“I only discovered the AMRC Training Centre after meeting Adrian in the pub by chance,” says Delaney. “He dropped something, I picked it up and we started to chat. Adrian invited me to come for a tour of the AMRC and I took him up on the offer.”
The opportunity came about through Allen and his longstanding relationship with AMT, the Association for Manufacturing Technology, a US-based manufacturing trade body which owns and organises IMTS, and agreed to sponsor Delaney.
Peter Eelman, AMT vice president and CXO, says: “AMT and IMTS believe in building a network of strategic partners to establish a community of practice in which manufacturing research, technology, and education are at the forefront. The AMRC has a legacy of educational excellence and a breadth of industrial partners who are united in advancing our industry. Notably, the alignment between the IMTS apprentice programme and the AMRC presented a unique opportunity and a natural extension of our ongoing mission to elevate the value we bring to our members and events in this global economy.”
As part of his sponsorship, Delaney will be posting a weekly blog on what he is learning, and this will be published on the IMTS website and across its social media channels. The blog will be good preparation for when he travels to Chicago next year, where he will give a speech about his apprenticeship to guests attending IMTS 2020.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m very excited for what the future holds,” says Delaney. “I definitely intend to go as far as I possibly can, both in terms of my career and education.”
Delaney began his apprenticeship in September and will study for 36 weeks at the AMRC Training Centre before going into a company, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, and learning the fundamentals of engineering theory and manufacturing processes.
“I’m learning how to use CNC machines and tools to cut, drill and finish components,” says Delaney. “I’m very happy with how we’ve got straight into it. I was expecting a lengthy time where we would be eased into things, but they’ve thrown us straight in, which is good because I like to be challenged.”
In his role as an apprentice test technician at the ASTC, Delaney will assist the team with the setting up of tests and use his newly-acquired machining skills to create jigs and test coupons. He will also be involved with producing validation and certification reports.
Head of the ASTC, Phil Spiers, says: “It’s these chance meetings on which the world spins. Sean is a great lad; hardworking, clever and conscientious. He will be a real boost to the ASTC. His apprenticeship will also deepen our relationship with our friends at the AMT and IMTS.”
