The new robotics course will prepare students for our ‘automated future’.
EAL, the UK’s leading specialist awarding organisation for engineering skills, has launched the UK’s first Certificate in Robotics and Automation, to help businesses meet the demands of Industry 4.0 and equip learner with the skills to install, operate and repaid complex robotic machinery.
David Morgan, EAL UK sales manager, said: “As a vocational Level 3 qualification, it’s aimed both at engineers at the beginning of their working lives and existing professionals who now need to acquire new skills. We have also pitched it at many small businesses that has an automated process and not just the larger organisations.”
The new qualification has been developed in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, at a time when hands on experience of robotics is a must. Rita Davey, Skills Programme Manager at Land Rover, said: “We identified a skills gap around robotics and automation and needed a dedicated qualification to support engineers as robotics becomes a greater presence of UK industry.”
According to the British Automation and Robot Association, there are just 33 robots per 10,000 employees in the UK, versus 170 in Germany at present. With an estimated 1.4 million robots will be working in industry by 2019, and demand for qualified engineers able to work closely with the next generation of robotics is set to grow.
The qualification will also benefit the healthcare sector, and a wide range of other sectors that are using robotics, from retail to aircraft manufacturing and food processing.
Alison Parkes, chief operating officer of engineering skills organisation Semta, said: “Robotics engineers are involved in the manufacture of health and social care equipment such as hoists, beds and trollies, and as technology develops, will play an increasingly important role in healthcare systems in the future.
While there is no suggestion that healthcare workers will be replaced, it is recognised that engineers can help to alleviate the pressure on healthcare delivery by providing technology solutions that reduce errors, and improve the access and affordability of services.”
