Mori Seiki and partners promote vocational careers for engineers at WorldSkills 2011

As a Silver sponsor, Mori Seiki is supplying 24 of its latest X-Class CNC machines for use in the CNC Turning, CNC Milling, and the Manufacturing Team Challenge categories of the event, which is aimed at promoting vocational skills and brings together over 1,000 young people from 50 countries, competing in 45 categories. This is the third time that Mori Seiki has supported the WorldSkills event and it sees it as a showcase for what can be achieved by young people, with the correct encouragement and support. Sam Andrews who, with Rachael Carr and Kai Burkitt, is part of the three-person Manufacturing Team Challenge, all employed by BAE Systems, says: "A vocational career is a fantastic opportunity, as it gives you the skills and knowledge, not only within your role at work, but also with your life. For instance, with our company, we undertake voluntary work, charity work and other things to help with our community." She continues: "Being involved with international competitions raises my profile around my company and within the industry. Also, going to international competitions means that I can see how other companies work within other countries. It will enhance my experience and may inspire me to work abroad within my field." The manufacturing team challenge employs several distinct skills, such as mechanical engineering design and computer-aided machining for equipment assemblies. It involves designing and manufacturing equipment assemblies. The skills needed to complete this challenge at a WorldSkills competition include draft-level and computer design, welding, installing and assembling, automation and electronics. "Engineering is the lifeblood of BAE Systems," explains Nigel Whitehead, group managing director at BAE Systems. "Our future growth is reliant on us ensuring we have the right skills to meet our customers' and our nation's needs. We are delighted to support World Skills this year and are fully committed to working with our key industry partners to support skills development in education and the community." Mori Seiki understands the importance of training and development and has implemented educational activities for its own staff to improve communication around the world. Its exchange and training programmes are geared towards developing language skills, building an appreciation of the roles of other departments, understanding cultural differences and instigating technology transfer programmes to share know-how amongst the company's engineers. "Skill shortages are a worldwide problem and we need to get young people back into apprenticeship and graduate schemes. WorldSkills is a great platform for encouraging people to take up vocational training," underlines Steve Finn, vice president Mori Seiki UK. David Nicholl from Northern Ireland is competing in the CNC Milling category. Employed by Schlumberger, he was convinced by his college lecturer that he had the potential to go far. "Pursuing a vocational career involves hard work, but the rewards are great. WorldSkills will help me to develop my skills and it will be a good stepping stone for furthering my career." David Nicholl, Sam Andrews, who is competing in the Manufacturing Team Challenge, and Ian Thompson, training manager and WorldSkills expert, spent time at Nikken Kosakusho preparing for the event. Nikken is the official supplier of the tooling on the Mori Seiki machines. "For more than 50 years, we have understood the importance of workplace training and skills," highlights Nikken Group managing director Tony Bowkett. "The opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring future generations have the outstanding engineering skills required for the UK to compete globally is one we could not pass over." Mr Thompson adds: "It is fantastic to have such prestigious companies supporting the young UK engineers, giving them the best possible chance to compete on a world stage." Philip Sopwart, who is competing in the CNC Turning category, is employed by Rolls-Royce PLC, and believes that competing in international competitions will help him with whatever career move he wants to make. As a technical partner to Mori Seiki for WorldSkills, Jemtech will be supplying cutting fluids for the machines and technical support for its products. "WorldSkills is an opportunity for us to give something back to young apprentices, as they will be the engineers of tomorrow," offers managing director Steve Coull. Summing up, Steve Finn says: "The driving ambition and determination of the UK entrants is an inspiration for all young people in their future careers. WorldSkills shows the value of vocational training and promotes the sharing of technology and best practice. We are privileged to be able to help young people understand the opportunities available and to achieve their goals." Image, L to R: Peter Davies, WorldSkills technical director; Steve Finn VP Mori Seiki; Malcolm Perryman, senior sponsorship manager WorldSkills; Jenny Shackleton, UK Skills; Paul Green, workshop supervisor; Masahide Iino, MD Mori Seiki UK