An apprentice at global engineering technologies company, Renishaw, has been awarded the Jack Wheldon Memorial Trophy at the National Garden Railway Show
Jason Morgan, a HND mechanical engineering apprentice at Renishaw, used the engineering skills he has learnt as part of his Renishaw apprenticeship to compete in the competition.
Traders, exhibitors, competitors and rail enthusiasts visited the show that celebrated the 40th anniversary of the organiser, the Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers. The association aims to inspire people of all ages and abilities to get involved in narrow gauge railway (NGR) modelling.
Morgan discovered the competition through his father who is a member of the association. As an engineer himself, he encouraged Morgan to take part in the competition to construct a model train. The category Morgan entered required him to build and engineer a North Wales NGR Single Fairlie Moel Tryfan model from scratch.
The project required machining skills, such as milling and turning and computer aided design (CAD). Morgan used both 2D CAD for drawing and laser cutting files and 3D CAD for computer numerical control (CNC) produced parts. As the engine was based on an existing train, CAD assisted with designing a model which was similar to the specifications of the original.
“Renishaw has an excellent reputation for supporting its apprentices and encouraging them to gain and develop skills as well as providing many opportunities to grow,” explained Morgan. “After the first year of studying, apprentices at Renishaw are encouraged to use the skills they have learnt in a practical project. The National Garden Railway show was announced after the first year, so seemed like a natural progression.”
“It is rewarding to see apprentices excel in projects that require engineering skills in a creative and competitive environment,” explained Chris Pockett, Head of Communications at Renishaw. “Apprentices take part in placements across the company, which can focus on anything from software for neurosurgery to additive manufacturing.
The placements give the apprentices the confidence to apply their skills to creative projects Outside of their studies and work, we also offer opportunities to take part in competitions such as Greenpower racing, where our apprentices design, build and race an electric car.”
Renishaw offers apprenticeship schemes to give students the opportunity to strengthen their skills set and build future careers in a range of sectors such as software, engineering and embedded electronics. For more information visit the website here.
