SMART MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING WEEK Across its two halls, six exhibitions, two summits and eight education theatres Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2024 (https://www.mandeweek.co.uk/) will address the key issues that concern manufacturing businesses currently, irrespective of the market sector they serve. The main themes that the wideranging event covers are innovation, the supply chain, sustainability, digital transformation and people and skills. People and skills The British Fluid Power Association is a Strategic Partner of Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week and on the key topic of people and skills Chris Butcher, Managing Director of the BFPA recently said: “The skills gap isn’t just a fluid power sector 14 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS March 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk issue, it is impacting the whole manufacturing industry. All sectors are fishing in the same talent pool to secure new people into their business. To help our members start the process of engaging with learning centres, the BFPA has provided a significant amount of information to its membership advising them of local technical colleges, STEM Ambassadors and University Technical Colleges in their area. Over the coming months we will be providing a resource pack to help our members engage with their local education centres. This will enable companies to introduce their business, the products they sell or manufacture, and how young people can have a role within the fluid power industry.” As well as seeking advice from the The live events for Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2024 take place at the NEC, Birmingham on the 5th and 6th June. Of central interest to readers of Hydraulics & Pneumatics are the Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech events and in this article, we dig a little deeper into what visitors can expect at that event and some other significant activities taking place. BFPA there are presentations focused on the people and skills topic at the Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech education theatres. One such presentation is from Colin Guttridge, Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Baker Hughes. Colin will be presenting on the topic of Navigating the People and Skills Landscape in Manufacturing and Engineering on the 5th June. His presentation will cover skill shortages in advanced areas such as automation, robotics, data analytics and digital technologies and the imperative of diversity and inclusion. Colin will also address technological advancements, exploring the necessity for continuous Fluid Power & compressed air innovations set to shine at Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week Colin Guttridge, Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Baker Hughes
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