XYZ Machine Tools supports new University Technology College project

University Technical Colleges are a new education concept, offering 14-18 year olds full time, technically-oriented study. Central Bedfordshire specialises in design, engineering and manufacturing and there are now 30 prime companies in the local engineering sector, plus two universities, sponsoring or partnering with it. Students combine hand and mind to learn in a very practical way, integrating national curriculum requirements with the technical and vocational elements. The UTC ethos and curriculum is heavily influenced by local and national employers, who also provide support and work experience for students. XYZ's package included sets of four installations of ProTURN SLX 1630 CNC lathes, ProtoTRAK SMX 3 2000 variable speed turret mills, XYZ 2000 manual turret mills and XYZ 1330 manual 'Trainer' lathes. In addition, an XYZ 1020 surface grinding machine was installed, four pillar drills, two pedestal grinding units, a bandsaw, a SAR 750 bender and roller and five ESAB welding sets along with a host of associated accessories and tooling items. Apart from the machines, XYZ was charged to supply and install all peripheral equipment the students would need, embracing welding sets, toolholders and cutting tools, hand tools and measuring instruments, even mats with logos put in front of machines, and pertinent shadow tool boards by each machine. According to Barry Nappin, head of Department of Engineering: "Price was not the central issue, but against competitive tendering, the UTC was highly tuned to only consider equipment that would set students on their way for the real world of manufacturing and engineering from which they could secure their future." He gave a prime example of where the XYZ machines fulfilled the bill: "We have four XYZ ProtoTRAK SMX 3 2000 turret mills. Depending where the students are in their training schedule, they can operate the 'very simple to take on board' ProtoTRAK control or take full advantage of the control's inbuilt flexibility by manually operating the machine using the mechanical handles. As a result they can get a real feel for machining, the cutting tool and the job. That's such a very important basic from which we can build the level of skill an engineering employer will be seeking." A further point he made concerns visibility on the machines when training. "You need to see what's going on, which means the guarding around the machine needs to be functional and safe, but also allows the student to have a clear view of the working area. It also helps us as instructors to have room not to obstruct but to be able to point out to the student things they need to consider and understand." He maintains they have found across the range of XYZ machines these have become really important factors in getting the students to appreciate what is happening and not just have them trying to peer through a small glass screen. He talked about how the projects have developed following the installation of the machines and equipment: "XYZ has been involved in partnering us and, like our sponsor companies, has come back to help train the students giving lectures and presentations on machining, plus we have had such excellent telephone support." Additionally, he adds: "With the XYZ showroom and application centre close by at Waltham Abbey, it is easy and convenient to extend training when needed." The UTC was opened by HRH The Duke of York in October 2012 with an initial cohort of 42 Post-16 students on board. HRH is due to return to open the next phase that includes a 1,000 m2 design centre when it is completed at the end of the year. Since the engineering facility opened, the BBC has been in to film and East Anglia News has twice reported on the success of the ever developing training concept.