Sheffield Forgemasters launches state-of-the-art training facility

Sheffield Forgemasters has formally opened a 6,700 sq ft training and development facility to upskill its apprentices for the next generation of nuclear-grade engineering.

The facility was formally opened by company Chair, Admiral Sir Tim Fraser, who unveiled 18 high-tech engineering machines, including a state-of-the-art five-axis milling and turning machine and incorporation of cutting-edge digital operating systems.

As part of the initiative, Sheffield Forgemasters has partnered with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre to deliver a four-year engineering training contract, which will see the placement of a permanent engineering skills coach at the facility.

Jay Shaw, Head of Machine Shops at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “The launch of our new training and development facility marks a significant step-change in the skills that we can deliver for our apprentices.

“We are now able to prepare trainees for the next generation of machines and operating systems that will be housed in our new 30,000 m2 machining hall, creating a highly focused engineering facility for the world’s most complex nuclear grade forgings and castings.

“Partnering with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, we will build a workforce which is fully conversant in Industry 4.0 manufacture to deliver one of the world’s most advanced defence manufacturing facilities.”

Sheffield Forgemasters’ new training and development facility is located within its ¼ mile-long South Machine Shop at Brightside Lane and incorporates 800 sq ft of office and teaching space.

Photo: Admiral Sir Tim Fraser opens the new Training and Development facility at Sheffield Forgemasters

Louise Cowling, Head of Apprenticeship Programmes Delivery at the AMRC Training Centre, said: “The new facility at Sheffield Forgemasters will allow us to support Sheffield Forgemasters’ delivery of a highly advanced workforce.

“The combination of such excellent facilities, combined with a clearly defined training programme, will offer apprentices the opportunity to develop engineering techniques which are far in advance of contemporary practices.”

Photo: The apprentices at Sheffield Forgemasters pose together ahead of the training facility opening.