The Coventry-based Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) is partnering with Lloyds Bank in a development that sees more funds released to recruit and train much-needed manufacturing apprentices.

Lloyds Bank already supports apprenticeship training at the AMTC with £10m funding over 10 years. Now Lloyds is partnering with the AMTC to release £9m more through the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme. The move will allow SMEs to take on apprentices, fully-funded by the Apprenticeship Levy scheme and Lloyds Banking Group’s unspent levy.
For further information https://the-amtc.co.uk/

Sheet-metal fabrication and machining firm KMF Group has appointed David Boughey as managing director for KMF Precision Engineering.

Boughey brings with him 25 years of leadership experience and knowledge in precision engineering. Starting his career as an apprentice at GEC, he has worked across various blue-chip engineering organisations including MAN Diesels, Howden and Hayward Tyler. With full responsibility for the leadership and development of KMF’s Precision Engineering business, Boughey will play a key role in meeting the company’s ambitious growth targets.
For further information www.kmf.co.uk

A £50m state-of-the-art facility for creating cleaner mobility has opened in Coventry, giving a major boost to the UK automotive industry.

The Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS), a collaboration between Coventry University and global engineering specialist FEV Group, is looking to harness cutting-edge academic and commercial expertise to support the development of next-generation electric, hybrid and combustion engines. The capabilities will be available to OEMs, SMEs in the supply chain, as well as technology partners keen to accelerate the creation of new propulsion systems.
For further information www.coventry.ac.uk/c-alps

In-Comm Training, which has facilities in the Black Country and Shropshire, says it has more than 280 apprenticeship opportunities currently available and is urging companies and young people to engage.

Gareth Jones, joint managing director, made the rallying call last week and believes there are still lots of individuals looking to get involved in engineering and manufacturing who are not taking advantage of the world-class training centres on their doorstep.
“Currently, we have 280 positions vacant at our three academies, and these are for part and full-time trailblazer courses that culminate with a job at a local manufacturer,” he says. “This means you can learn from the best trainers, on the best equipment and get paid for it, with our partners at the University of Wolverhampton also offering a pathway to a degree – all without the associated debt. That’s a £100,000 opportunity. Current vacancies range from apprenticeships in machining and maintenance, to mechatronics and welding.”
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk

On 9 May Schunk will be hosting a customer innovation day in collaboration with cutting-tool specialist Walter at the AMRC’s Knowledge Transfer Centre (KTC) in Sheffield.

The event is an opportunity for manufacturers specialising in the aerospace sector to witness best-practice five-axis work holding and machining via presentations and practical shop-floor demonstrations.
As part of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), the KTC is a leading establishment for high-value manufacturing events and therefore the ideal setting for two technology brands to present their latest aerospace innovations. The event will open from 09:30. Numbers are limited, so to avoid disappointment contact Schunk to book a place.
For further information www.gb.schunk.com