West College Scotland has developed the concept of ‘The Critical Engineer’ to help businesses understand and prepare for Manufacturing 4.0. Their concept recognises that the changes that businesses need support to undertake are as much cultural, as technical. ‘The Critical Engineer’ is a vision of the employee in your business who will act as catalyst for change.

If you are a small or medium enterprise seeking to modernise, The Critical Engineer can help you to develop a culture of innovation and develop the skills and confidence of your employees, so that your company can be part of Scotland’s advanced manufacturing future.

The project will provide a number of key services, including:        

• Bespoke analysis of skills, planning and opportunities for learning and technical training, personalised to the SME and business sector
• SME business engagement and support to identify and develop the culture & skills to thrive in a Manufacturing 4.0 operating environment
• Training in advanced manufacturing technologies, including application of CNC, PLC and robotics
• Development of key meta and digital skills for SMEs workforces

• Brokering collaboration opportunities between SMEs, companies and academic institutions and building skills pipelines to advanced manufacturing

This significant investment from AMCF enables West College Scotland and Renfrewshire Council to ensure our regional SMEs contribute towards the national vision for advanced manufacturing and thrive and prosper in Manufacturing 4.0. The services provided by our ‘Critical Engineer’ project will equip SMEs with access to the necessary business support, technology, training and innovation partnerships. In doing so, it will unlock opportunities for investment and bridge the gaps in technology and innovation between advancing and advanced manufacturing in the west of Scotland.

Find out more here.