The Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership has been helping young people develop vital skills with the support of local businesses. Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne had recently acquired three advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machines to help their students learn about the latest in precision engineering. The school, however, needed experts who could teach the students how to operate them. Richard Wood, the newly appointed Head of Design Technology Department, had asked us what we could do to help support the school and train the next generation of engineers.
CNC mills use computer controls to cut a variety of materials. They translate programs consisting of specific numbers and letters to move a spindle to various locations and depths, shaping materials quickly and precisely. With CNCs being used across the Aerospace, Defence, Oil and Gas sectors, the machines could potentially give students a head start for future careers in the engineering industry. However, the students lacked the technical knowledge and experience to use them.
Lacking the budget to bring in an expensive CNC trainer, QE school asked the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership what we could do to help. As part of the ‘Going for Growth’ programme Christchurch and East Dorset Councils have been keen to help young people develop technical skills that local engineering companies desperately need. Therefore, we got in touch with a number of local employers who might be willing to give up some of their time. We hoped they could train up a group of students who could then pass on the knowledge to others.
Having contacted several local companies, Gary Waldron, Commercial Director of Expert CNC in Verwood, volunteered to do some training at the school. He has succeeded in showing the students how to operate the machines and even inspired one student to follow a career in the industry.
Duncan Newman Economic Development Officer for Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: “This has been a great example of how the Councils can bring people together in the local area to tackle important issues. We are increasingly aware of the emerging skills gap and believe that with the help of local businesses we can continue to inspire the next generation of engineers for our future economic development.’’
For more information on the work of Christchurch and East Dorset Councils Economic Development Department visit: www.dorsetforyou.com/economic-development/christchurch-and-east-dorset