RK International Machine Tools has a established an enviable reputation for the supply of machine tools and equipment to the education sector — schools, college and universities. Its latest project is with The Leigh UTC (University Technical College), which was recently opened to provide work-related qualifications for students in North Kent.

Students at the UTC will benefit from a business-led problem-solving curriculum throughout Key Stage 4, which will prepare them for achieving relevant work-related qualifications and transferable skills, thereby enhancing their prospects for future training or employment.

To undertake the required training, The UTC needed well-equipped workshops in which students could gain broad experience of a variety of machine tools — from manual machines through to CNC types.

The Leigh UTC had the enviable situation of starting with a clean sheet of paper and a brand-new ‘centre of excellence’ from which to provide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning. The College, which can accommodate 600 students, will focus on the practical application of academic and vocational learning, the aim being to give the students the start they will need to become world-class engineers.

Furthermore, students have to adhere to a strict dress code that includes business suits in the classrooms and white lab coats in the workshops. This is seen as essential to developing discipline, self-respect and social skills.

Enhanced learning experience

The college required its workshops to be equipped to a high standard with machine tools and related items. There was a lengthy appraisal and tendering process for the turn-key package of equipment required by the mechanical workshops, with the contract being awarded to local firm RK International Machine Tools Ltd (www.rk-int.com) — based in Erith, just a few minutes up the road from the UTC. The investment was over £350,000 and saw over 70 items of workshop equipment delivered and installed in the college’s brand new workshops.

Simon Rood, sales manager at RK International Machine Tools, says: “As a business, we have been fully supportive of the education sector for more than 20 years. The Leigh UTC, which is right on our doorstep, is something that we are extremely proud of.

"We see it as vitally important that such colleges have the right equipment to give students the experience they need before venturing out into industry for the first time. Our skills in project management — combined with the mix of Europa mills, Colchester and Harrison lathes, as well as two CNC machines — will ensure that they can get a broad education in machining skills.

"Meanwhile, the other workshop equipment that we have supplied will enhance the students’ all-round engineering skills.”

The Leigh UTC focuses on students aged between 14 and 19 who want to specialise in computer sciences or engineering in a facility that is ‘state of the art’ and aspirational.

College principal Stephen Leahey says: “Our approach to learning is geared towards developing students who meet the requirements of modern industry, which is why we work closely with local partners and sponsors who can assist by providing specialist knowledge and ensure that we are meeting the needs of industry.

"Our key target is to make sure that when students leave the UTC, they are fully prepared to work in the engineering sector or go to further full-time education and develop the skills they have gained during their time with us.”

This partnership with industry is regarded as vital, which is why the college has ensured that key local businesses are part of the management team. This includes Dartford-based Kenard Engineering, whose managing director, Keith Ellis, is chairman of the college’s board of governors.

He said: “Kenard Engineering is delighted to have been closely involved with the creation, design and development of The Leigh UTC. We firmly believe that this project will provide a solid foundation for creating the engineers of the future.

"I am pleased to confirm our total support for both the design of the building and the education brief that has been developed for this UTC.”