Fourteen apprentices from Keighley College in West Yorkshire have been assisting a local engineering company in the manufacturing of ventilator parts. Shipley-based Produmax, which normally specialises in high-precision machined components and assemblies, has switched to ventilator components to help in the fight against Covid-19.

As part of a long-standing partnership with Keighley College, students on engineering and business improvement courses can take part in apprenticeships at Produmax to gain on-the-job experience. Many students have been on apprenticeships at the firm for over three years and the programme covers first, second and third year apprentices.

As a result of the recent rise in demand for ventilators, apprentices have been supporting the manufacturing of components, working with advanced CNC machines using subtractive and additive machining techniques.

Ronnie Magee, deputy head of Keighley College, said: “It’s fantastic to see a local company supporting the NHS during these challenging times. Our apprentices are thrilled to be able to make a difference and assist with producing ventilator components. These apprenticeships are incredibly valuable for students, as they develop advanced practical skills while gaining great insight into a work environment.”

Produmax operations director Paul Birtles said: “The apprentices have been a phenomenal help during these challenging times. It is brilliant to see them involved in the whole process of producing the ventilator components, from using advanced equipment to quality checking. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how much the students have developed since starting their apprenticeships and we are committed to providing an enriching learning experience.”

Over the past five weeks, Produmax has produced over 60,000 components for the Ventilator Challenge UK consortium which includes Rolls Royce, Airbus, BAE Systems and Formula One companies.