Three apprentices from Salford-based clean technology business ENER-G
(www.energ.co.uk) who are engineering the technologies that power
tomorrow’s green revolution have restored an historic engine that
powered the post industrial revolution.
For the past two years the trio have worked alongside retired
engineers at the Anson Engine Museum, in Poynton, Cheshire, to
restore a 1943 Brotherhood Engine, which is the size of a transit
van, and was last in use more than 20 years ago to power beer making
at Kirkstall Brewery in Yorkshire.
The apprentices invited ENER-G group Chairman Tim Scott to the
museum to celebrate the completion of the project and demonstrate
the working engine.
“This was the first time we’ve seen the engine working, so it was
fantastic to get it running and to show it off,” said Dean Mellor,
aged 20, who has recently completed his apprenticeship and is a
qualified production fitter with ENER-G.
He added: “We’ve gained a fantastic education from the other
volunteers who have years of experience in traditional engineering
and have passed on to us the techniques and skills that they’ve been
using all their working lives. It’s given us a deep understanding of
engines and made us so much better at engineering.”
Each Tuesday for the past two years, the apprentices have taken it
in turns to work at the museum, working with other volunteers to
strip down the type R63/8 371 kW (500 bhp) engine and completely
restore it to working order.
In their day-to-day role within ENER-G, they manufacture renewable
and energy efficient technologies, including combined heat and power
systems that create low carbon energy for global customers,
including the Royal family at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Peter Wood, Volunteer Coordinator for Anson Museum, said: “This is
the first time we have involved apprentices and it’s been very
successful. We’re all getting on in years so it’s been really nice
to have young people around. It’s been a two way relationship in
that we’ve benefited from their help, and they’ve learnt valuable
skills from qualified engineers with years of experience.”
ENER-G started its engineering apprenticeship scheme in 2006, and
trainees complete a four-year programme spending one day a week
studying for ONC and NVQ level 2, and then HNC and NVQ level 3. The
company works in partnership with Salford and Trafford Engineering
Group Training Association (STEGTA) and Trafford College Technology
Centre. ENER-G is also planning to launch an administration
apprenticeship scheme.
ENER-G presented the museum with a donation of £1,500 to thank them
for hosting the apprentices.
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