The manufacturing industry is constantly changing. With adaptations to reduce carbon footprints and advancements in technology, the sector is continuously tested and expected to keep up with these changes. Often, it’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure that their workers have the latest relevant training.

 

 

That is why, in today’s blog, we’re looking into the benefits of upskilling your workforce. First, we will explore what upskilling is and discuss the various advantages this process can bring to your employees and your company.

As leading spring manufacturers in the UK, we have a plethora of knowledge on upskilling within the manufacturing industry. We are proud to have worked with and alongside many apprentices over the years, providing them with the skills and experience they needed to have a successful career in engineering and manufacturing. To learn more and discover how you can get involved with European Springs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we are always more than happy to offer our assistance and expert advice.

 

What Is Upskilling?

First of all, it’s essential to understand what upskilling means. At first glance, some may believe it is the idea of basic training, but it’s much more than that.

Upskilling is essentially continuous learning, not just an occasional training course, for example. Workplaces will provide various training programs and offer a choice of development opportunities to widen their employees’ abilities and reduce skill gaps. Often, an upskilling strategy is put in place to improve the skills required by employees to complete their current job and expand their skill sets, allowing them to advance in their roles. Additionally, this will enable them to move around the company and take on new challenges. In recent times, employers have utilised upskilling to close the digital gap and ensure that employees are up to speed with the latest technology in the manufacturing field.

Some examples of upskilling include but are not limited to:

• Formal education such as degrees and apprenticeship schemes
• Internal mentoring and shadowing programs
• Virtual or online courses

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of upskilling.

 

 

 

Skills and Service Development

Of course, the main benefit of upskilling is that your employees will get the chance to develop their skills. This is great for everyone involved – workers get to learn something new and employers cultivate a workforce that is up-to-date with the latest training and ready to take on the next challenge. In addition, through upskilling, your employees will come to understand that the manufacturing industry is everchanging. By continuously upskilling your workers, you’re teaching them to be aware of adaptions to their working day in line with technology upgrades and industry standards.

 

Employee Motivation

Another fantastic benefit of upskilling is the motivation it will give your employees. Through upskilling, you engage your workers and encourage them to excel in their current role whilst potentially offering them other opportunities in the company. When an employee feels demotivated and stuck in their position, unable to see where it leads them, they are much more likely to leave the company. By upskilling and ensuring they have plenty of opportunities, there is a much higher chance of employee loyalty, meaning they will remain with the company for longer. Motivated and happy employees are more likely to enjoy their job, so as their employer, you must be doing what you can to guarantee this.

 

Increased Productivity

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that upskilling leads to increased productivity in the workplace. As employees are happy, motivated, and satisfied with their role, they are more likely to succeed. This, of course, directly affects the company’s overall productivity and triumph.

By gaining knowledge, skills, and experience in multiple areas, they will become more confident and complete given tasks successfully and to a higher standard. Additionally, these extra skills learnt through training mean less time is spent researching and learning in the long term. If a specific task needs some training, implementing upskilling for the entire workforce will benefit you as the employer. Everyone will then have the knowledge and skills required to complete the task. And more time available means a more productive workforce.

 

 

Customer Satisfaction

When we look at the benefits explained above, it is clear that each one leads to customer satisfaction. If your workforce has a team of employees with a high and developed skillset, there is a higher chance they will be able to satisfy your customer’s needs. If your employees are happy and motivated, they will offer better customer service than workers who are unsatisfied with their job and demotivated by their lack of opportunities. A productive workforce means tasks will be completed quickly and to a high standard, which is fantastic for customers.

There is no better time than now to begin upskilling your team. We hope this blog has been helpful, but these are only some of the benefits on a long list of reasons to develop your employee’s skills and services. To stay updated with the latest industry news, please head over to our blog, where we post regular content for industry professionals, apprentices, customers, and clients. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about the fascinating and ever-changing world of manufacturing. Finally, please feel free to contact us with any questions about our spring manufacturer services including tension springs, torsion springs and die springs, and ask for our advice on upskilling your company.

As the manufacturing landscape continues to change and adapt to the current climate, it becomes increasingly apparent that university isn’t the only route to a successful career in engineering. Therefore, your workforce needs to be adaptable and think critically about not only programming and tools but digital processes and new technologies.

Here at European Springs & Pressings, we take on apprentices every year, and there are many benefits to having this development plan in place. It helps us stay competitive in our sector, and the time we spend upskilling, training and reskilling is a much more valuable investment than an ongoing recruitment drive.

This blog focuses on engineering apprenticeships, what’s involved, the increased demand for engineers, and why apprenticeships are beneficial to the industry.

 

What is an Engineering Apprenticeship?

Engineering apprenticeships are courses that provide apprentices with the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience of a qualified engineer. The program is typically broken down into modules or skills which combine classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

 

 

Gain Hands-on Experience

Apprentices learn trade skills from the more experienced staff members and learn to take responsibility and accountability for day-to-day tasks. They are a fantastic addition to your workforce as they can bring a fresh perspective on current processes and operations within your business. Here are a couple of examples of what to expect when you’re training to be an engineer:

 

• Shadowing – qualified engineers will teach you different aspects and methods of completing their work through shadowing. You’ll be able to learn first-hand the correct way to do things and ask questions in real-time.
• Supervised Work – gradually, you will be able to complete tasks under supervision, grow your confidence and take responsibility for key aspects of projects. In addition, supervisors will provide you with clear instructions and feedback on these tasks.
• Studying – apprenticeships will give you access to the physical nature of the job, as well as classroom-based theory surrounding the topic. This could be a couple of days a week at college or in-house with your fellow coursemates.
• Assessment – for the duration of the apprenticeship, you will have a supervisor who will check in regularly and answer any questions you may have. Your supervisor will be responsible for assessing your skills and knowledge on the job, and you will also complete practical exams and coursework throughout the program.

 

Earn While You Learn

Throughout the apprenticeship training programme, you will be working toward gaining a nationally recognised qualification. The company will pay you for the work you complete, and the amount will depend on your age and how long you have been training. Typically, apprentices can take between 1-4 years to become fully qualified (depending on prior experience and knowledge of engineering).

 

 

Our Managing Director Stuart McSheehy speaks about the importance of our apprenticeships: “not only is this a fantastic achievement for personal development, but it also inspires the next generation of engineers and spring makers. With the challenges of 2020 behind us, we are all very proud to present our latest apprentices with their qualifications.”

Take a look at the stories of our most recent apprentices who have successfully achieved either CITY & GUILDS or BTEC qualifications following a nationally recognised manufacturing apprenticeship framework.

 

The Increased Demand for Engineers

Our sector is facing the largest skills gap in over 30 years. As pressing manufacturers, we have to act and create both short and long term solutions to the problem. The skills gap is widening due to employees retiring faster than the rate of new talent joining the industry.

Businesses with experienced workforces should spend time upskilling and retraining. Automating basic processes will also give you the option to expand in areas such as software and machine learning development. However, it’s important to consider that while investing in this equipment is a positive move, you should also focus on training employees with the skills needed to operate new machinery.

 

 

European Springs Developing Engineers for the Future

As leading spring manufacturers, we prioritise upskilling our workforce as it allows us to build on new and existing team skills, increase productivity, and streamline work processes. When you spend time identifying gaps within your team, you can use the data to plan for development, taking into account the equipment or resources you need.

Not only can you inspire the next generation of manufacturers with attractive apprenticeship opportunities, but you can highlight the need for skilled young people in our industry. If you would like any more information about any of the services or products including tension springs, compression springs and disc springs that we provide, contact European Springs with your enquiry. Our experienced team will be happy to answer your questions.

We’re delighted to announce that four budding engineers have firmly developed their careers by achieving industry-recognised qualifications at European Springs & Pressings.

As industry-leading spring manufacturers, investing in the future of manufacturing is important to us. Our next generation of engineers has successfully achieved either CITY & GUILDS or BTEC qualifications following a nationally recognised manufacturing apprenticeship framework.

Stuart McSheehy, Managing Director of European Springs & Pressings, says, “The value of apprenticeships can never be underestimated. Training the next generation of our people is crucial to ensure the business has the skills in its people for the future”. 

Celebrating our Apprentices

Tyler Stevens

Tyler joined us in 2013 as a Production Operator at the age of 17. Having worked for two years in this role, Tyler enjoyed the challenges he faced at European Springs but wanted to develop and improve his skills. He decided to take a pay cut and became an apprentice at the age of 19. 

The apprenticeship has helped boost his self-confidence and has developed his skills significantly. Tyler did admit that he found the studying difficult, but his motivation to succeed saw him achieve his goal in April 2021.

Tyler is a significant member of our Small Order Springmaker team, working on complex projects, often with the Technical Director.

