ESF SMART SKILLS is all about raising the aspiration and skills levels of those living and working across Devon. SMART SKILLS aims to cover key priority business sectors identified by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The project will deliver a range of fully funded short courses and full qualifications from 2021 all the way through to the end of 2023.  The Advanced Manufacturing sector has been identified as an important sector for the growth and prosperity of our region.  Working in partnership with South Devon College, a series of Composite training workshops have been designed to accommodate local demand.

So, what are composites and what can they be used for?  Well, this is a question that SMART SKILLS Advisers Michael and Sean had, so a couple of weeks ago they headed off to South Devon College to find out more.

Let us tell you about their day on the English Riviera at South Devon College’s Paignton Campus.

Arriving early one sunny Friday morning, Michael and Sean were met by South Devon College’s Composite expert Charlie Archer who showed them around the state-of-the-art facilities and campus. It wasn’t long before they were stuck into ‘all things composites’ where a well-balanced workshop of theory and practical application was underway.

Once they understood the basic principles of composites and the types of businesses that may be using them in the future, it was straight down to donning the overalls and getting stuck in with the practical application of this emerging technology. It was quickly evident that composites are not just for the marine industry (Princess Yachts boats were being worked by apprentices in the classroom adjacent to ours), but are widely used across many business sectors including Construction, Aerospace, Sport, Medical, Automotive, Leisure and many more.

By the end of the day Michael & Sean had picked up an understanding of the overall use of composite materials and had even produced their own test pieces which came out surprisingly well. Following their Introduction to Composites course there is still plenty more for them to learn and although they are a long way away from being experts if you would like to find out how composites could help your business they are on hand at the SMART SKILLS Hub to guide you through the range of workshops which are available.

SMARTSKILLS.HUB@cswgroup.co.uk

www.smart-skills-hub.co.uk