EAL, the awarding organisation for engineering skills, has launched the UK’s first Level 3 vocational qualifications in robotics and automation, to help businesses meet the demands of Industry 4.0.
The certificate will allow engineers to install and repair robotic machinery themselves and not rely on the manufacturers.
The new qualification (code: 603/2296/2) has been developed in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, 30 of its supply-chain employers and Birmingham Metropolitan College.
It includes the installation and maintenance of robotics, programmable logic controllers, process optimisation, and innovation in automation. It is part of the Skillman project, funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme.
EAL managing director Alison Parkes said: “This qualification is critical to meeting the UK’s future skills needs in robotics, as robots become a regular part of the work-place.
“It gives companies independence in managing their systems and will undoubtedly save time and money, as well as enhancing productivity.
“We had many of the UK’s leading automotive supply-chain companies involved in the development of this qualification, to ensure that it meets business needs.
“It is relevant to a wide range of sectors that are using robotics — from retail to aircraft manufacturing to food processing — and not just larger organisations.
“It has been designed for any small business with an automated process.
“The UK is predicted to invest £4.7 billion in robotics by 2021, and the need for qualified engineers is becoming even more pressing.
“According to the British Automation and Robot Association, there are 170 robots per 10,000 employees in Germany, while the UK figure is just 33.”
Rita Davey, skills programme manager at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We identified a skills gap around robotics and automation, and we needed a dedicated qualification to support engineers as robotics develops a greater presence in UK industry.
“We’ve brought in our supply-chain partners to help develop the new certificate, so that it meets the needs of SMEs and is useful to the wider engineering and manufacturing sector.”