The certificate aims to allow engineers to install and repair robotic machinery themselves and not rely on robotic manufacturers.
The new EAL Level 3 Certificate in Robotics and Automation has been developed in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, 30 of its supply chain employers and Birmingham Metropolitan College.
The qualification includes the installation and maintenance of robotics, programmable logic controllers, process optimisation and innovation in automation.
It is part of the Skillman project, funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme, aiming to increase advanced manufacturing and future skills.
Says EAL managing director Alison Parkes: “This qualification is critical to meet the UK’s future skills needs in robotics as robots become a regular part of the workplace. It gives companies independence in managing their systems and will undoubtedly save time and money as well as enhancing productivity.
“We had many of the UK’s leading automotive supply chain companies involved in the development to ensure this qualification meets business needs. The qualification is relevant for a wide range of sectors that are using robotics – from retail to aircraft manufacturing to food processing – and not just for larger organisations. It’s been designed for any small business with an automated process.”
Adds JLR’s skills programme manager Rita Davey: “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. We’ve brought in our supply chain partners to help develop the new certificate so that it meets the needs of SMEs and is useful to the wider engineering and manufacturing sector.”
