New learning programme to create fitter factories

Over the past decade The Manufacturing Institute’s Diploma in Manufacturing has provided a development opportunity for those eager to drive business improvement and advance their careers. Now it is also being offered on a more flexible, modular basis – so that manufacturers can select specific areas of learning. There is also the option to go on to complete the entire Diploma programme– thereby qualifying for the higher level award of Diploma, which is quality assured by The University of Manchester on behalf of all the Greater Manchester Universities. This offers successful delegates an academic progression to study at Masters level. Nearly 300 manufacturers have graduated from the Diploma programme since 1996 – delivering real bottom-line business benefit by applying their learning. Among them is Jim Hickey, of Magnesium Elektron (pictured), who used his knowledge to help achieve £750,000 in savings for the Manchester based business. Hickey used the lean best practice he learnt on the diploma to bring in improvements to the molten magnesium cleaning (refining) process in the foundry. The success of the lean project brought him and fellow members of the site’s total quality management manufacturing team a top gold award in the company’s continuous improvement recognition scheme. The Certificate in Manufacturing comprises seven manufacturing education modules, which cover all the essential aspects of world class manufacturing, from strategic decision making, through tools and techniques for lean and quality performance, to performance measurement, project management, supply chain innovation and IT and automation. Other study options include three personal effectiveness modules, to help students lead and manage change and develop themselves and others; followed by four business awareness modules covering economics, enterprise, marketing and finance. Commenting on the new Certificate in Manufacturing, Julie Madigan, chief executive for The Manufacturing Institute, said: “This flexible new programme provides a proven development path that can transform business performance. It has been designed and developed by manufacturers for manufacturers and is geared to delivering speedy business payback through applied learning.”