PROCAT TechTalk Newsletter - May 2016

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INNOVATIVE AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY | ONEFILE | BESPOKE TRAINING DELIVERED BY PROCAT

Newsletter | Issue 1 | May 2016

Newsletter | Issue 1 | May 201602.

03.Innovotive Aircraft Technology -

Aerosim

04.Supporting the modernisation

of UK Railways

05.New Advanced Engineering Centre

07.OneFile

08.Prevent Training / PROCAT Preps

for new apprenticeship standards

09.Employer Survey

10.Bespoke Training / Solidworks CAD

11.

Commercial Training Offer

CONTENTSWELCOME

to the first edition of Tech Talk - PROCAT’s new engineering

newsletter. We have taken this opportunity to tell you about

exciting developments happening in the world of training and

apprenticeships, both nationally and at PROCAT. Apprenticeships

are changing; a levy is in force from April 2017; new qualifications

are being developed to support new technology and process; and

the college is making strides in digitalisation and investing millions

of pounds in new industry technology.

Ensuring that we offer up to date and high quality training for

businesses who rely on skilled and competent engineers is driving

us to be at the forefront of these opportunities. All of it is aimed at

improving the products and services we provide to you.

Developing and maintaining good and productive relationships with

our customers is crucial and communication is key to any successful

relationship. This newsletter therefore is one of a number of

mechanisms that we are working on to improve our communication

with you, some of which are featured in this edition.

Communication of course works best when its two way, so I invite

you to get in touch and get involved where you can. To provide us

with feedback on our products and services, we currently have a live

customer survey you can complete.

I do hope you find Tech Talk informative and an enjoyable read

and I would be delighted to hear from about how we can improve

future editions and topics you would like to see covered.

Helen Russell - Director of

Business Development

Newsletter | Issue 1 | May 2016 03.

Inno

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INNOVATIVE AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY AT PROCAT

PROCAT is leading on the development and use of digital learning technology, with the

introduction of Aerosim Virtual Maintenance Trainer. This simulation-based training tool

and virtual aeroplane empowers learners and their employers, supporting new ways of

delivering education and skills.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Students at PROCAT’s Aviation Academy can now

explore an entire virtual aircraft. Students navigate virtual equipment bays, remove

components and see results in real time.

The use of digital technology at PROCAT is enabling students to learn and practise skills

in a virtual environment before working on an actual aircraft. It is providing students with

a distraction free environment to learn in and focus on conducting simulated maintenance

tests and practise troubleshooting procedures without real-world limitations.

Virtual learning is engaging and interactive for students and motivates them to learn. It

enhances their overall experience of classroom training. It also makes classroom time more

productive as students can enter the virtual environment immediately. Students are able

to work at their own pace as well as, watch demonstrated procedures. PROCAT will be

introducing more digital technology and virtual learning environments in the coming year.

PROCAT is leading on the development and use of digital learning technology,

with the introduction of Aerosim Virtual Maintenance Trainer.

Left: PROCAT tutor presenting Aerosim system. Right-top: Aerosim system. Right-bottom: PROCAT's learner facilities.


PRO

CAT

's UK

RI Finalist

SUPPORTING THE MODERNISATION OF UK RAILWAYS

An introduction made in 2012 between Bombardier and PROCAT was the catalyst for the

creation of not only a much needed advanced rail engineering programme, but also a highly

productive partnership between the college and, what is now, eight national and international

organisations. Starting with just nine apprentices in 2013; when PROCAT welcomes its 2016

cohort, more than 200 advanced technician apprentices will be training at the Rail Academy and

supporting the delivery of the biggest rail upgrades since Victorian times.

Our programme is recognised by the professional bodies as a one of quality and relevance and

that produces competent professional technicians. Many apprentices undertake the Higher

National Certificate as part of their apprenticeship and most go on to achieve EngTech status.

Recognition has also been received at the UK Rail Industry awards, with Thales Project Engineer

Apprentice, Danny Jay Anderson having won-through to become a finalist.

On this, Head of Communications at THALES, Gayna Hall, said “THALES and PROCAT have

worked closely and collaboratively to provide an engaging and exciting learning opportunity for

young people with aspirations to work in engineering in the rail sector. A variety of skills are needed

in the industry for the future and it was important for us to invest in an apprenticeship scheme

that is attractive to the next generation of high-calibre engineers and offers real opportunity for

them to learn. Working with PROCAT has enabled us to do exactly that.”

We are delighted at the success of the programme so far and wish to thank our industry partners

Thales, Bombardier, Telent, Transport for London, Atkins, Eurostar, Virgin East Coast, DLR for

working with us to create an exciting and rewarding venture. We look forward to continued excellence

and innovation in rail and our joint pursuit of creating skilled technicians for the rail sector.

Rail Engineering at PROCAT … 3 years of industry partnership

Top: UKRI finalist Danny Jay Anderson.


