A group of seven young people aged between 14 and 16 have just spent a week with leading automation experts FANUC UK, gaining valuable hands-on robotics experience as they learnt what it takes to become an automation engineer. As part of FANUC’s campaign to break down barriers to careers in engineering, the company invited a select group of teenagers into its UK headquarters at Ansty Park, Coventry for five days in August for its first ever Work Experience Week.
Hailing from a variety of nearby schools and colleges, the seven teenagers enjoyed a practical insight into the world of automation at the FANUC Academy. The week combined hands-on robot programming training with an introduction to project management.
The group was given access to FANUC’s portfolio of industrial robotic and automation solutions, as well as learning about the varied sectors and applications in which they are used – from aerospace and automotive to food & beverage and plastics.
“It’s been a really collaborative experience and has helped me to understand how robotics can be used," said student Ethan Cassidy. "I really had no idea about it before this week – I just thought that robots looked cool! But they can accomplish so much more than I imagined. It’s been my first time using a robot and I’ve found it easy to get used to the controllers. I’d definitely recommend the work experience programme to other young people – go for it!”
Facing a skills crisis
According to ONS data[1], almost one fifth of all workers in the UK manufacturing industry is aged 55 or over. Less than 10% are aged between 16 and 24. Over the next decade, 20% of the workforce will retire, taking with them years of engineering and manufacturing expertise.
FANUC is one of the leading global manufacturers of factory automation and industrial robots. With almost 60 years of experience in the development of computer numerical control equipment, more than 28.9 million products installed worldwide, 271 locations across the globe and more than 8,200 employees.