New Process Manufacturing Centre Receives Training Rig Donation

Phil Black - PII Editor 11/11/2016

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Kirklees College has received a donation of a training rig for its new Process Manufacturing Centre (PMC) in Huddersfield from a company keen to support the growth of Apprenticeships.

Lancashire-based William Blythe Limited has designed, manufactured and donated the equipment which will allow all apprentices to practise skills such as intrusive maintenance, safe working procedures, changing pipework and understanding liquid flow through pipes.

The company has two apprentices currently training at the centre.

Mike Nixon, Pilot Plant and Production Supervisor at William Blythe said: “We are a committed training provider to all our employees because we know skilled staff are essential to success. Alongside this the company has a long history of actively engaging with those at the start of their career by offering both Apprenticeships and industrial placements.

“Kirklees College has proven itself as an excellent choice for William Blythe to partner with for Apprenticeships so we have donated the training rig to support growth within the training facilities.

“We hope that all of the process manufacturing apprentices at Kirklees College find it helpful and beneficial for developing their skills.”

Kirklees College Process Manufacturing Operations Manager Paul Singh, said: “The fluid flow process rig, which showcases the actual fittings and pipework found in industry, surpasses anything that may be purchased from a provider of educational training tools.

“This process rig will allow the students to see and work with the actual process fittings and fluid flow dynamics found in industry along with being able to break into pressurised lines in a safe and controlled environment.

“With this donation, William Blythe is providing a training tool for all apprentices in this industry.

“William Blythe does not only showcase their support for their apprentices, but for Process Manufacturing as a whole. This will support the growth of the Apprenticeship.”

The PMC, which officially opened last month, was awarded £3.1m capital funding from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in 2014.

This has been added to funds from local and national businesses and donations in the form of plant, services and equipment, making its value around £5m in total.

The project attracted over 60 partner organisations, all making contributions to a centre and curriculum that meets industry needs.