Advanced Manufacturing Alliance explores new opportunities for collaboration

Hosted by Didactic Services Ltd on 22 October, the meeting brought together members of the Institutes of Technology Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (AMA), a national group focused on strengthening collaboration between technical education providers and supporting the development of higher technical skills in advanced manufacturing.

The AMA, supported by the Gatsby Foundation, brings together engineering and manufacturing curriculum leaders to share good practice, tackle common challenges and develop practical projects that benefit learners, teaching staff and employers.

Discussions focused on three priorities: curriculum development and resource sharing, teaching staff development, and strengthening engagement with manufacturing employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

A key theme was the opportunity to make better use of the expertise and resources already available across the network. Members discussed opportunities to share teaching materials and practical assessments, collaborate on curriculum development and explore joint professional development activities to help teaching staff make better use of specialist equipment and new technologies.

Stuart Edwards, an independent consultant with expertise in manufacturing and skills development, presented findings from Gatsby-supported research exploring how IoTs and colleges could strengthen their engagement with manufacturing SMEs. This prompted discussion about opportunities to provide more flexible training, respond to employers' evolving skills needs and support businesses to adopt new technologies.

Another highlight was a presentation from Calum Knott, Technical Director at Didactic Services Ltd, who reflected on his experience of skills competitions and the impact they have had on his career. He explored how competition-based learning, including WorldSkills, can help learners develop practical technical skills, confidence and problem-solving abilities.

The meeting reinforced the value of bringing together expertise from across the IoT Network, with members identifying practical opportunities to work together, share resources and strengthen the delivery of advanced manufacturing education and training.

Institutes of Technology are a national network stretching from Truro to Tyneside, collectively comprising over 70 further education colleges, 30 universities, and 80 employer partners. Our mission is to equip individuals with the advanced technical skills that drive innovation and meet employers’ evolving needs.

To get in touch with your local Institute of Technology, see our Find an IoT page.