Well done to Tyler on your ADVANCED LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE WITH CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 3 AND NVQ LEVEL 3.

Alan Lowing

Alan started in 2015, at the age of 18, having already been through sixth form at school. He spent time working in each department during his initial training but developed a specific interest in wire forming. 

While completing his studies in performing engineering operations, he became heavily involved in the productionisation of a new FMU4. Although Alan’s apprenticeship journey has been longer due to his initial studies, he managed to complete his apprenticeship in 2020 whilst working full time. Alan is currently an essential member of the wireforming team and principal setter for the FMU4.

A huge congratulations to Alan on being awarded an ADVANCED LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE WITH BTEC LEVEL 3 AND NVQ LEVEL 3. 

Rob Jenkins

Rob started in 2016 at the age of 19 and spent time working in each department. He developed a real passion for the Press Shop — probably because it had a good rhythm and was loud, like the music his band makes!

Having developed significant skills in this area, Rob has become heavily involved in Bruderer presses and stamping technologies. He is an instrumental part of the Press Shop team in the layout and commissioning of the new press shop extension. 

Rob managed his studies whilst building a life with his partner and recently achieved his goal of being awarded an ADVANCED LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE WITH BTEC LEVEL 3 AND NVQ LEVEL 3. Congratulations Rob!

Tom Hever

Tom joined us in 2016, straight from school at the age of 16. Initially, he spent time working in each department during his training but developed an interest in toolmaking, where he liked the order and accuracy of the work.

Having developed a wide range of skills in this area, Tom spent time working on tool repair and assembly. Sticking to his studies, at the end of 2020, Tom achieved his goal of being awarded an ADVANCED LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE WITH BTEC LEVEL 3 AND NVQ LEVEL 3. Well done, Tom! 

Tom is currently honing his skills and experience on the EDM machines as a trusted member of the toolmaking team.

Our Managing Director Stuart McSheehy speaks about the importance of our apprenticeships, saying that “not only is this a fantastic achievement for personal development it also inspires the next generation of engineers and spring makers. With the challenges of 2020 behind us we are all very proud to present our latest apprentices with their qualifications.”

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By welcoming apprentices every year, we see the benefits of having a development plan in place, and many of our qualified apprentices continue to develop their skills as spring technicians. 

It’s essential to strengthen our knowledge and introduce more diverse skillsets into our workplace, including preparing for future growth within manufacturing.

If you’d like to discuss the potential of joining our team or then please get in touch with our friendly team.

At European Springs & Pressings, we have found that the automotive industry is one of the sectors where our products have the widest application. Custom springs are used frequently for building new cars, in everything from disk brakes to suspension and even in your steering wheel.

Continuing our ‘springs in industry’ series, we’d like to look at how springs and pressings are used in the automotive sector, particularly in Formula 1 cars.

Racing Cars 

Springs and pressings are one of the most important components in racing cars. Each Formula 1 car is carefully crafted to give each vehicle optimal performance. In fact, it is estimated that an F1 car consists of 16,000 parts, of which only 10 percent are carried over year on year (Formula1.com).

The build of the racecar takes into account the speed, cornering ability, grip and downforce. All of these elements are aided and improved by experienced engineering, incredible technology and high-quality components.

Disk Brakes 

You wouldn’t necessarily associate F1 driving with braking, but disk brakes are implemented to stop the cars safely when travelling at high speeds. 

Almost every car currently in production, including commercial vehicles, uses disc brakes, and they have proven to be more effective than traditional ‘drum’ style brakes. 

In F1 cars, disc brakes are fitted with rotating discs that are attached to the wheels and then squeezed between the brake pads — this creates a force that helps to slow the car down or bring it to a complete stop.

Pull-rod and Push-rod Front Suspension

Pull-rods were first brought into F1 in the 70s running from the outer end of the upper wishbones diagonally to the lower edge of the chassis. They pull on a rocker that operates the damper spring, alleviating any harsh impacts or uneven surfaces the course may entail.

This suspension system ensures a strong mechanical grip as the pull-rods make the car’s nose lower, thus lowering the height of the centre of gravity and improving handling.

Most F1 cars now use push-rods as they are easier to install and fit nicely under the vehicle’s low nose. The push-rods flex with the wheels as they encounter any bumps, providing better aerodynamics for a more streamlined race.

The latter is more widely used by teams competing in Formula 1 today due to the vast difference in fitting; push-rods are a lot easier to install.

