Voice of the
Jimmy Cook’s article in the April issue commenting about his apprenticeship days and his three nights’s every week at Birmingham’s Technical College, hit a nerve with me. Technical education, apprenticeships, job skills—whatever happened? Just like Jimmy I too don’t want to write my autobiography, but having failed the 11plus I was fortunate to pass
the 13 plus—maybe a Sheffield only exam in the early ‘60’s - but passing that exam took me to the Central Technical School. A boys only School where from the age of 13 you were either taught construction or engineering. For me it was construction and to be taught woodwork by a joiner, brickwork by a bricklayer and plumbing by a plumber placed us with real old fashioned tradesmen. Not only were we taught a trade from our early days but more than that we were led into an understanding of ‘work ethic’. Maybe this is something that needs to be brought back into our education system and not just the continuing moves in further education. The school training at the ‘Tech produced not only celebrity names but captains of industry. The site manager responsible for the new magnificent Wembley Stadium was trained at Sheffield Central Tech. The past Chairman and managing director of one of Sheffield’s largest steel companies was also ex Sheffield Central Tech. I could give many more examples of the quality of trained engineer that a specialised technical education has produced. I’m just in the process of encouraging my grandson to take up an apprenticeship in engineering and through an
old boy from the ‘Tech we were fortunate enough to visit an engineering apprentice training centre in Rotherham. What a great facility with fully equipped workshops and expert instructors from the world of industry. Back to the good old days of real technical training! Training young people in my home town is now vital and has been recognised by government departments
because a brand new Engineering/ Technical training school adjacent to the University’s Department of Engineering is planned and is good news, as is the news that the American giant Boeing is to locate to Sheffield, working closely with the University. The recent announcement that Rolls Royce too are heading for Sheffield will surely ensure that Sheffield will become a centre for engineering excellence. What has all this to do with our industry? Well I’m told on good authority that within a few short years every
young local school leaver will have the chance of an apprentice ship and they will all need tools. I started by asking whatever happened? I suppose I’ve just answered the question myself, but what of my
grandson? Well, when it was explained during our visit to the skills training centre that aeroplane engines require lots of engineered component parts, and the additional development of lightweight steel for aircraft bodies all need specially trained engineers, he sat bolt upright! Certainly the right button had been pressed as far as my grandson was concerned! Barry Northall Apex Tools
Product News New Top-Of-The-Range Verus Wireless Hand-Held Diagnostic Tool
From Snap-on Snap-on, UK market leader in tools, tool storage and workshop equipment for the automotive Aftermarket, has announced the introduction of a new wireless version of VERUS, its top-of-the-range hand-held diagnostic tool for the modern workshop technician. VERUS Wireless is the latest addition to Snap-on’s best selling ‘family’ of hand-held diagnostic tools, designed to offer a complete diagnostic solution to any UK garage
or bodyshop. These begin with the entry level ETHOS, the recently introduced mid-range SOLUS ULTRA plus the alternative top-of-the-range MODIS diagnostic platform. The extremely advanced capabilities of VERUS Wireless have been created to ensure that the Snap-on ‘family’ continues to offer a diagnostic tool to suit every possible technician need. VERUS Wireless itself is an extremely fast, powerful and totally portable hand-held diagnostic tool. It has a generous 10.4” touch-screen to allow simplified one-touch
navigation. It provides all the information sources the technician can need - at your fingertips in one tool - giving access to scanner, components test metre, scope readings and car-fix information all at the touch of a button. It has been specifically designed to allow the technician to manage the complete job from start to
finish. With true Microsoft Windows multi-tasking, Wi-Fi and an internet browser, the mechanic now does not have to leave the service bay to use his or her repair information system, access technical forums, OEM websites, online parts suppliers, or favourite web resources. The Bluetooth scanner gives the technician the freedom to view live readings while moving freely around the vehicle and the Fast- Track trouble-shooter, guided component tests and 4-channel lab/ignition scope puts more solutions at the technician’s fingertips. Repair data is fully integrated so that while the technician is viewing a particular vehicle on screen, it
is possible for him or her to access repair information for that vehicle instantly. The Windows-based scanner allows the technician to install his or her own Windows applications. Because it is built for life in the service bay VERUS Wireless is particularly durable and allows customisation for technicians to develop their own suite of information and view multiple Windows applications side-by-side.
Reply No. 23 4 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE
www.toolbusiness.co.uk
Industry
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