AMRC Training Centre introduces composites apprenticeship opportunity

Together with U.K.-based McLaren Racing (Woking), McLaren Automotive (Woking) and Teledyne CML Composites (Wirral) the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s (AMRC, Catcliffe, U.K.) Training Center is delivering a new advanced level composites technician apprenticeship in South Yorkshire, in a move to sustain the longevity of the composites workforce. This adds to the metallic machining apprenticeship the Center is already delivering with McLaren. 

The partners aim for more companies to come on board in the future. “Working alongside McLaren and Composites UK, a need for such an apprenticeship was identified to help fill the national skills gap of people in composites due to an aging workforce,” Nikki Jones, director of the AMRC Training Centre, notes. “Composites has always been a capability the AMRC has had a big focus on and as its new building is underway to deliver a new program called Composites at Speed and Scale [COMPASS], which is likely to provide a number of jobs in the region, we are acting now to build our expertise and capacity in composites to help supply the future workforce.”

Students who are undertaking the 36-month apprenticeship will engage in the production of composite components or products that are used in a range of applications, some of which include automotive, motorsport, aerospace, rail and renewable industries.

According to Piers Thynne, COO for the McLaren Formula 1 Team, McLaren Racing has led the way in pioneering advanced composite materials throughout its 60-year history, from introducing carbon fiber to the F1 car, to trialing innovative and sustainable alternatives like recycled carbon fiber on track. Similarly, Teledyne CML Composites has its own composites background, specializing in the manufacture of composites parts and assemblies on advanced aircraft platforms.

“Composite materials are critical in order for the UK to meet its net-zero targets and composites is an exciting and growing industry for young people to be involved in,” Matt Bradney, skills and workforce development director for Composites UK, adds. “There are various entry points, a key one being the composite technician apprenticeship. For the apprentice, learning and earning on the job is a great way to get a head start. For the employer, the new apprenticeship model launched by the AMRC gives flexibility in the delivery of the learning aspect, making it easier to get involved with a more efficient way to develop the workforce of the future.”

The first cohort for the apprenticeship started in September 2023, which includes an all-female group based at McLaren’s headquarters in Woking, alongside two other learners at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Sheffield. Opened in 2018, MCTC has established its focus in carbon fiber construction for the automotive industry and is where the McLaren carbon fiber architecture for the McLaren Artura high-performance hybrid supercar is constructed. Three more learners are placed with Teledyne CML at its base in Bromborough on the Wirral.

More information about the apprenticeships available at the AMRC Training Centre and how to apply is available via amrctraining.co.uk.