The concept ‘The Critical Engineer’ is a new approach to work-based learning, with the purpose of helping businesses understand and prepare for Manufacturing 4.0.

The partnership between West College Scotland, Forth Valley College and the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI), sees a suite of dynamic, interactive online sessions that will help small and medium sized enterprises develop a culture of innovation, whilst building the skills and confidence of their employees, to enable their businesses to be part of Scotland’s advanced manufacturing future.

Head of Enterprise and Employability at WCS, Paul Fagan, commented, 

As the economy recovers from Covid19, West College Scotland is delighted to be leading a transformational, national project to support Small and Medium Enterprises develop the skills of their workforce to prosper in Scotland’s Advanced Manufacturing economy.

Our ‘Critical Engineer’ events will be the first, exciting step for SMEs to embark upon an ‘innovation journey’, along which, they will collaborate with other firms, support agencies and academic institutions; unlocking essential business support, technology, training and innovation for their firm."

Jennifer Tempany, Forth Valley College’s Director of Business Development, said,

We are delighted to be involved with the Critical Engineer Project and excited to be working with our colleagues at West College Scotland and the University of Highlands and Islands – and our industry partners – to help drive forward engineering innovation in Scotland.

We are one of the largest trainers of Modern Apprentice engineers in Scotland and have an excellent reputation of providing a very high standard of training to the next generation of industry professionals. Our involvement in the Critical Engineer Project shows that we are once again among the sector leaders in new creative initiatives which are helping to make learning work for our students and our partner employers.”

With three events and one schedule,  'Change through the Lens of Covid' will allow SME’S from across the country to participate in their regional event, which will provide an opportunity for leaders in the industry to share their experience and knowledge businesses and their employees as well as helping them plan for where they want to be in the future.

The Event

During the free 3½ hour presentation and workshop seminar, those registering will hear from a Leadership Panel, comprising NMIS, AFRC, Enginuity and their regional college, about what they are doing to help SMEs like them navigate a path through COVID19.

In Reflective Sessions, they can share their current own perspective, and learn about those of their industry colleagues as Critical Engineer believes a national innovation discussion, will help everyone to engender a better understanding of what is needed to inspire growth.

Discovery Sessions will also allow employees to learn practical solutions from experts at the cutting edge of Design Thinking, Data and Critical Thinking, that firms can apply within their SME to better prepare for Manufacturing 4.0

To register and find out more about The Critical Engineer Project click here.