Partnership to boost practical hydraulics training
Parker Hannifin sponsorship to help develop hydraulic engineering training facilities at The JCB Academy
GLOBAL motion and technology specialists Parker Hannifin are sponsoring up to £80,000 to help The JCB Academy develop a practical hydraulic engineering training facility.
The academy, which provides specialist engineering tuition for students aged 14 to 19 years, will extend its fluid-power curriculum to include hands-on hydraulics education.
Parker have committed their support to the programme by agreeing to provide a hydraulic training rig at no cost. Discussions are also progressing with a view to Parker’s hydraulics experts supporting practical student workshops.
The partners are now producing designs for a dedicated training area, which will include learning materials, interactive resources and a creative space to inspire young engineers.
Commenting on Parker’s support, Jim Wade, principal of The JCB Academy, said: ‘This donation will enable us to really develop the hydraulics programme that we offer.
‘Our students currently look at hydraulics in theory and practice, but they get very little chance to actually test that out and experiment with hydraulic processes.
‘The rig being donated will enable them to put that theory into practice. It will also provide key hands-on practical experience for people on our apprentice programme, and hopefully help them to be more effective when designing new hydraulic systems in future.’
Academy director of apprenticeships Jim Bailey added: ‘We rely on our sponsors to add real world knowledge and expertise to our curriculum and this is a great opportunity for us to raise our teaching capabilities and facilities.
‘Once completed, the new fluid-power training area will provide a practical and attractive space for students and tutors alike. We know that Parker’s expertise and equipment will provide an excellent practical base and further enhance the existing fluid-power curriculum.’
Parker’s regional general manager UK & Ireland, Nigel Judd, said: ‘The engineering industry desperately needs to recruit and develop young people in many areas – from construction and distribution, through to life sciences and industrial markets.
‘We’re very excited at the prospect of helping The JCB Academy to develop and inspire the engineers of the future. The new training area will provide a practical, inspiring space where students and teachers can exchange ideas and learn new skills.’
The new facility is expected to open in November 2014.
