Addison apprentices use Skills Bootcamps training to cut fixture production from weeks to overnight

From waiting weeks for fixtures to producing them overnight, apprentices at Addison Precision have used 3D 360’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Bootcamps to develop workflows on the shop floor in just six months.

Addison Precision, which has served blue-chip clients for more than 40 years, employs 50 people at its state-of-the-art facility in Lancashire. With eight apprentices in its early careers programme, the business turned to 3D 360’s training to accelerate its use of additive manufacturing and digital workflows.

Within months, apprentices were designing and producing their own jigs, fixtures and tooling using entry-level 3D printers. Lead times that once stretched to 30 days were cut to just hours and the impact has rippled across the workforce.

“The fact that we’ve got guys younger than 21 completely changing our factory and the way we manufacture is amazing,” said Matt Sellers, Addison’s Planning or Scheduling Engineer and apprentice training lead.

“We can think about something and make it within hours. We used to make drawing, now the drawing is the model.”

Knowledge into Practice

3D 360’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Bootcamps blended 3D CAD, 3D Printing and Industry 4.0 context in a hands-on setting.

3D Printing becomes an indispensable tool after Addison Precision apprentices reshape workflows.

Delivered in a “train the trainer” style, apprentices quickly returned to the factory floor and shared their knowledge with senior machinists, some with more than 20 years’ experience, who stayed after shifts to try 3D printing themselves.

“We’ve got five apprentices who, within a week, went from knowing nothing about it to being able to come back here and teach lessons, even to colleagues with decades of experience,” Matt added.

Real impact 

• Fixtures and tools that once took up to a month are now produced overnight.
• Additive manufacturing is now described as “something we cannot live without.”
• Apprentices now model, program and machine parts directly from CAD, creating digital twins and streamlining production.
• Everyday shop aids, from custom tool holders to drill racks, keep production running smoothly and reduce downtime.
• Apprentices are now recognised as innovation leaders, driving continuous improvement from the ground up.

Looking ahead

Addison plans to put every future apprentice through 3D 360’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Bootcamps. The company is also exploring hybrid manufacturing techniques, combining metal additive with CNC finishing, to further reduce waste and cycle times.

Looking to build practical 3D printing skills that deliver real impact and fast?

3D 360’s 3D Printing and Industry 4.0 Skills Bootcamps offer hands-on, industry-focused training that equips professionals with the tools to solve problems, improve efficiency and drive innovation. They cover 3D CAD, robotics, automation and much more.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill your team, these free or heavily subsidised programmes are available to Lancashire residents, businesses, schools and community groups.

Visit: https://3d360printer.co.uk/training-courses/dfe-funded-skills-bootcamps/ for info and to Register Your Interest