< PreviousTRAINING20Business Link www.blmforum.netStaying safeAsbestos is an issue that is stillprevalent within industry in our region.With thousands of square feet ofbusiness premises, workshops andfactories still containing traces of theharmful material, it’s essentialcompanies have the relevant knowledgeready. AMS Asbestos ManagementServices recently launched a new e-learning programme that will helpmanagers demonstrate staffcompetency in identifying and avoidingthe risks asbestos poses.Aimed at anyone who has even theslightest chance of being exposed toasbestos fibres at work includingbuilders, electricians and builders, theprogramme will enable managers todemonstrate staff are educated inasbestos awareness, fulfilling theemployer’s legal obligation to ensureare adequately trained.Available online, the programme isideal for busy tradesmen who do nothave time for face-to-face asbestosawareness training. Stewart McNicholl, Managing directorat AMS, says, “This programme offers abasic overview of asbestos and istherefore a must-have for managersand staff without the time or resourcesfor face-to-face training. The HSE wantsmanagers to be able to demonstratestaff competency in identifying andavoiding the risks of asbestos and thiscan be achieved with our new e-learning programme. The preferredmethod will always be face-to-facetraining, which we also offer, but this isa fantastic alternative for those unableto do that.”Appetite for trainingAccording to recent figures from theNational Apprenticeship Service, thedemand for UK placements across allsectors has increased by a third in justtwelve months. With the ICT sectorseeing the toughest competition –alongside arts, publishing and media –and on average seventeen applicationsper vacancy, Elizabeth Gooch, CEO ofsolutions plc says the British technologyindustry is missing a trick when itcomes to sourcing the next generationof talent.“The crossover of IT from enterpriseto consumer use has turned today’syoung CEOs – from Facebook’s MarkZuckerberg to Pinterest’s Tracey Chou –into the business idols of the nextgeneration of IT leaders, so it’s nosurprise that the sector is seeing aboom in graduates wanting to get ontothe first rung of the ladder.”“From our recent experience ofcommitting to recruiting graduates,offering such placements addssignificant value to the companies thattake them and to British technologySME. We have a responsibility toincubate the next generation oftechnology talent and this in turn willfuel further innovation of market leadingproducts. Those not considering howwe nurture new talent are seriously anopportunity.“There is also a serious lack of IT skillsin the UK, so through recruitinggraduates or offering placements we canmaternally change things for the better.“More apprenticeships means moreyoung people in employment and wetackle the skills shortage in the ITindustry at the same time as injectingnew blood into developing the qualityproducts and services that our countryis known for.”Guidance on whatcareers are on offer canlead to new pathwaysfor those unsure initiallyPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/AUREMAR19-21:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:14 Page 2Business Link 21www.blmforum.netTRAININGWhen looking to make cost savings,most businesses typically cut thebudget allocated to training as a quickfix to reduce overheads. While this mayprove successful in the short term, theimpact on the overall growth of thebusiness in the long term is likely to bedetrimental as the workplace skill setplateaus against the continued need forexpertise in the competitive market.Employees tend to see training as anopportunity to boost their skills andknowledge which leads them to feelthey are doing their job better and gaina sense of satisfaction with their work.Training can often lead to achievingqualifications which they wouldgenerally not gain elsewhere; thereforecareer aspirations become moreattainable.These factors are important indeveloping positive morale within theworkforce to create a team culturewhere employees feel confident inworking towards the organisationsobjectives.In any supply chain organisation,there may be several different sectorskills and levels of employee to train.Typically this would present thechallenge of identifying an awardingbody to provide a course to suit eachindividual’s needs. The Institute ofSupply Chain Management hasexperienced a huge demand over recentmonths as they are able to offer multiplecourses, covering various sectors of thesupply chain meaning minimal hasslefor employers.Training is essential in employeeretention – not only to refresh employeeknowledge but also to nurturemotivation and increase performance,leading to