The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre has marked over a decade of excellence in delivering apprenticeships, transforming lives, and driving significant progress in advanced manufacturing. The milestone was celebrated at an event that brought together apprentices, alumni, colleagues, key stakeholders, and valued business partners, all reflecting on the centre’s vital role in bridging the skills gap and shaping the future workforce.
Since its inception, the AMRC Training Centre has recruited more than 2,200 apprentices, collaborated with over 400 businesses of all sizes, and boasts an apprenticeship success rate 25% higher than the national average. This enduring success has had a profound impact, helping to unlock business potential, enhance productivity, and close the country’s manufacturing skills gap.
Attendees heard how the AMRC Training Centre is not only fostering a highly skilled workforce for the advanced manufacturing sector, but also building strong industry partnerships that benefit both apprentices and businesses alike.
Opening the event, Professor Geraint Jewell, Vice-President and Head of the Advanced Manufacturing Group at the AMRC, emphasised the importance of the centre within the regional and national skills landscape. “What makes the AMRC Training Centre so special is its integration with manufacturing innovation at the AMRC and the engineering expertise at the University of Sheffield,” he said. “The AMRC Training Centre offers a perfect combination of manufacturing innovation, engineering science, and skills.”
Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, highlighted the life-changing opportunities the centre offers. “It’s inspiring to hear how apprentices from the AMRC Training Centre have gone on to succeed in industry and contribute to increased productivity for their businesses. Every young person should believe in their potential, and that’s what makes the AMRC Training Centre so important,” he said.
A panel of apprentice alumni shared their experiences, offering insights into how their training has shaped their careers. Andrei Popa, Maintenance Engineer at Finsbury Food Group, said: “The AMRC Training Centre apprenticeship scheme is worth every penny. My apprenticeship has sparked my interest and inspired me to give back.”
Will Keelan, Research and Development Apprentice at Cobra Sport, addressed the importance of apprenticeships in the future of manufacturing: “The one thing that can never be taken away is skills. I believe the heart of those skills is in apprenticeship schemes.”
From an employer's perspective, Darren Jones, Head of UK Learning and Development at AESSEAL, said: “The AMRC Training Centre is the premier league of engineering apprentice training within the region. It is our provider of choice for engineering-related trades in South Yorkshire.”
Nikki Jones, Director of the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, described the event, held at Factory 2050, as ‘overwhelming, exciting, and emotional’. Reflecting on the Centre’s achievements, she said: “It’s a privilege to witness the transformation of so many lives. The passion, innovation, and creativity generated here has a profound impact on South Yorkshire and beyond.”
Looking ahead, Nikki stressed the importance of continuing to address industry needs: “With the changes going on in government policy, we’re ready to expand our portfolio and tackle the growing skills gap. Together, we can ensure that more apprentices have fantastic opportunities and thrive in the region.”
Photo: The AMRC Training Centre brought together apprentices, alumni, colleagues, key stakeholders, and valued businesses to celebrate more than a decade of delivering apprenticeships, impact, and skills.