PROCAT REVEALS NEW CENTRE FOR ADVANCED ENGINEERING

Top: Students learning NT CADCAM

New

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One year on from the incorporation of PROCAT, as the first of a new breed of Colleges of

Advanced Technology, the college celebrates major new investments in support of British

industry. The re-equipped Centre for Advanced Engineering has been transformed by nearly

£2 million contributed by government and PROCAT partner employers.

As well as the redesign of the centre itself, the transformation has seen a whole host of new

specialist, technical equipment installed, including automation equipment and a robotic arm, a

3D printer in the new CAD/CAM room, new CNC machines and hydraulic systems. PROCAT’s

employer partners are the driving force behind this advancement as British industry looks to

lead the way in developing the very best skilled technicians, using state-of-the-art machinery.

The new centre will help satisfy increasing employer demand for training in advanced

technologies, including advanced and higher apprenticeships in production, electronics,

automation, aviation, railway and mechanical engineering. Apprentices attending the college

will have the opportunity study in environments as advanced (and maybe even more so) than

those they are used to in their workplace. The college will be uniquely placed to provide

professional and technical pathways from level 3 right through to level 6.

To support this PROCAT has also formed a new strategic partnership with global leader in

skills development, City & Guilds.

PROCAT, the UK’s first and leading college of advanced technology has unveiled its new

Centre for Advanced Engineering, a £2m investment in the latest specialist, technical

equipment designed to further support the training and development of high quality

engineers for UK industry.

NEW

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REVEALS PROCAT

ADVANCED FOR


New

Advanced Engineering C

entre

Kirstie Donnelly, Managing Director of City & Guilds commented:

“The experience and education learners receive at PROCAT is worlds away from the traditional image of an FE college. The college has managed to replicate a cutting-edge workplace environment that gives students real experience of working in their chosen field rather than a purely theoretical knowledge and it’s this environment that works so well for the type of qualifications we are developing. This partnership also gives us an opportunity to work directly with employers to develop the right quality apprenticeship routes. City & Guilds and PROCAT share this vision to make vocational education an aspirational route through to a great career. I look forward to working in partnership with PROCAT to develop pathways that take young people from level 2 right up to degree level and beyond.”

New Business Centre

“City & Guilds has also co-invested in a new Business

Centre at PROCAT, a facility where member companies

can meet, do business or meet their apprentices

or tutors. The centre is equipped with conference

facilities, meeting space, Wi-Fi and hospitality. You are

welcome to come and see it for yourself. Please contact

Madeleine Austin - [email protected]

Left: PROCAT's new centre for advanced

engineering. Right: Robotic arm.

Above: PROCAT's new Business Centre


One

File

OneFile is the college’s new

ePortfolio system that will transform

the tracking of progress learners

make at PROCAT. It provides an

efficient and streamlined assessment

process between assessors and

learners and will give apprentices

greater ownership of their learning.

OneFile is also open to employers

who can access information on

their apprentices through a personal account.

So how does this help an employer? OneFile enables you to review and monitor the progress

of your apprentices. This includes the ability to run a gap analysis of their course to see

what they still need to cover and read reviews that have taken place between the apprentice

and PROCAT with any actions for improvement. OneFile gives you greater understanding

and ownership of the progress of your employees and better, real time information to

support your apprentice to achieve on time.

Learners upload all their work and it is marked on OneFile. This means that other digital

technologies such as mobile devices to record videos and conversations and take photographs

can be used and easily uploaded. It will clearly highlight areas that are complete and signed

off and areas that require further work, ensuring swift action can be taken when a learner

falls behind target to ensure their timely success. It also allows managers to closely monitor

progress from a whole college to individual learner level.

Would you like track your

apprentices' progress at the click

of a button?

WELCOME TO


Prevent Training /Apprenticeship Standards

“[Schools] should make sure that staff have training that gives them the knowledge and

confidence to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism, and to challenge

extremist ideas which can be used to legitimise terrorism...”

PREPARING FOR THE NEW APPRENTICESHIP STANDARDS

New Standards will replace all the current Apprenticeship frameworks and present a

significant reform of apprenticeships in the UK. The Standards have been designed by

employer groups to reflect current industry requirements and raise quality. They also set out

increased involvement of employers in the delivery of the apprenticeship.

A new funding model accompanies the Standards which sees Government invest £2 for

every £1 invested by employers in apprenticeship training. The additional change, which

only effects employers with a payroll in excel of £3,000,000, is the introduction of an

Apprenticeship Levy. Although most are still in development, there are some that are ready

for delivery and PROCAT will be looking to introduce some in September 2016 and 2017,

with employer backing.

More information about the Standards, Funding and Levy can be found on our website –

www.procat.ac.uk/levy and through our GTA Employer Committee, we will be working

with our employers to shape the content and delivery model for the new apprenticeships.

If you would like to discuss or be involved in a working group to develop the standards most

relevant to you, please register your interest at [email protected]

New Apprenticeship Standards and funding are coming into force .

At the end of March 2015, the Counter Terrorism and Security Act received Royal Assent.

