Leading manufacturer of construction and infrastructure materials, Aggregate Industries and world leading technology provider, Siemens, have opened a new Technical Centre of Engineering Excellence at Stephenson College in Coalville, Leicestershire.
The Technical Centre has been opened as part of an ongoing strategic partnership between the two companies, and houses £45,000 worth of highly-sophisticated Siemens programming and control equipment. The college will use the technology to equip Aggregate Industries’ third year Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship students with the skills they will need to operate identical equipment onsite.
In addition to providing market-leading programming tools to enhance the college’s learning environment, Aggregate Industries and Siemens have also implemented a ‘train the trainer’ programme to ensure the engineering lecturers teaching the young hopefuls have a thorough working knowledge of the new apparatus.
Hefin Jones, Operational Training and Competency Manager for Aggregate Industries commented:
“Our established and highly regarded apprenticeship programme trains our future workforce in both mechanical and electrical disciplines. It is important that we treat our training programme as an integral part of our strategic business development plans, so that our young engineers are equipped with the skills and confidence to drive our business forwards when they come to the end of their studies.
“With the very latest in Siemens technology both on site and in the classroom, our future engineers will gain first hand theoretical and practical appreciation of modern, technologically advanced electro/mechanical equipment. Thanks to our partnership with Siemens, we have given them the resources they need to develop into highly-skilled and competent maintenance professionals.”
The opening ceremony marks a key milestone for the strategic partnership, which plans to further enrich the learning environment offered to Aggregate Industries’ apprentices within the college, with further technology and training provisions over the coming years.
The ribbon cutting was attended by senior members of both companies, including Brian Holliday, Managing Director for Siemens Industry and David Butterfield, Head of Learning and Development for Aggregate Industries. Also celebrating on the day were key local dignitaries including Andrew Bridgen MP and a number of Aggregate Industries Apprentices who are currently studying at the college.
Robert Thrower, Minerals and Aggregates specialist for Siemens continued:
“I am delighted that Siemens and Aggregate Industries have been able to invest in the future of young people at Stephenson College. We have tailored the technology solutions at the college so that the students are able to take advantage of the most innovative trends in engineering. By learning with Siemens technology they will be at the cutting edge of the skills race, and be the forefront of winning the productivity challenge the UK and region faces too”
The strategic partnership between Aggregate Industries and Siemens was launched two years ago thanks to the dedication of the Aggregate Industries procurement and engineering team. The agreement is committed to improving Aggregate Industries’ productivity, energy consumption and environmental impact by focusing on three core areas; drive train technologies, automation solutions and process instrumentation. As the manufacturer continues to specify the use of Siemens products throughout its nationwide operations, the procurement team has reported significant value in working closely with Siemens’ minerals and aggregates specialists.
Dr. Nigel Leigh, Principal of Stephenson College concludes:
“The opening of the Technical Centre of Engineering Excellence marks an important milestone in the partnership between Stephenson College and industry partners Aggregate Industries and Siemens.
“By developing industry-leading facilities and bringing theory to life, the college can offer current and future students a unique opportunity. This is an inspiring and innovative resource, providing experience of cutting edge technology which will enhance the student journey and ultimately prepare learners more effectively for the world of work.”
For more information of Aggregate Industries, please visit www.aggregate.com, or for more information on Siemens, go to www.siemens.co.uk. Further information on the apprenticeships available at Stephenson College can be found at www.stephensoncoll.ac.uk