organisational success.For information about the coursesavailable contact IoSCM on 0800 1422522 or email info@ioscm.com. Followthe Institute on Twitter @IoSCM orFacebook.Workplacetraining givesbusiness a boostIoSCM are assisting numerous businesses in enjoyingorganisational success19-21:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:14 Page 3ENGINEERING22Business Link www.blmforum.netYorkshire and Lincolnshire has longenjoyed a reputation for being at theforefront of engineering. You only haveto look at enterprises like the AdvancedManufacturing Centre which is host tomajor national and internationalcompanies. Yet the region can’t rest onits laurels and changes in varioussectors are leading to new challenges inengineering.For example, the Humber has beennamed a Core Centre of RenewableEngineering in the Government’sNational Infrastructure Plan, but it’simportant that the skills exist to makesure the industry’s requirements aremet. There’s no doubt that talentedengineers with good qualifications areentering the world of work, butrenewable energy brings about a newset of challenges that they don’t getcaught as part of a conventional trainingcourse – can they carry the work out at agreat height, say? Hence the importanceof a constant stream of new skills.One area that is always eager for newblood is that of the food processingsector – another industry whichcontributes much to our region’sprosperity. It’s clear that the importanceof plant reliability and introducing theright items into the production linerequires specific engineering skills, butcurrent figures are show a gap in theengineering skills in the industry.One of the major problems in therecent years is that university provisioncovering the specifics of food and drinkengineering has been poor or non-existent, especially in the UK, and sograduates joining the industry withgeneric engineering degrees haverequired extensive on-the-job trainingbefore they can be deployed. Much likein the renewables sector, while they’rewell aware of the basics of engineering,the food and drink sector has its ownunique challenges that require specialistknowledge.Hence the introduction of the UK’sfirst degree in food engineering - theMEng Food Engineering degree atSheffield Hallam University. The degreehas received co-investment from the UKCommission for Employment and Skillsthrough the Employer Investment Fund,and the Food and Drink Federation andNational Skills Academy for Food &Drink were involved in its construction.Justine Fosh, CEO of the NationalSkills Academy, says, “The shortage ofengineers has caused intensecompetition between industries and isparticularly important to food and drinkbusinesses where engineering skillsrelevant to the sector are vital to drivegrowth and innovation in increasingly hi-tech automated productionenvironments. The MEng FoodEngineering degree puts the industry ina strong position to draw from graduatesspecifically trained in its workings. “Our aim is nothing less than toensure food industry engineering gainsthe same standing among would-begraduates as aerospace or automotiveengineering and we urge companies tocommit levels of active supportcomparable to that provided bybusinesses in those industries.” The introduction of higher standardsin food engineering should mean thatThe increase in automation has led to a requirementto improve the standards across engineeringDr Martin Buzza and DrTommy Horozov of theUniversity of Hull havediscovered a unique way ofcreating two-dimensionalstructures using a self-assembly method for colloidsat a liquid interfaceThe nextgeneration22-27:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:17 Page 1Business Link 23www.blmforum.netENGINEERINGextensive downtime while machinery isrepaired and reconfigured is now a thing of thepast. A major challenge for the introduction ofautomation into the food and drink industry hasbeen getting it to work to its full potential andavoid potential flashpoints where a combinationof factors, from human error to machinerymalfunction, can lead to major problems. Asmuch process control equipment can be veryexpensive, it can prove difficult to repair ifproblems occur.Other sectors are also illustrating theimportance of introducing new skills. Hull-basedPoint Engineering Group has launched a newdivision in response to a huge increase indemand for electrical services, providingelectrical installation and contracting for industrialand marine clients, particularly in the modularbuilding sector. Initially the division will be usedfor existing fabrication contracts for modularbuildings but the intention is to encouragegrowth in numerous other sectors as well.Jonathan Rollison, Point Engineering Group’sfinancial