Apprentices hold the key to future skills

Craig Maughan (right) an HNC mechanical engineering apprentice at Hyfore Engineering in Coventry working alongside his colleague Stuart Wing who is a skilled mechanical fitter and one of Hyfore’s longest serving employees.

Hyfore – a member of the Southam based Engineering Technology Group – is a highly specialist designer and manufacturer of custom-built fixturing and workholding devices used to secure components such as automotive castings (as photographed) while they progress through automated machining processes.ETG Hyfore apprentice PR 1

To ensure it has the skills to remain in the forefront of its sector, the company currently employs 5 apprentices working their way towards full NVQ 3 or HND qualifications; each apprentice splits their time between hands on experience working in the factory and day release at the Midlands Group Training Services Technical Academy in Coventry.

Craig (24) is in his final year and by working alongside engineers such as Stuart – who is responsible for fixture assembly and test – he and his fellow apprentices are gaining a first hand insight into the complexities and skills necessary to manufacture Hyfore’s products.

The work experience in the Hyfore workshops has enabled the apprentices to develop their focus on specific skills while also gaining an insight into all aspects of the company taking in CNC machining, CAD, all aspects of manual machining, inspection and general factory skills.