats to suit your learning style. Enter the engaging online classrooms of instructor-led Online & Live courses or opt for flexible web-based modules that let you earn cutting-edge qualifications, in your own time, at your own pace.
With 20% off all available courses extended until 30th September 2021, MTC Training helps you maximise prospects, regain momentum and maintain an upward trajectory, even during lockdown. So what’s your next move?
Master the practical art of management
Our management courses strengthen your coaching, development and leadership capabilities within a wider commercial context. You’ll learn the roles and responsibilities of key business functions – from marketing and finance to recruitment and sales – and understand how they support the success of your own department and direct reports. Whether you’re finding your feet as a first-time manager or fuelling performance within an established team, you’ll gain the real-world problem solving and people skills to tackle day-to-day deliverables – and the collaborative expertise to drive progress and innovation company-wide.
Learn to lead and inspire
Leadership training takes your management know-how to the next level. Exploring enterprising themes such as building personal resilience, resolving conflict and spearheading change, this tailored course series assesses the strengths and weaknesses of your existing leadership style, then bridges the gap to excellence with best practice knowledge, tools and techniques. So you operate effectively at exec level and unlock your professional potential, while bringing out the best in your team.
Sharpen your Additive Manufacturing skills
Looking to elevate your AM abilities? Guided by industry-leading authorities from the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM), you’ll cover state-of-the-art subject matter from a practical and profit-making perspective – including how to create a compelling business case for AM adoption and hands-on technical instruction across design rules, powder management and process selection. Courses cater to learners at all levels, from those just discovering AM’s disruptive possibilities to advanced technicians preparing models for submission and production.
Design your own development journey
If you’d prefer to select your own training suite, pick and choose a bespoke package across our featured range of standalone modules and ready-built bundles. Extended until 30th September 2021, you’ll also enjoy 20% off our available courses, helping you level up your skillset for less across essential areas, including:
Lockdown could be your time to look forward, transform your talents and make significant career strides, while others stand still. Take the first step by checking out our discounted courses. Or discuss the right learning route for you on 02476 701774 or training@the-mtc.org.
MTC Training to launch first fully
online certificate
Developing disruptive technology experts to drive innovation in industry
MTC Training is launching its first fully online certificate in Additive Manufacturing, designed and endorsed in partnership with world-leading experts from the National Centre of Additive Manufacturing (NCAM). The certificate aims to support industry to get to grips with this exciting new technology.
The Foundation Certificate in Additive Manufacturing is a comprehensive introduction to the fastest growing disruptive technology that is primed to revolutionise the global manufacturing industry.
Delivered wholly online through a combination of self-guided online learning, collaborative activities and a virtual classroom, the endorsed course gives delegates an understanding and appreciation of the processes, benefits and design possibilities of each of the seven additive manufacturing technologies. It also equips decision makers with the essential tools and techniques to help businesses to successfully and safely adopt Additive Manufacturing and begin taking advantage of its transformative potential.
The new certificate is the first in a range of innovative products that MTC Training is developing to continue supporting the manufacturing sector to develop future skills and to drive technical awareness and progression throughout industry, wherever their workforce is located.
David Hughes MBE, Managing Director, Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre, said: “This new certificate is the first step on a journey to become an Additive Manufacturing expert. Because the course is delivered wholly online, delegates can learn in their own time from any location with internet access – this flexible access to personal development is even more important given the ongoing restrictions associated with COVID-19.”
Over a total of 12 hours, the modules cover topics such as ‘A Guide for Decision Makers (Parts 1 & 2)’, ‘Best Practice in Process Selection’, and ‘Developing the Business Case for Adoption’.
MTC Training is offering the new certificate with an introductory price of £249 plus VAT available until 11th September. To find out more and to secure your place as one of the first to take part, go to https://the-amtc.co.uk/training/courses/foundation-certificate-in-additive-manufacturing/
MTC Training’s unique insight into the very latest technologies, techniques and processes delivers an extensive training offer at the cutting edge of industrial innovation, from apprenticeships right up to senior management level.
As part of the MTC, NCAM aims to accelerate the uptake of additive manufacturing by developing the technology and systems required to address the key challenges within the associated value chain. With anticipated global sales of £20bn by 2025, this rapidly growing technology enables economic component production with efficient use of materials and vastly increased design freedom, compared to traditional subtractive processes. Improving education and awareness is a key element of NCAM’s mission to support industry’s effective exploitation of additive manufacturing, by bridging the gap between market requirements and process reality.
online certificate
MTC Training launches real time online courses
Manufacturing Technology Centre Training and the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing has launched “Online and Live” – a suite of interactive online courses delivered in real time.
The courses, using fully interactive digital platforms, are designed to upskill engineers in up-to-the-minute additive manufacturing skills, processes and best practice.
Led by senior engineers from the Coventry-based National Centre for Additive Manufacturing, the courses will deliver industry-leading additive manufacturing training remotely. The courses will be conducted live on schedules dates with a limited number of learners per trainer, allowing for meaningful interaction between the trainer and learners.
Subjects in the first suite of Online & Live include Advanced Introduction to Additive Manufacturing, Design for Metal Powder Bed Fusion, Laser Processing, Best Practice in Powder Management, and Reverse Engineering Parts for Additive Manufacturing.
David Hughes MBE, managing director of the MTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre said, “Our instructional design team and expert trainers have worked tirelessly to transform our industry-leading courses for digital delivery, ensuring we can continue to support the manufacturing sector’s future skills needs despite the current COVID-19 restrictions on training centres. The new Online & Live model gives our learners a truly interactive learning experience, maximising opportunities for engagement with the trainer alongside group discussions and individual and collaborative tasks throughout the course.”
Full details of each course programme are available at Online & Live where learners can view the schedule and subject matter for the day before signing up. To mark the launch of Online & Live courses are available at a reduced cost of £295 plus VAT per full day for a limited time.
David Hughes added, “MTC Training is revolutionising the skills landscape. Using their insight into the latest technologies, techniques and processes, experts deliver an extensive training offer at the cutting edge of industrial innovation, from apprenticeships right up to senior management level. As part of the MTC, NCAM aims to accelerate the uptake of additive manufacturing by developing the technology and systems to address the challenges of this rapidly growing technology which will have anticipated global sales of £20 billion by 2022.”