July/August 2020

| 0 10 | July/August 2020 www.smartmachinesandfactories.com | NEWS | much a product of the North West the prospect of helping businesses across the region runs through the core of me. “I have spent my career introducing new technology and digital capability and seen the considerable benefits they can bring. I am energised and optimistic about the opportunity Made Smarter brings to SME manufacturers. “Since Made Smarter launched it has delivered a programme which has made a significant difference to a number of the region’s SME manufacturers, but the coronavirus pandemic means we face significant new challenges in terms of production processes, workforce, and supply chain constraints. “Technology has been at the heart of the response to these challenges, whether that is finding new ways of working during the restrictions we have been operating under, or using our capabilities to rapidly produce parts for ventilators or protective equipment for those on the frontline tackling the virus. “This ability to use technology to adapt and respond is critical and Made Smarter is needed more than ever to help SMEs maintain that competitive edge by adopting technology and rebounding from the current situation even stronger than they are today.” Made Smarter offers a range of support for manufacturing SMEs including: expert impartial advice and one-to-one support; matched funding for technology and digital tools, digital road-mapping workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business; eight-month leadership and management training programmes offered in partnership with Lancaster University; and fully funded Digital Technology Internships. Donna Edwards, Made Smarter programme director said: “I would like to thank Andrea Thompson for the significant contribution she has made to Made Smarter since it launched in November 2018. Her extensive international experience across key manufacturing sectors has helped deliver transformative change to significant numbers of SME manufacturers in the region. “Glyn is a fantastic replacement as chair of the steering group and a valuable addition to the wider Made Smarter network of key business leaders we have brought together to continue to develop and drive this project through an extremely challenging time. “I look forward to working with him and other board members in our continued efforts to boost the North West’s economy through the adoption of new technologies especially during these difficult times. Manufacturing has been at the forefront in our fight against the pandemic and technology has proven to be its backbone.” Manufacturing Technology Centre Training has collaborated with Aston Business School to provide an MBA degree tailored for the development of leaders in manufacturing organisations of all sizes and sectors. The Management of Manufacturing MBA degree apprenticeship is delivered over two years, helping learners accommodate full-time work and personal responsibilities while successfully completing the qualification. The programme can be funded via the apprenticeship levy, which means there are no fees for the learner. It is also accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, with membership included during, and for a year after, the programme. The Level 7 apprenticeship merges practical elements of industrial experience with academic theory and strategic thinking to empower learners to boost productivity throughout production lines and business processes. The qualification is delivered through a combination of remote and face-to-face learning. This gives learners the flexibility to study and progress within their existing day-to- day work and home lives, while also providing the rich experience of learning on-campus in a face-to-face environment with peers and learning academics. David Hughes MBE, managing director of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre said the new collaboration supported MTC Training’s commitment to deliver professional development and future skills to the manufacturing workforce throughout all stages of their careers. He said, “Our specialists MBA programme offers a fantastic opportunity for senior managers to develop the skills and knowledge to help them improve productivity and business performance. It is a great way for manufacturers to develop and retain the talent that will help them drive their business forward.” The MBA programme can help to increase apprentices’ lifetime earning potential by up to three times, accelerating their career and supporting them to become more valued experts in their organisations. Like all apprenticeships it also carries the added bonus of enabling learners to earn while they learn. One of the first to undertake the programme is Tom Driscoll at the Manufacturing Technology Centre. He said, “The MBA will supplement my engineering background with strong skills in areas such as finance, marketing, strategy and leadership and enable me to apply this directly in my work at the MTC. The skills and knowledge I will develop through the MBA will allow me to take the next step in my career.” More information about the Management of Manufacturing MBA Degree Apprenticeship is available at: http://www.the-amtc.co.uk/degree- apprenticeships. MTC offers MBA for manufacturing industry leaders