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Education Secretary pays visit to Group Rhodes in Wakefield setting for educational discourse

Group Rhodes OEM, situated in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, recently hosted Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, and local MP Simon Lightwood, at its Calder Vale site. Discussion centered around enhancing apprenticeships to better cater to the advanced engineering industry's demands.

Education Secretary meets with Group Rhodes in Wakefield for discourse on educational matters
Education Secretary meets with Group Rhodes in Wakefield for discourse on educational matters

Education Secretary pays visit to Group Rhodes in Wakefield setting for educational discourse

In the realm of engineering, there's been a flurry of significant developments and initiatives recently. Let's delve into some of the key events that have caught our attention.

Orbex, a UK-based space company, has made a significant stride with the successful completion of its first full simulation of the Prime vehicle launch. This milestone marks a significant step towards the company's ambitions in the space sector.

Meanwhile, in the world of advanced engineering, the skills shortage remains a pressing concern. Mark Ridgway, CEO of Group Rhodes and a Commissioner on the Wakefield Futures Report on Skills, has emphasised the importance of higher-level apprenticeships and the re-skilling of mid-career individuals in addressing this issue.

In line with this, Group Rhodes, a UK-based Original Equipment Manufacturer, has been actively engaging with key figures in education and politics. Recently, they welcomed Bridget Phillipson, the secretary of state for education, and local MP Simon Lightwood for a discussion on apprenticeships in the advanced engineering sector.

Group Rhodes, which celebrated its 200th year in 2024, has a focus on Special Purpose applications and supports the Apprenticeship Levy reform and the establishment of the Growth and Skills Levy. They also invited the secretary of state to attend MACH 2026, the UK's largest manufacturing technology show, which offers an Education and Development zone promoting industry apprenticeships.

Elsewhere, Boeing has launched its new Engineering Center at Embry‐Riddle Aeronautical University's Research Park, further strengthening the university's position in aerospace engineering education.

The engineering skills shortage is not unique to the UK. Woodward Inc, an American company, plans to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County, to meet the growing demand for skilled engineers.

In the competitive world of industrial robotics, FANUC UK has announced the final six teams for the WorldSkills UK Industrial Robotics competition. The event promises to showcase the best of young talent in the field.

Lastly, Northrop Grumman will build the Northrop Grumman Aerospace Lab on Northeast Mississippi Community College's Corinth campus, further bolstering the college's aerospace engineering capabilities.

As these developments unfold, it's clear that the engineering sector is not only advancing technologically but also making strides in skills development and education, ensuring a bright future for the industry.

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