As a manufacturer of precision turned and milled components, Neida runs a successful apprenticeship scheme from manufacturing locations in Stoke-on-Trent and the Isle-of-Wight and believes that the key to closing the ever-increasing Skills Gap is getting the next generation interested in engineering.
“After achieving 12 GCSE grades A-C, I preferred a practical approach to education; I chose an apprenticeship to gain the fundamental skills and knowledge to work in the engineering industry”. Adam Thompson
After a week of work experience at Neida’s Head Office, Stoke-on -Trent, Ethan and Adam were offered advanced manufacturing engineering machining apprenticeships within the CNC Sliding Head Section.
“The opportunity of work experience at Neida confirmed that the ideal route for me was to achieve an industry-recognised qualification by continuing my learning and starting a career in engineering”. Ethan Rotherham
What support is offered in the workplace at Neida?
Like the majority of students during the last few years, the course has been interrupted by COVID-19. As a result, the assessment and learning methods changed drastically – especially with the distinctive rise of e-learning, whereby tutoring was undertaken remotely and on digital platforms. Regular planned contact with college assessors and on the job training delivered by mentors at Neida helped both Ethan and Adam achieve their targets and complete set coursework.
“My Neida Mentors have been great! Since my induction at Neida, they structured one to one training – enabling me to learn specialist skills which cant be taught in a classroom.” Ethan Rotherham
The opportunity of on and off-site machine training and the support of mentors and team leaders at Neida have been invaluable in promoting the utilisation of newly learned skills within the workplace.
Support and career development will continue and is imperative to help Neida grow.
“I have received enormous support from my Mentors at Neida; they have provided me with all the skills and knowledge to be a competent machine setter. Alongside this, I was given the opportunity of additional training on-site at the machine manufacturer, STAR.” Adam Thompson
Personal Achievements
A personal achievement for both employees during their apprenticeship was the opportunity to program, set and produce turned parts required for Ventilators during Covid-19
During the pandemic in March 2020, Neida was tasked with producing 12 components, a total of 90,000 parts, to be delivered in seven days. The entire workforce embraced the challenge, and both students’ dedication to the project ensured Neida achieved these deadlines.
Both employees have supplemented their study by completing a St John’s Ambulance training course and are now qualified to perform first- aid in the workplace.
Working in the CNC Sliding Head Sliding Section
With a diverse range of CNC, Multi-Spindle and CAM machines, Neida’s UK manufacturing locations produce turned parts for various sectors, including Automotive, Access & Security, Medical, Electronics, and Interconnect. With a total machine count of 106, 32 are CNC sliding head technology, producing turned parts up to 38mm in diameter.
As Level 3 qualified machinists Adam and Ethan are employed at Neida’s Stoke-on-Trent head office CNC sliding head section. Responsibilities include programming, setting, and operating CNC Sliding Head machines. Quality is paramount at Neida; All Machine Setters and Operators adhere to Neida’s quality standards, ensuring components and features are within specification.
“I am looking forward to continuing to progress within the growing CNC Sliding Head section at Neida”, Ethan Rotherham.
“I would like to continue to progress at Neida and develop my machining skills”, Adam Thompson.
“Congratulations to Adam and Ethan on their recent graduation.
They have grown both personally and professionally – I am looking forward to the next stage of their development and contribution to the company’s growth.”
Gareth Griffiths, Production Manager, NEIDA Head Office, Stoke-on-Trent