Precision Tooling Academy aims to reverse toolmaking skills crisis

Over £1m has been invested by the two partners to create a commercial toolroom in the training provider’s facility in Aldridge, which will produce complex tooling and provide training for future toolmakers and designers.

The Precision Tooling Academy will provide companies with access to professional toolmaking courses, upskilling opportunities for qualified engineers looking to diversify their skills, and a Level 6 Tool Process Design Apprenticeship to develop the next generation of talent.

According to a statement, a major car manufacturer has agreed to be the first company to put their staff through the toolmaking course and has contributed to the development of the curriculum.

Gareth Jones, managing director at In-Comm Training, said: “We have always placed employers at the heart of our approach to skills and, through our close relationship with Brandauer, identified a real demand to create and upskill engineers into world-class toolmakers.

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“Lots of conversations turned into a rough plan to create an advanced training academy that is embedded into a live commercial toolroom. This would serve two purposes…provide the best possible hands-on practical and theoretical training, whilst also giving the precision stamping specialist additional capacity to meet the growing global demand for more UK made tools.