Last month, the latest Broadcrown Apprentice to complete his training received his final certification from “EMTA Awards” signifying completion of an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship.
Ashley Smith has given an outstanding performance and has passed with flying colours, what is nominally a four year apprenticeship, in 3 years and 3 months.
Broadcrown consider that the Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Scheme provides the best possible preparation for achieving skilled or technician status within the industry. However, Ashleys success does not end there, his exceptional results have earned him the opportunity to continue his education at a higher level. He now has every intention of continuing his education with a Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering/Electronics with the possibility of even more advanced courses to follow.
Courses completed at Stafford College by Ashley so far have been:-
· Performing Engineering Operations (P.E.O.) which teaches the practical aspects of performing Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Installation Operations.
· 2330 Electrical Installation To Level 3 which teachesboth practical and theoretical aspects of Industrial and domestic electrical Installation.
Although the certificated components of Ashleys apprenticeship were gained by attending courses at Stafford College, Ashleys training contained a high proportion of practical, in house, training using the excellent facilities available in house at Broadcrown. This was intended to develop the skills necessary for versatility together with the background knowledge needed to give an appreciation of the problems associated with all aspects of Generator manufacture.
This in house training led to the award of an NVQ Level 3 in Manufacturing, mainly covering the theory and, above all, the practice of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering in a manufacturing environment. A portfolio for future reference was produced during this training.
Departments that have trained Ashley during the completion of his NVQ and apprenticeship here at Broadcrown are: -
- Fabrication Shop, - Welding and fabrication.
- Control Panel Shop, - Panel assembly, panel wiring and heavy duty (copper) bus bar production.
- Paint shop - Spraying (both standard and electrostatic), paint type and colour selection, together with the specialised Health and Safety aspects of this work.
- Generator Assembly - All aspects of generator build including sub-assemblies, generator wiring, use of overhead cranes and forklift trucks.
- Container Fit Out and Finishing - All aspects of bespoke generator container fit out and finishing.
- Generator Test - All aspects of generator test including the use of load banks, Programmable Logic Controllers, including programming, and the simulation of faults for the testing of protection equipment.
This training has been supplemented by a number of short training courses, they are:-
- MTU ADEC/SAM, a 5 day course on MTU engine function, performance control software and emissions control with an emphasis on software.
- PASMA - use of pre-fabricated tower scaffolding.
- Introduction To High Voltage Jointing (Broadcrown Company Certificate) - the use of SWA armoured cable, including crimping and heat shrinking of connections.
- Banksman and Signaller Course (crane operation) with particular emphasis on health and safety.
- First Aid Course with St John ambulance
- Manual Handling Course with St John Ambulance
The Final Advanced Modern Apprenticeship was awarded for the satisfactory completion of all the above components of the training program.
Ashley has made it known to everyone that he has thoroughly enjoyed his apprenticeship, and is looking forward to a bright new, future at Broadcrown.
As from 1st Nov Ashley has been employed as a full time permanent Test Engineer within the Hixon Test Department. Can we also take this opportunity to wish Ashley every success in his new position within the company.
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