EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

AE set for SAMPE build competition final

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) will host the final of its building competition at Advanced Engineering, which takes place on 1 and 2 November at the NEC, Birmingham. The contest aims to provide a practical composite engineering challenge through Young Engineers and Students (YES), where the entrants will be challenged to create a suitable structure and display it at the show.

This year, each team must apply their composites knowledge and creativity to design and construct a bridge capable of spanning a 1 m gap while resisting simple weights. The winner will be the bridge that meets specified guidelines and withstands the greatest load before failure. All teams will receive a sustainable composite material kit supplied by sponsors, ensuring equal terms for all participants.
For further information www.advancedengineeringuk.com

Log CPD points at Advanced Engineering

For the first time, attendees at Advanced Engineering 2023 will receive accreditation from The CPD Group, one of the fastest growing continuous professional development (CPD) accreditation services worldwide. Advanced Engineering is taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 1-2 November and will host over 150 industry-leading speakers across its forums, all of which are accessible with a visitor pass.

There are five forums at Advanced Engineering offering hours of content, all of which count towards attendees’ CPD. The main stage is a one-stop-shop for information on the latest industry developments, government policy and inspiring keynotes.Other forums include those for composites, aerospace and automotive. To obtain the certification, Advanced Engineering attendees simply need to scan the QR code at the exit of every forum, provide their name and email address and they will receive their certificate by email.
For further information www.advancedengineeringuk.com.

Interest in engineering apprentices booming

In-Comm Training announced a 35% increase in the number of engineering apprentice starts this September. In-Comm recruited 199 individuals across its Aldridge and Telford technical academies, with learners studying subjects that include machining, robotics, welding, electrical, mechatronics and toolmaking. Companies such as Ansaldo Nuclear, Altrad Babcock, HS Marston Aerospace, Magna Cosma Castings, Makita, RBSL and Veolia, are taking the long-term approach to beating the labour and skills shortage by opting to grow their own.In-Comm Training also inducted 25 learners on to its Level 4 HNC programme.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk

Report calls out ‘cocktail’ of supply chain issues

A complex ‘cocktail’ of supply chain pressures, availability of raw materials and recruitment issues is holding back UK industry says a new report.Crowe’s Summer Manufacturing Outlook, conducted in partnership with the Confederation of British Metalforming, revealed a mixed picture of optimism and the potential for reshoring, countered by long-running supply and labour issues. Some 88% of respondents admitted suffering from the price and availability of raw materials, while over 75% had experienced supply chain issues caused by the war in Ukraine, high inflation and ongoing issues with Brexit.
For further information www.bit.ly/48IzDpR

Manufacturing energy toolkit

The High Value Manufacturing Catapult is helping SMEs slash energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions with its new Manufacturing Energy Toolkit.A pilot by the innovation centre at WMG industrial (part of the HVM Catapult) resulted in SMEs saving on average 21% of their energy costs, achieving as much as 90% energy savings on a single machine. The toolkit is a guided assessment or road-mapping process undertaken by HVM Catapult experts. The aim is to build a full understanding of an SME’s energy usage and energy sources in production, as well as potential efficiency-boosting solutions.
For further information www.bit.ly/48FMWHG