ICME’s Cast Inspiration Event, held during October, was a fantastic opportunity for 23 young foundry professionals from across the UK to come together, meet with other young people from the industry, and broaden their understanding and awareness of the casting production with a series of talks from industry specialists and two foundry visits.
With ICME National President Anthony Evans FICME, Dr Pam Murrell FICME, CMF CEO, and David Hall Prof MICME from Maxima Engineering on hand to lead discussions, day one began with Josh Yeardley MICME, Senior Metallurgist from Sheffield-based William Cook Cast Products Ltd giving an insight into his career to date, starting as an apprentice, before progressing to Laboratory Manager, whilst studying part-time for a Foundation Degree and then a Degree in Materials Science at Sheffield Hallam University. He spoke about the opportunities his role has provided, including a trip to the World Foundry Congress in South Korea as the winner of the Ironmongers’ Jubilee Award and how he enjoys being able to work with customers and engineers at the company, focussing on quality assurance and oversight of weld procedures, process optimisation and the introduction of new products. He enthused the young listeners describing his career progression over the last few years and how, with the right support and training the industry is exciting and rewarding.
Professor John Campbell Hon FICME, then spoke to the delegates outlining some of his ideas around the production of quality castings through the elimination of oxides and careful control of the casting filling which they could learn about from his popular books on best practice in casting. Many of the attendees were honoured to be able to meet with Professor Campbell who was generous with him time with the young people.
This was followed by a short presentation from Pam Murrell about ICME, including the grades and benefits of membership and Professional Registration on the Engineering Council register of Professional Engineers (at the grades of CEng, IEng or EngTech). Pam spoke about how to join ICME and the process for registration and all those present were able to complete an application form for one year’s free membership of ICME.
A short coach ride took all the attendees to the ICME West Midlands Branch technical evening to hear Martin Dudley FICME, Director of Thomas Dudley Ltd, describe the history of the family-owned company and the various technical challenges that he and the team at the company are always striving to overcome.
This was followed by a Q&A session and curry supper, sponsored by the Branch, then back to the hotel for more conversion and the odd pint.
Day two started bright and early with breakfast at the hotel then a day of visits to give the delegates a chance to see two very different foundries. The first stop was at ferrous sand foundry St Gobain PAM near Telford, who make a range of iron castings for the
construction sector including pipes, drainage and rainwater products, where the group were greeted by Natalie Walsh, HR Business Partner. Plant Director, Callum Smart, then gave a presentation about Saint Gobain PAM, the future plans for the company, including being taken over by new owners, and how they support their staff through personal development to achieve their goals and aspirations. Callum discussed his own career path from working as an apprentice to progressing with the company to become Plant Director.
This was followed with a tour of the facility with plenty of time to ask questions and see all the various aspects of the foundry operation.
Then it was on to a very different facility at Magma Cosma Casting UK, who make aluminium high pressure diecast parts for the automotive sector using state of the art highly automated processes, where the attendees were welcomed by Steph McConville, Learning & Development Partner and General Manager, Darren Height.
After a presentation about the company, including what they produce and who they work with, Darren then spoke to the attendees about training and development and was very passionate when discussing the outreach work with schools and succession plans that Cosma have in place. Darren spoke the importance of upskilling the talent from within the Company and how that can help with future career development.
Many of the young people praised the event saying, “I thoroughly enjoyed the event. It was professionally run and very informative about what my next steps in the industry might be,” and “the speakers were interesting and provided great insights into the business and their personal experiences within it.’
Pam Murrell, one of the organisers of the event, alongside ICME’s Amy Worrallo and Trudi Skidmore, said, “Events like this are a key part of what ICME can do. Being able to meet other young people from across the industry, make friends and see different facilities with different castings processes is really valuable.
“We are all too conscious that there are not many apprentices in our industry, and consequently few opportunities for young people to meet others like them in the industry. We all need to work together to support them and enable their professional development so that they can then support their companies, to innovate, solve problems and create solutions for their customers, whilst also encouraging new people to come into the industry.”
Anthony Evans agreed saying, “We are particularly grateful to the Foundry Training Trust who funded all the costs of this event, including the travel to and from the foundries, and the overnight accommodation for all the young people. And of course, the event would not have been possible without the support of the two companies, St Gobain
Pam, and Magma Cosma Casting UK, who were willing to open their doors and provide the tours.
“We have a positive story to tell about the UK castings industry and what we make as a sector, with some great companies. These young people are the future and I was delighted that I could be part of this event which helps to showcase how, by working together, the various industry bodies can support our future talent.”
