World class research centre showcased at Made in Sheffield exhibition

One of the biggest businesses featured in the exhibition is The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, a world-class centre for advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other manufacturing industries.

AMRC have been a key partner in the Made in Sheffield exhibition and as headline sponsors, have supported Museums Sheffield in creating a fitting celebration of the city’s reputation for excellence in design and manufacture.

The AMRC was founded in 2001 as a collaboration between the University of Sheffield and aerospace giant Boeing, with support from Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund. In 2004, the AMRC moved into a purpose-built facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Catcliffe. Since then it has undergone significant growth, adding a range of new centres of expertise.

Specialising in machining, casting, welding, additive manufacturing, composites, design, structural testing and robotics, the AMRC has developed a global reputation for helping companies overcome manufacturing problems. Today, this Sheffield-based organisation has become a model for collaborative research involving universities, academics and industry, worldwide.

The AMRC also provides advanced apprenticeship and higher-level skills training in the city, with links with both Sheffield universities, enabling apprentices to go on to study for higher-level qualifications up to doctorate and MBA level, as well as offering a range of courses for continuing professional development. The Centre opened its doors for the first class of 150 advanced apprentices in January 2014 and numbers have since risen to 500, with 750 apprentices trained in total and further expansion planned.

Abbie Plummer, 18, from Brinsworth, is an Electrical Maintenance Apprentice with Symphony Group Plc, training at the AMRC training centre and enjoys the combination of a first class education and skills based employment.

“An apprenticeship allows me to use different types of learning – it’s great to be able to develop hands-on skills and gain industry experience, as well as building my understanding of the theory around the work I do.”

The Centre won the Times Higher Education Outreach Award for bridging the manufacturing skills gap and promoting social mobility.

Abbie was impressed by the provision on offer at AMRC’s training centre and has been delighted with the learning and tuition available.

“When I first visited AMRC I was blown away by the facilities on offer – the training is the best in its field, and a top level of teaching too. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else!”

Abbie enjoys the combination of work based placement and studying to gain the skills she needs to succeed in her future career.

“It’s an amazing opportunity – learning and gaining skills whilst getting paid to study! I’m hoping to go onto university, and with the experience I’ve gained through the AMRC training it puts me in a great position”.

More information on AMRC’s training programmes can be found here: By clicking here

See products made at the AMRC, including a Gem Aero Engine made by Rolls - Royce, in the Made in Sheffield exhibition, on show at the Millennium Gallery until 8 January 2017.