director, says, “In recent months someof our engineers have been involved in projectswith electrical control and automationrequirements, so the need for full electricalqualification and approval became moreapparent. We have launched the new ElectricalDivision without outside assistance and I haveno doubt the expansion will present moreopportunities to develop further.”One way in which engineering skills can beimproved is via participation in internationally-renowned schemes, and Shipley’s CMBEngineering, the canmaking equipmentmanufacturer, has participated in theManufacturing Team Challenge at theWorldSkills International tournament in Leipzig,Germany. The tournament is considered theultimate test of apprentices, with talented young“The shortage of engineers hascaused intense competitionbetween industries and isparticularly important to food anddrink businesses where engineeringskills relevant to the sector are vitalto drive growth and innovation inincreasingly hi-tech automatedproduction environments.”Justine Fosh, CEO of the National Skills Academy25 The creation of the MEng Food Engineering degree is part of GraduateExcellence, delivered through a partnership of the Food and Drink Federation,The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink and Sheffield Hallam Universityand recently launched at a major event in SheffieldThere is a host of new engineeringconcepts on display at drinktec inMunich this September. Visitwww.drinktec.com for more information22-27:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:17 Page 2ENGINEERING24Business Link www.blmforum.netTel: 01482 325676 Email sales@kingston-engineering.co.uk www.kingston-engineering.co.uk.Kingston EngineeringKingston Engineering are specialists in precision engineering basedin Hull. As one of the regions leading companies in their sector,Kingston Engineering can provide specialised power screw products, specialist leadscrew and ex-stock power nuts and screws. In addition, Kingston Engineering can provide expertise and guidancein factory and production machinery installation, commissioning as well as maintenance and repair.The company’s proficiency in specialised precision machine components and componentreclamation and enhancement, also enhances their excellent reputation for providing a premiumservice.Furthermore, Kingston Engineering extends its services to providing solutions for corrosion prevention and expertise inbalancing. If you’re looking for the best in the business and experts with experience in the industry, Kingston can providethe perfect solution to your precision engineering needs. Direct Gaskets LimitedUnit 2. Lee Smith Street. Hedon Road. Hull.East Yorkshire. HU9 1SD. Tel: 01482 219 655 Fax: 01482 321 162 Email: info@direct-gaskets.co.ukDirect Gaskets are the market leaders with the expertise in the manufacture ofgaskets and joints in non-metallic materials.We specialise in one-off emergency supply and specialised specifications. All ourproducts conform to British Standards.We carry large stocks of spiral wound gaskets, gland packings, boiler requisites, glasswebbings and ladder tapes, S.A.B. (self adhesive backed) sponge strip, Tefcan(expanded self adhesive backed PTFE) and ‘O’ rings, Direct Gaskets can tacklealmost any sealing request on demand.Direct Gaskets understand how important speed, accuracy and efficiency is whenworking in industry and effectively offer a very rapid response to their customers’needs without compromising on quality, which continues to be ofparamount importance to its very varied client base, where theyhave achieved a diamond award (96%) in customer satisfactionwithin the BS EN ISO 9001:2008 quality manual.www.direct-gaskets.co.ukWith 25 years of experience and expertise inthe field of optical measuring and sensortechnology, our company develops and marketshighly precise optical measuring and sensortechnology with corresponding softwaresolutions. Our systems are in operation atnumerous well-known industrial companies andresearch institutes - to our customers, we offerinnovative and effective solutions for a widevariety of applications.Steinbichler UK Limited, Wildmoor Mill, Mill Lane, Wildmoor, Bromsgrove B61 0BX phone: +44-1527-837283fax: +44-1527-55818922-27:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:17 Page 3Business Link 25www.blmforum.netENGINEERINGindividuals from more than 53 countriesaround the world competing for medals.After success at the WorldSkills UKnational competition, Andrew Maguire,George Moffat and Daniel Gebhardrepresented CMB Engineering and theUK in the challenge, which relies oninnovative thinking and multi-disciplinary skills, including electricalengineering. The team showcased theirexcellence in engineering