Bosch Rexroth offers training to AB Graphic for student initiative

Based in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, AB Graphics employs five apprentices every year to help protect and bolster its future workforce.

To ensure apprentices have the necessary workplace ready skills and experience, the consortium is making use of industry-grade training from partners such as Bosch Rexroth’s Drives and Controls Academy.

Mark Thomas, key account and national systems sales at Bosch Rexroth, said: “We will supply AB Graphic with the latest training aids. The equipment will be assembled into an ergonomic bench and suitably set up to demonstrate and teach the principles of motion control, PLC programming and servo drive set-up, enabling students to understand modern machine control systems. Not only will the equipment be available for all students taking a related course, but also for training existing AB Graphic employees.

Components supplied will help make students more familiar with Bosch Rexroth control products leading to a smoother entry into the industry. Phil Robson, operations manager at AB Graphic, said: “The equipment that has been supplied to us is perfectly tailored to support students and teachers at all qualification stages.”

Primarily aimed at pupils in Years 10 and 11, aspiring to an engineering career, Headlands School will manage this part of the project, offering students a GCSE option that will eventually lead to a Level 2 qualification. Students can then move onto a Level 3 and Higher Level 4 (HNC/D) qualification in engineering or apprenticeship at East Riding College or DTA.

Robson added: “This partnership is a great opportunity for practical young people in Yorkshire and it doesn’t have to stop there. While we may attract potential partners in the future, we suggest manufacturers across the UK take note of our framework and build their own unique initiative to improve engagement.”