RSSBack

14 January 2010

Funding at Liverpool John Moores University to aid Laser Engineering

The Photonics in Engineering research group at Liverpool John Moores University has received funding from the Learning and Skills Council (North West) to form a “Train to Gain” cluster for Laser Engineering. The aim is for the cluster to identify its training needs and to then identify the resources required to meet these needs.

Martin Sharp, research group leader, says that the key issue for the laser engineering cluster is that there is very limited provision for vocational training in laser engineering: “ Organisations such as SEMTA have specified training programmes for the operation of laser profilers, but there are no training providers delivering this”. By identifying the needs and demands for training in this area it is hoped that an industry led strategy can be implemented leading to the provision of relevant training for the laser engineering sector to help boost competitiveness.

The funding is regional and the university research group has to concentrate their activity in meeting NW companies using lasers in manufacturing. However the need extends outside the NW explains Martin: “ this is a nationwide issue and nationwide solutions will be required. Clearly there is a role for AILU and its members in this important area for business and I welcome any contributions from AILU members wherever they are”

If you would like to discuss laser training provision for UK businesses please contact Martin at m.sharp@ljmu.ac.uk or telephone on 0151 231 2031.


Back to top