The act includes a new duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. This duty

applies to a range of organisations, including PROCAT as an FE college. Extremism and

radicalisation are just another part of our safeguarding duties.

What is the Prevent Duty? Prevent is about safeguarding our students to keep them both safe

and within the law. The Prevent Duty is not about preventing students from having political

and religious views and concerns but about supporting them to use those concerns or act on

them in non-extremist ways. PROCAT staff have now completed this training as we look to

build an effective resilience to extremism at the college.

PROCAT COMPLETES PREVENT TRAINING


Empl

oyer

Impa

ct S

urve

y

PROCAT EMPLOYER IMPACT SURVEY

At PROCAT our ambition is to be an outstanding provider of apprenticeships and workforce

training and an organisation that really meets the needs of our clients.

With our recent investments in the infrastructure and personnel the college is making great

progress and achieving high success. However, we know we do not always get it right and

where that is the case we need to know so that we can improve our services to you. At

PROCAT, we pride ourselves on the quality of our client relations.

The purpose of the Employer Survey is to obtain feedback on how well we are satisfing your

needs and expectations. It also provides us with an opportunity to look to the future to try

and help anticipate future skills development and training needs.

The PROCAT Employer Survey forms part of our quality assurance process. Whilst it is not

the only way in which we are engaging with you to assess the quality of our services, it is an

important way of reaching not just a few, but many of our clients.

We would therefore be very grateful, if you took a little bit of time to answer the following

questions. We estimate it will take you about 15 minutes to go through the survey.

To access the survey, please enter this link into your internet browser:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/32JFM8Q

If you would prefer to provide feedback by telephone, please call Urte Sonnenberg on 0800 389 3589 or email directly at [email protected].

PROCAT is launching an Employer Impact Survey to improve products and services.


Bespoke Training / Solidworks C

AD

BESPOKE TRAINING DELIVERED BY PROCATWhilst we do offer a lot of accredited qualifications, we are able to offer training on-demand

and design bespoke training courses which fit your particular needs. This is especially the

case in subject areas like mechanical craft multi-skilling, electrical, component soldering,

hydraulics and electronics, but can also occur when team leading, management and

leadership or improving communication skills are the aim of the training scheme.

Bespoke training addresses a specific need or problem you have identified but do not have the

capacity to deal with internally in your organisation. Training can be delivered at PROCAT

or on-site to suit your needs. Bespoke courses on offer are, for example:

Using Different Tools in Mechanical Production - Reduces production waste and

improves delivery on contract

Hand Soldering Skills to ICP Standards - Ensures safe soldering practices to industry

recognised standards and enables candidates to judge the quality of their soldering

Hydraulics Training for Bespoke Hot Air Balloon Based Equipment Control -Ensures that ground control teams are able to control on-board electronic equipment to

purpose; includes training on trouble shooting and problem solving scenarios

Fibre Optics and Copper - Expands understanding of design, installation, repairs, fault

finding and testing of cables and connectors for engineers

To discuss your particular requirements further, please call Urte Sonnenberg or Lewis Brannon on 01268 662440.

New Technology CADCAM is a partnership with PROCAT to provide training for the latest

CADCAM technology. Having Solidworks means our students have the technical skills that

are increasingly used in industry.

The software isn’t just here for the benefit of our students! Whether you are investing in

a new CAD system, upgrading one you have already heavily invested in, or are simply

increasing the number of CAD operators in your team, we can provide the training you need.

The courses are fully certified and accredited by Solidworks trainers who are experienced

engineers, enabling them to provide constructive, relevant tuition. Individuals can start at

the basics and progress to an advanced practitioner level.

Visit: www.procat.ac.uk/commercial/solidworks-nt-cadcam-courses

NT CADCAM offers a comprehensive range of scheduled Solidworks training courses

which can be held at PROCAT Basildon Campus or on site at your own premises.

010.


Com

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Tra

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ffer

20% DISCOUNT ON HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES

PROCAT is now offering 20% discount for IOSH and NEBOSH courses. PROCAT health and safety courses boast pass rates well above national average with many at 100% pass rate. Courses can be held either at our Basildon Campus or delivered on client premises.

“As a company dealing with the storage of dangerous substances we wished to improve our overall competence and formal qualifications of staff, in all aspects of health & safety, including electrical safety. Following positive feedback from our trainees about course content, delivery and the learning environment we have continued to use PROCAT training services to the benefit of our business.”

NEBOSH National General Certificate: 6th June – 7th September 2016IOSH – 21st June – 24th June 2016

PROCAT is currently offering remaining places for the course dates at 20% discount.

Please call 01268 662440 for more information.


Title goes H

ereProspects College of Advanced Technology

Basildon Campus, Luckyn Lane Entrance, Basildon, Essex SS14 3AY

Tel. 0800 389 3589

Prospects College of Advanced Technology

Canvey Island Campus, Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 9RZ

Tel. 01268 207 640

PROCAT TechTalk Newsletter - May 2016

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