From education to employment

Fife College joins digital manufacturing project led by the University of Cambridge

Fife College

Fife College (@fifecollege) has become a training lead in Scotland for an innovative digital manufacturing project led by the University of Cambridge. 

The College has been named as a partner on the Universityā€™s ā€˜Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestringā€™ project which aims to provide simple, low-cost digital solutions for small manufacturers.

The link-up is part of the Collegeā€™s drive to increase STEM skills, ensuring the digital needs of the Fife region, and Scotland more widely, are met.  

Delivered by the University of Cambridgeā€™s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), the ā€˜Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestringā€™ programme is developing design guidelines, standards, and interactive software which will help enable small manufacturers to develop low-cost digital solutions from a catalogue of ā€œShoestring-readyā€ hardware and software technologies.

The first activity aligned with the project takes place later this month when the College will host an online event supported by SMAS (Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service) and ESP (Energy Skills Partnership).

Stephen Ayton the Academic Head for Engineering, Science, Mathematics and STEM at Fife College said:

ā€œWe are delighted to partner with such a prestigious educational institute on this innovative and timely project.

ā€œThe University of Cambridgeā€™s Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring Programme is perfectly aligned to our own ambitions to drive an increase in STEM skills, both here in Fife and across Scotland.

ā€œAs a training provider for Scotland, we look forward to hosting our first online event as part of the programme later this month.

ā€œThe online workshops will be a great first chance for SME manufacturers to see example solutions and engage with our team who will be on hand to support with implementation and upskilling.

ā€œI would urge SME manufacturers to join us later this month and find out more about some of these low-cost digital solutions which could really benefit their businesses.ā€

Alex Campbell, Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Serviceā€™s lead for the project, said:

ā€œI believe the Shoestring approach is a breath of fresh air. It offers relatable solutions to SMEs whilst providing the opportunity to work closely with our fantastic college network.

ā€œThis will give the win-win situation of improving productivity and skills within industry whilst inspiring the next generation into a career in manufacturing.ā€

Professor Duncan McFarlane, Shoestring Programme Lead, said:

ā€œTwo of the key plans for the Shoestring programme are regional adoption and training development.

“The proposed relationship with Fife College is helping us on the road to both of these.ā€

Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service Practitioner, Gerry Borge, has started working with businesses in the area on the project. He added:

ā€œDigital Manufacturing on a Shoestring is an outstanding project that supports SMEs in the use of readily available digital technologies. Improvements are then implemented on a low-cost basis and will support growth and productivity.

ā€œThis is a vital step in supporting SMEs to enjoy the benefits of advanced manufacturing and encouraging people to get involved during this very exciting time for manufacturing.ā€


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