Worcester-based Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd has expanded its CNC training programme to include remote sessions at customer sites that will enable both new and existing customers to ‘unlock the benefits’ of the company’s Mazatrol Smooth CNC system while social distancing remains in place.

The remote training programme involves Mazak delivering two full-size CNC control panel simulators and accompanying training material to a customer’s site, then running a series of live interactive tutorials over the following days via ‘Microsoft Teams’; the simulators are then collected, cleaned and delivered to the next booking.

The new format complements the company’s long-standing ‘in person’ training sessions at its recently reopened Training Academy in Worcester, which continue to take place under new social-distancing guidelines.

Graham Rash, Yamazaki Mazak’s UK project engineering and applications manager, said: “CNC training is a fundamental part of our aftersales and support offering for both new and long-standing customers alike.

“Our courses have always been popular, especially with those that are using Mazatrol Smooth CNC for the first time.

“However, the current social distancing guidelines have led to a re-think as to how to deliver them in a safe and effective way.

“The use of simulators, which are identical to the actual control panel used on our machine tools, is critical to the training experience offered, so physically delivering them to our customers was a logical and straightforward process; and because the training groups are now much smaller, we can tailor the sessions to each individual customer’s requirements.”

Eric Saunder, the sub-contract operations manager at Mollart Engineering, recently booked a remote training session for a number of the company’s engineers.

He said: “The team gained a lot from the session. Sending the simulators to our site was an effective solution during these uncertain times; it also really helped with our apprentice programme. Mollart Engineering has worked with Mazak for over 20 years, and we look forward to continuing our working relationship in the future.”

Further details of CNC training courses can be found by e-mailing or phoning 01905 752059.