AMRC Training Centre apprentices who won tool boxes supplied by Stanley Black and Decker have been putting them to good use, from DIY around the house to making up essential kit for on the job.
Stanley Black and Decker kindly sponsored the tool box and drill prizes for the AMRC Training Centre’s internal Spotlight awards last year, which celebrates new apprentices’ contribution and progress in centre. The company also backed the 2018 Apprentice of the Year Awards which recognises the achievement, innovation, fresh thinking and contribution AMRC Training Centre apprentices and their employers make to industry.
Nikki Jones, AMRC Training Centre Director, said the iconic tool maker’s generosity has really helped the award winners get the job done – in and out of work. “By donating these prizes, Stanley Black and Decker has given our apprentices a great head start when it comes to having quality tools they can use both in company and in many cases, at home. As a training centre for the engineering talent of tomorrow, we very much value the relationship we have with Stanley Black and Decker. Not only are they the world’s biggest tool manufacturer but like us, they understand how important it is to invest in apprenticeships to meet the manufacturing skills demand and know first-hand the rewards apprentices can bring to a company.”
As exciting as moving into your first house can be, there’s usually a long list of DIY jobs that need doing to make that house a home. So for apprentice Jake Martin winning the Stanley Black and Decker prize was a godsend.
He said: “I had just moved into my first house so it was most definitely needed. A lot of work was needed as I’m sure you can imagine. I built a huge decking section at the back of the garden that is roughly 15m by 5m. This also included building a shed and renovating the garden ready for the back end of summer.”
Machinist apprentice Slawomir Wieleba, of Cresswell, is a CNC turner with Chesterfield-based Ondrives. He’s used the tools to help put down some decking for neighbours.
Slawomir, 33, said: “The long 8m measuring tape allowed me to measure a whole area in one go, the spirit level helped me to level the whole construction. The hand saws and chisels set allowed me to cut small details around fence posts and hand rail post on decking boards and the clamps came in very handy to secure boards before screwing them into construction. The screwdriver set has been used hundreds of times on wide range of jobs from putting up wardrobes and beds to changing batteries in my kids’ toys.”
They’ve also made Will Morton’s life a bit easier at work. The 19-year-old, who completed a higher apprenticeship in Mechanical Manufacturing and is now studying for a Degree Apprenticeship, works as a trainee engineer at Tribosonics Ltd. Will says having the kit for work has been handy. “I’ve used them at work now and again, they have made a big difference on saving time as sometimes the tools I need are not available so having my own set increases my efficiency. I have also used them for some jobs outside of work – cable management in my car and some other minor jobs around the house.”
Joanne Portman, HR Officer for Stanley Black and Decker, said: “Here at Stanley Black and Decker we are passionate about improving the skill set of all our people and in particular the apprentices we currently have studying at AMRC. The knowledge they bring to the business now and hopefully in years to come will no doubt be invaluable to the continuation, improvement and innovation of the way our products are perceived in the market.”
About the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre
The pioneering 5,500 sq m apprenticeship training centre was established to train the next generation of world leading engineers.
The Centre opened its doors in January 2014 and has since trained more than 1000 people aged from 16, including second and third year apprentices who spend one day a week at the Centre.
Thanks to its links with both Sheffield universities, apprentices can go on to study for higher-level qualifications up to doctorate and MBA level. The Centre also offers a range of courses for continuing professional development.
In 2014 it won the Times Higher Education Outreach Award by creating a blueprint for bridging the manufacturing skills gap and promoting social mobility at the same time.
