Report hails University of Sheffield collaboration with manufacturing sector

A report from Universities UK and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills highlighted the centre’s relationship with the advanced manufacturing sector.

The AMRC Training Centre, which offers engineering apprenticeships in conjunction with employers, was noted for tailoring its courses to meet the complex needs of the industry and creating a collaborative environment for trainees.

Professor Keith Ridgeway, co-founder of the AMRC, said the centre’s approach has been developed with partner companies, to meet their needs.

He said: ‘What we have here at the AMRC Training Centre is true access – a programme different to what was already available in either further or higher education.

‘Our apprentices are already employed while having the ability to train to the highest standard in an internationally-leading research centre, fully embedded in an advanced manufacturing culture.’

High-quality vocational education and skills training is ‘fundamental’ to the UK’s international standing, he added.

The AMRC has trained 160 apprentices since securing funding in October last year and aims to take on 250 apprentices annually.