For both suspension methods, the spring is essential due to the absorption of shock. Energy is transferred with the help of a sound suspension system and can significantly impact the team, regardless of driver skill.

Springs in Suspension 

Torsion bars, leaf, coil and air springs are among the different types of springs used in cars.

Most modern vehicles are fitted with standard coil springs made of steel. High-quality suspension systems are created by a strong spring absorbing the shock forces while driving on uneven roads. 

To see our full range of springs used in various industries, please check out our brochure now.

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With over 70 years of experience as a spring manufacturer, we have the expertise and machinery to create a whole host of springs perfect for any application within any industry. 

If you would like any more information about any of our products or services, please contact our friendly team here at European Springs.

The first steps to ease lockdown restrictions have begun in England, with all restrictions forecast for removal by 21st June 2021.

The UK Government’s four stage roadmap to re-open the economy relies on a series of ‘tests’ for easing restrictions, such as the vaccine rollout and lower infection rates. You can view the full COVID-19 recovery strategy here. 

At European Springs & Pressings, we’ve continued to work at close to full capacity despite the challenges presented by Covid-19. We’ve worked hard to invest in the right areas of our business and now that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, we want to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the manufacturing industry as a whole.

What Does the Roadmap Mean for Manufacturing? 

As a result of the pandemic, many factories worked reduced hours or were forced to close, which has caused unprecedented disruption to supply chains all over the world.

The Office for Budget Responsibility predicted that manufacturing, construction, retail, travel, food industries and education would experience the biggest losses. Though we now know that both sanitary and social distancing restrictions have also disrupted the services sector, which is likely to have a lasting effect. This means that the UK has become more reliant on manufacturers to lead the recovery.

We believe the main steps for recovery and moving forward are:

• A safe return to work for all employees
• Establishing future-facing practices and policies 
• Realising opportunities, such as new technologies and equipment

The Importance of Returning to Work Safely

Safety within manufacturing is a concern for all employees on their return to work and for reopening production. To return to work safely, it’s important to consider guidance, firstly from the Health and Safety Executive on operating safely, as well as providing the correct PPE and implementing practical solutions to transportation, childcare and flexible working for employees.

We must support and strengthen our manufacturing base with the intention of helping employment, whilst also ensuring that the UK can start to level up. In turn, this will warrant higher levels of reissuance and domestic capability.

Building Resilience in Post-Covid19 Manufacturing 

The vulnerability of supply chains has been highlighted as a result of the on-going pandemic. We’ve seen the consequences of an underinvested manufacturing base with limited domestic capacity to produce critical products.

To move forward, it’s important to build for the future. Companies can respond to the crisis by creating mapping projects to better understand our supply chain vulnerabilities. These can include logistics and transportation, allowing your company to build resilience.

How to Improve on Economic Confidence

The effects of the pandemic have changed the manufacturing industry, including how we work and the machinery we’re working with. Adopting new technologies to counter the Covid-19 crisis should coincide with the upskilling for existing employees to use new technologies.

In our January blog, we looked at ‘The Key To Combating Pandemic Effects On Manufacturing’ and two months on, we’re still optimistic about a boom in manufacturing thanks to continued investment in the right technologies.

Make UK, The Manufacturers’ Organisation produced a report in May 2020 outlining the importance of investment in technologies. If you want to find out more then take a look at their report, Manufacturing our road to recovery – the 3 point plan.

In this report, Make UK proposes that the manufacturing industry should introduce an enhanced tax incentive to encourage automation, digitisation and export growth. This incentive could help UK firms to grow their exports once the global economy returns to a ‘new normal’.

It’s never too late to invest in automation technology. By implementing a more robust and automated element to your business, you can reduce the time spent on tasks, save money, and improve your overall safeguarding strategy.

If you’d like to find out more about the ongoing digital transformation in manufacturing then check out our blog on what the future of manufacturing looks like. 

What’s Coming up in 2021 for European Springs?

Here at European Springs & Pressings, we’re continuing our focus on stability, recovery and growth. We have invested heavily over the past two years in machinery, upskilling our employees and technology which means we are positive about bouncing back from the effects of Coronavirus.

Our team looks forward to welcoming leaders from around the globe at this year’s G7 summit, which will be held in Cornwall in June 2021.

Keep up to date with our blog page and be the first to see the latest information on the manufacturing industry, as well as expert sector insights.