by designingand producing a solar powered can andbottle crushing disposal unit. The three are all enrolled in CMBEngineering’s apprenticeshipprogramme. This programme of eitherelectrical or mechanical engineeringincludes formal study at Leeds orBradford College and practicalexperience working alongside thecompany’s professional engineeringteams. At the end of their developmentprograms, the young apprenticesgraduate with a level three NVQ, and ahigher national certificate in mechanicalor electrical engineering.Andrew Truelove, newly appointedGeneral Manager at CarnaudMetalboxEngineering, says, “We now have formerapprentices, including myself, working in26 many key positions within the company,or in the canmaking industry at large,demonstrating the same high-performance mentality that helped ourteam win the medallion of excellence atthe WorldSkills competition.”Many companies are making use ofthe opportunities that are becomingapparent in new areas. DASEngineering Services, for example,previously based in Castleford, havenow relocated to Swillington in Leedsand is targeting new markets in abusiness development programmesupported by a £300,000 fundingpackage from Yorkshire Bank.DAS Engineering Servicesmanufactures precision parts mainly forspecial purpose machinery andsophisticated production technology.The engineering business has also justcompleted a major contract tomanufacture high-pressure core holdersfor the Wolfson Multiphase FlowLaboratory at Leeds University.Managing Director David Stone says,“There has been a substantial upturn formanufacturing in the sectors in whichwe operate, and we have beenoperating day and night shifts for thelast two years to keep up with demand.We are busy because we have investedin the latest technology andmanagement systems. We do what wepromise on time and on budget. “We were full to capacity at ourformer premises in terms of manpowerand technology, and we had to decidewhether to stay there or grow. Wedecided to move and expand into newsectors including aerospace, wind farmsand nuclear technology.”Yorkshire and Lincolnshire’s longtradition in advanced engineering –assisted by the great strides its manyscience-based enterprises anduniversities have been able to make –ensures the area is well-placed to createnew solutions to meet growing needs.The need to curb the world’s reliance onfinite resources is an obvious one andthe Engineering and Physical SciencesResearch Council has identified theimportance of engineering structures ata nanometer scale. The ability to controlstructures at this scale is certainly a keytechnology and one that should openthe door to manufacturing artificialPoint Engineering Grouphas launched a newdivision in response to ahuge increase in demandfor electrical services“In recent months someof our engineers havebeen involved in projectswith electrical control andautomation requirements,so the need for fullelectrical qualificationand approval becamemore apparent.”Jonathan Rollison, Point EngineeringGroup’s financial director22-27:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:17 Page 4ENGINEERING26Business Link www.blmforum.net‘smart’ materials of the future.That’s taking place thanks to scientistsat the University of Hull who havepioneered a method of organisingparticles that could lead to these newmaterials. Dr Martin Buzza in theDepartment of Physics & Maths and DrTommy Horozov in the Department ofChemistry have discovered a uniqueway of creating two-dimensionalstructures using a self-assembly methodfor colloids at a liquid interface.Dr Buzza and Dr Horozov say thattheir ‘bottom up’ method could lead tofaster, cheaper and more versatilemethods of engineering two-dimensional structures such asmicrochips, which are currentlymanufactured using surfacelithographical techniques – a traditional‘top down’ method of organisingcolloids which is slow and expensive.The University of Hull has a richhistory in colloid science going all theway back to world changing researchinto the development of modern-dayLCDs, led by Prof George Gray in theseventies, and more recently the workof Prof Bernie Binks, who has creatednovel materials including ‘dry’ water. Dr Buzza says, “We have developed agood understanding of the forces thatcontrol these particles and we think itwill be even stronger in metals. Thepotential is huge with the move towardsreplacing electricity with light incomputer technology, the latter beingmuch, much faster. In the next phase ofour work, we plan to use the method todesign a wide variety of structures andsee which have the most potential foroptoelectronic applications.”New technologies provide the perfectopportunity for Yorkshire andLincolnshire’s engineering companies toexpand and