The training manager of the pioneering Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry has won a top award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for his work with apprentices.
Tim Kyte has been presented with the 2013 EngTech Visionary Award by the Institution in recognition of his dedication to developing apprentices at the MTC and giving them the opportunity to gain professionally recognised engineering technician status through the IMechE-approved scheme.
He is also an ambassador with STEMNET, an organisation which creates opportunities to inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The award was presented by IMechE president Patrick Kniveton at a special ceremony at the Institution’s headquarters in Birdcage Walk, London. He said, “These awards showcase talented people who are inspiring change and driving innovation. They are part of our vision to improve the world through engineering by inspiring, preparing and supporting tomorrow’s engineers to respond to society’s challenges.”
Tim Kyte is responsible for recruiting youngsters onto the MTC’s fast-growing apprenticeship programme and training them to be the engineers of the future. Over the past year more than 15 of the MTC technical team have achieved professional status.
He said, “The MTC is committed to encouraging young people into the engineering profession. The apprentices we recruit today will bridge the skills gap in UK manufacturing, ensuring its future success. I intend to leverage the recognition of this award to further promote careers in engineering.”
“The award will allow me to highlight the fact that professional registration is a goal that all of us can achieve from apprentice all the way through to senior engineers becoming chartered. I will use the publicity from this award to promote careers in engineering at schools and colleges. Engineering has the power to improve everyday life in ways people cannot imagine. The work we’re doing at the MTC today will help to solve future engineering challenges before they become critical to the economy, and I am proud to be playing a part in this,” he added.
Tim Kyte joined the MTC in 2012 as apprentice training manager after more than 20 years in industry and six years in further education. He worked for the Warwick Manufacturing Group where he was a research technician on projects for major automotive companies. During his time at WMG, Tim was involved in practical training for graduates and interns, a role that directly contributed to his decision to move into education. He joined Warwickshire College (Rugby campus) in 2007 as a lecturer and instructor in mechanical engineering became industrial training manager there, taking responsibility for company apprenticeship programmes and the management of more than 100 apprentices at various stages of their programmes.
The Manufacturing Technology Centre opened in 2011 following a £40 million public investment. It is a partnership between some of the UK’s major global manufacturers and three forward-thinking universities: Birmingham, Nottingham and Loughborough as well as TWI Ltd, the operating division of The Welding Institute.
The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult which is supported by the Technology Strategy Board.