DS-JAN23-PG06+07_Layout 1 12/01/2023 12:14 Page 6
industrY neWs
InquIry to InvestIgate the ‘worryIng declIne’ In engIneerIng, manufacturIng and technology apprentIceshIps
An inquiry has been launched by former Labour and Conservative ministers, Lord Knight and Lord Willetts, with support from charity EngineeringUK, to uncover the reasons behind the worrying decline in engineering, manufacturing and technology apprenticeships starts seen over recent years in the UK. Given the skills shortage and a growing demand
for engineers and technicians, the inquiry will look to identify vital solutions which could help to increase the number and diversity of young people taking up apprenticeships in the sector. Employers, training providers, young people and
those who work with them, are all being urged to get involved in the ‘call for evidence’ by submitting their views, evidence or ideas to improve this much-needed career pathway into the sector. Despite a modest increase in numbers last year, engineering-related apprenticeship starts in
England are still 9% lower than in 2014/15. Furthermore, the uptake varies by subject, with a worrying 34% decline for engineering and manufacturing technologies. Lord Willetts, inquiry co-chair and former
Conservative Minister for Universities and Science, said: “Apprenticeships, especially in engineering and technology, enjoy enormous political and media support and are a crucial route into work for many people. Meanwhile the number of young people actually doing these apprenticeships is falling. “Our inquiry will draw on expert evidence to
understand why this is happening and what can be done about it, so that we can grow and sustain the opportunities that apprenticeships offer to young people. I am delighted to be co-chairing this inquiry not least because my father ran the apprenticeship programme for
relaunched online marketplace simplifies the manufacture of robots
igus has relaunched its successful
RBTX.com online marketplace with a new design, new functions, and a ‘Test before Invest’ service. RBTX provides all the possibilities of low-cost
robotics on one platform, making automation as accessible as possible. It is designed to bring users and suppliers of low-cost robotics together quickly and easily, so that interested buyers can find the exact individual components or complete solutions for their automation concepts that meet their requirements and budget. On the site, customers will find over 100
ready-made, low-cost complete solutions and applications, with compatibility guarantees and full parts lists on the platform. There are, for example, several adhesive robotic applications from £6000. The new website design includes an even easier filter function based on the application or industry you are working in. In addition, there are now other product categories such as software, making it easy to find GCODE or CSV files as well as complete LabVIEW, MATLAB and ROS node interfaces. If a user does not know exactly which
automation solution is the right one or which components are required for their specific automation concept, they can ask the RBTXpert for help. The expert tool is now available to users at every step on the website and can also be booked directly for a consultation. Behind the tool are experienced automation experts from igus, who can advise buyers to find the right solution for every application. This service is a free video consultation, where interested parties receive an individual fixed price quotation at the end. In a 400m2
customer testing area, experts
conduct daily live video consultations and test the feasibility of the planned automation together with the customer. The ‘Test before Invest’ function means
customers can send in their automation tasks to igus who will then test the robot installation free of charge, simulating the customer’s application. There are now over 75 partners on the
marketplace. Adam Sanjurgo, low-cost automation product manager at igus UK, commented: “RBTX is available in nine countries and engineers currently have 259 different products to choose from – from robots to software, controllers and power electronics to cameras, grippers, sensors and motors.” All the components are
combined and tested in advance so that igus can ensure they work 100% in sub-assemblies. “The plan is to continuously
expand our online marketplace with additional partners and products so that users have instant access to an up-to-date and diverse offer in this fast- growing market segment,” added Sanjurgo.
www.igus.co.uk
6 DESIGN SOLUTIONS december/JanuarY 2023
a Midlands engineering firm.” Lord Knight, Inquiry co-chair and former
Labour Education and Employment Minister, commented: “Britain must transition towards a more sustainable and productive economy. The skills shortage is a dragging anchor on that transition, particularly in key areas such as engineering. The fall in young people taking up engineering and technology apprenticeships is an urgent problem, and I am delighted to be working with David Willetts and EngineeringUK to fully investigate where the problems lie and what can be done to fix them.” The inquiry, ‘Fit for the future: growing
and sustaining engineering and technology apprenticeships for young people’ has opened its call for evidence until the 27 February 2023. For more information and to respond visit:
www.engineeringuk.com/fitforthefuture
news In BrIef
Interconnect Technologies Suppliers Association (ITSA) members have seen a 10% overall growth in connector sales, despite a decline in both the mil/aero and mass transport markets. Most UK markets continue to perform well, with communications, data processing, broadcast, utilities and industrial leading the way, all with significant double-digit growth. Although the UK connector market
continues to face significant challenges, it remains remarkably resilient and as 2022 continues with positive trends in most markets, it will have been an exceptional year for ITSA members. A copy of the ITSA 2022 Report is available
for download via the website.
https://itsa.org.uk
Fersa Group has become the major investor in Delux Bearings, while the Indian company – which is dedicated to the manufacture of bearings and electromechanical components for all types of machinery and light and heavy commercial vehicles –maintains its independence under the management of the Rathod family, founders of the company. This strategic move also allows Fersa
Group to expand its production capacity, strengthen its position in the automotive sector and generate synergies in innovation and R&D, as well as in operations and costs by reinforcing its global supply chain.
www.fersa.com
Mitsubishi Electric’s Factory Automation Systems business has launched a new global slogan: ‘Automating the World’. This expresses the company’s goal to leverage automation for the betterment of global society by combining advanced technology, experience and know-how, and customer support as a trusted partner.
emea.mitsubishielectric.com
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