Engineering students getting plugged in

Feb 3 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

EXPERTS from One North East are working with the region’s future captains of industry to help them gain an insight into the importance of lean manufacturing.

Engineers from MAS-NEPA (the combined Manufacturing Advisory Service and the North East Productivity Alliance) have launched the Plug Game to introduce engineering students to the ethos of lean manufacturing and test their abilities in team working.

The MAS-NEPA programme is part of One North East’s Real Help for Businesses Now campaign, which is being backed by The Journal in a bid to highlight what help is available to regional businesses during the recession.

MAS-NEPA engineer Stuart McGivern said: “These students are getting access to the best lean manufacturing advice that the Japanese motor industry has to offer.

“By working together in teams to look at ways of improving their individual and team performance, they are learning skills that will prove essential in the professional world.”

David Robinson, regional manager for the programme, says: “Having MAS-NEPA and engineers working in industry involved brings a different dimension and enhances the relevance of our training. The knowledge and skills brought to the workshop by Stuart and the MAS-NEPA team are useful not only in their placement but also when they are at university and beyond into their first graduate jobs.”

Tony Sarginson, from EEF, the manufacturer’s organisation, said: “This is a really important contribution to the future of manufacturing here in the North East.”

To find out more, contact Business Link on 0845 600 9006 or go to www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast