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SMC helps Brunel with pneumatics training

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 1, 2002

SMC Pneumatics (UK) and the Department of Industrial Design and Technology at Brunel University are collaborating in the training of existing and new engineers in pneumatics technology.

SMC Pneumatics (UK) and the Department of Industrial Design and Technology at Brunel University are collaborating in the training of existing and new engineers in pneumatics technology.

Within a new purpose-built training suite at the university's design and technology campus, students are able to assemble working circuits on specially constructed training modules, using state-of-art equipment, from SMC Pneumatics, the world's leading manufacturer of pneumatic components.

From the venue, courses offered by SMC, for industrial users, are run by SMC's training personnel, cover basic pneumatic technology (students have the opportunity to obtain NVQ qualification), electropneumatics, and an introduction to PLCs.

While not in use by SMC, Course Director, Les Porter, oversees the university's ongoing degree prospectus within the new facility.

Porter comments, "We have been working with SMC for a number of years now, and have enjoyed an excellent working relationship.

They have been generous in their support of the department, and the introduction of the new facility has simply been a natural progression, enhancing our existing relationship".

He continues, "During this academic year our relationship developed further.

Both SMC and Brunel have realised the gains available, and both have invested heavily into the project.

The two partners jointly fund the training suite, and now the students are able to work in a very professional environment, with industry standard components, and curriculum material especially written for them.

As well as gaining 20 credits toward their degree classification, those students who wish can submit their work at the end of the first semester, and can be examined for a recognised industrial qualification on top of their degree".

Steve Bangs, Managing Director of SMC Pneumatics (UK), is enthusiastic about the new training venue, "It makes sense for companies such as ours to work alongside colleges and universities, ensuring that engineering students are exposed to state-of art technology and the latest thinking within this discipline".

"In addition", he continues, "we have been lucky enough to benefit from our relationship with the campus, by being able to employ a number of students, within our company.

We see it as a win-win situation for all parties".

The new Training Suite is up and running for business with courses run by SMC available throughout 2002.

Each course includes course materials (manuals, work book, stationary), a certificate of competence upon successful completion of the course, access to the 'hands-on' training kit throughout the duration of the course, for practical experience, and refreshments.

(Courses are open to all users of pneumatics, existing and new).