enter new markets – thoughthe challenge will be to ensureemployees have the skills and knowledgeto allow them to benefit from this.Shipley’s CMB Engineering, the canmaking equipment manufacturer,has participated in the Manufacturing Team Challenge at theWorldSkills International tournament in Leipzig, Germany01522 531711Rilmac Group of Companies take great pride in deliveringworld class manufacturing and engineering solutions in thefollowing sections:>FABRICATION-Rilmac Fabricaon offers a diverse range of Steel fabricaon,assembly and finishing services. Whether it is sheet metal, stainless or heavy steel plate,machining, shot-blasng and painng, or packing for internaonal shipment, our faciliesprovide an extensive range of capabilies, encapsulated within a professional service.>INSULATION-Rilmac Insulaon specialists in all insulaon services fromcryogenic and blast furnace extremes, small plant modificaon to full factory fit out.>SCAFFOLDING-Based in Lincolnshire, Rilmac Scaffolding provide accessscaffolding throughout the UK. A fully trained and experienced work force relish the challengeof providing focussed, innovave soluons to our customers’ needs. Rilmac strongly engagewith their customers to meet all deadlines, with the aim of delivering exceponal service.>ASBESTOS SERVICES-Rilmac Asbestos Services use their vastexperience to create a safe environment, provide a quality service and add value to everyproject. The Company offers a comprehensive, asbestos soluons package, from smalldomesc projects to major industrial asbestos removal projects.Rilmac Group, Croon Drive, Allenby Road Industrial Estate, Lincoln, LN3 4NJTel: 01522 531711 Fax: 01522 510291 www.rilmac.co.uk22-27:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:18 Page 5Operators aiming to achieve operational excellence in the face of increasing competitive, legislative and economic pressures, often require expert assistance. ABB Consulting assists customers in the global process industries. We offer expertise in; inspection, integrity management, operations improvement, process safety, project services, site and asset closure, technical engineering, technical software, technical training and EQORGVGPE[9GDGPGƂVEWUVQOGTUD[TGFWEKPITKUMQRVKOKUKPIEQUVCPFKORTQXKPIOCPWHCEVWTKPIGHƂEKGPE[ www.abb.com/consultingABB Consulting.Safe, reliable, efficient operations.ABB ConsultingTel: +44 (0)1925 741111email: contact@gb.abb.comBusiness Link 27www.blmforum.netENGINEERINGThe growing demand for theirexpertise across a broad range of fieldsincluding safety, process engineering,improving operational performance andextending the life of ageing plants hasseen the company grow at around 20%a year.ABB Consulting work across theglobe, but the heart of their operationsremains here in the UK. They arecurrently working with local operators tohelp them achieve operationalexcellence on projects such as...* Asset life extension * Risk Based Inspection* Pipework remediation* Process Hazard Reviews* Construction management* Project term services* Specialist engineering* Pressure relief The demand for their unique skill sethas meant they have embarked upon alarge recruitment campaign, which isexpected to continue throughout 2013.ABB Managing Director Neil Blackhallsays, “Our team is at the cutting edge ofsafety, performance and complianceoperating in the petrochemical, oil andgas, chemical and power industriesacross the globe.“Our employees are fundamental toour success. We pride ourselves onbeing thought leaders in the industryand are constantly looking for new andeffective ways to improve our clients’processes and operations. We’reconstantly on the lookout for newrecruits, and while we’ve got a stronggraduate and apprenticeshipprogramme, we’re particularlyinterested to hear from experiencedengineers who can contribute at theleading edge of the business.” ABB Consulting are recruiting forboth staff and contract positions in theareas of safety, integrity and processdesign. To view their current list ofvacancies, visit www.abb.co.uk/careers To learn more about ABBConsulting, visitwww.abb.com/consulting.Continued success forengineering consultancy Engineering consultancy ABB Consulting are continuing to go fromstrength to strength22-27:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:18 Page 6CHEMICALS28Business Link www.blmforum.netThe likes of BP’s Saltend ChemicalsPark are emphasising the region’s roleas a major player in the sector. Yet withthis comes the requirement to provide ahighly skilled workforce, and our regioncan offer that with its numerous trainingfacilities. One of the most respected isCATCH, the Stallingborough-basedtraining facility. One recent addition hasbeen the innovative new SkillsEnhancement Centre, which hasfinished delivering its latest course. Aspart of this, four apprenticessuccessfully completed threemandatory units in pipe fitting as part oftheir ECITB level 3 diploma.The manual pipe fitting course tookplace over five consecutive days,followed by two days of independentassessment. It was the first time thisdiscipline has been delivered at theSkills Enhancement Centre, and followstwo courses for third year advancedECITB apprentices that taught themhow to position and install mechanicalplant and equipment that took placeover the last few months.Training apprentices in the manualpipe fitting units has often proved to bedifficult, if their place of work can’t offerthem the appropriate opportunities togain experience and get assessed.That’s usually because the pipe workthey’re involved in is on a much largerscale and therefore any bends have tobe pre-formed by the pipemanufacturers before they arrive onsite. Among those taking part in thecourse was Max Stockley, as apprenticewith TEI, and he says, “Pipe bendingisn’t something I have had the chancedo on site before. Coming to the SkillsEnhancement Centre has meant that Ihave learnt this important skill in greaterdepth, and it has given me theconfidence for the future.”Peter Walker, Senior Trainer at theGrimsby Institute, who delivered thecourse, says, “The group has learnthow to measure up and plan their work,pressure form pipes using a hydraulicbending machine, and fit the end resultinto the pipe rig here in the SkillsEnhancement Centre. The length of thecourse has also allowed us to gothrough method statements, riskassessments and permits to work,exactly the same as they would berequired to do on site.”There are now plans to use the piperig to develop further courses and as alearning opportunity for groups of localschool children to find out more aboutthe process industries and the localcareers available in this region. WithCausing areactionYorkshire and Lincolnshire’s expertise in the chemicalindustry is seeing the area reap the rewards of investment. CATCH, the Stallingborough-based trainingfacility, is enjoying success from itsinnovative new Skills Enhancement Centre28-31:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:19 Page 1Business Link 29www.blmforum.netCHEMICALSmany sectors eager to benefit from a steady flowof new talent, the ability to illustrate what’s on offeris a huge advantage for the chemical industry.One of the region’s major chemical companies isCroda International of Goole who have completedthe acquisition of the Specialty Products businessof Arizona Chemical of Florida. The acquisitionadds a portfolio of class leading oil gellingpolymers to Croda’s business and further expandsits footprint in the polymers arena, whilestrengthening Croda’s leading position in specialitychemicals derived from renewable resources. Thetechnologies and products of the acquiredbusiness are naturally derived polyamides withhigh bio-renewable content, covered by a range ofpatents.This spirit of consolidation works both ways asEverbuild Building Products of Leeds have recentlybeen purchased by chemicals giant Sika UK. Theacquisition will strengthen Sika’s position in theconstruction chemical market and in theprofessional distribution and do-it-yourselfchannels and Everbuild’s founder David Seymour,who is staying with the company as it operates asa subsidiary, says “With Sika we have thepossibility to further grow our business and tobenefit from the broad R&D capabilities for furtherproduct innovation.”That R&D capability is hugely important. Thesector already benefits from the region’smanufacturing talents and its long association withnew developments in science, most obviously inour major universities. The Faculty of Engineeringat the University of Sheffield is making use of the4CU Programme Grant led by Chemical andBiological Engineering for novel carbon captureand utilisation, with the potential of dramaticallyreducing the cost of carbon capture andregeneration.As part of this process, researchers at theUniversity have found a more efficient way to dryproducts for food manufacture, using tiny, hotbubbles. Instead of boiling a product to evaporatewater, the most common technique used byindustry, the Sheffield team injected hotmicrobubbles through the liquid, causing the waterto evaporate without boiling. Professor Will Zimmerman, who led the study,says, “We’ve applied this principle, called ‘coldboiling’, to separate water from methanol.30 R&D capability is hugely important. Thesector already benefits from the region’smanufacturing talents and its long associationwith new developments in science, mostobviously in our major universities.28-31:Layout 1 29/7/13 10:19 Page 2Next >