Fridge van manufacturer keeps inspiring students

Fridge van manufacturer CoolKit Ltd, together with other leading manufacturing companies across the North West, were invited to attend an open day at Burnley College the showcase their products and potential apprenticeships opportunities to Themis Advanced Engineering Apprentices and Advanced Sixth Form Students in the Centre of Engineering Excellence department.

Coolkit demonstrated their capabilities as a leading fridge van manufacturer by providing a commercial van on the day together with a team of fully-trained refrigerated engineers who carried out the installation of insulated lining kits fabricated exactly for the van make and model on display. Throughout the demonstration students were able to volunteer their services and be involved in the installation process, learning about the leading technology being used at CoolKit for the design of the insulated lining kits used to convert a vehicle into a refrigerated van. The students learnt about the CAD design software used for creating a bespoke fridge van conversion kit for each individual order received, making sure all our conversions match the exact requirements of the customer. They were also introduced to CNC technologies used to cut the insulated panels to exact measurements from the detailed drawings previously created.

The CoolKit engineers explained each process of the installation as they were carrying out the tasks and the students got involved by asking plenty of questions and lending a helping hand. Students were able to get a picture of a daily routine within a fast paced manufacturing workshop creating industry-leading products used throughout the UK and overseas.

Head of engineering Neil Burrows said: “The masterclass was an excellent opportunity for our Advanced Engineering Apprentices and students to meet some of the biggest employers in the area and for those employers to see the enthusiasm and talent each of our students and Apprentices have in mechanical and electrical engineering”

“The event was a huge success and I’d like to thank our employers for helping to create an inspirational day of activities.”

Managing director of Coolkit Rupert Gatty added: “Coolkit was excited to be a part of this inspirational masterclass event, especially given the importance of educating newcomers about future skills within Engineering. The Engineering Masterclass was a fantastic opportunity to showcase to Advanced Engineering Apprentices and students the variety of career options available to them after they complete their qualifications and we look forward to working closely with Themis and Burnley College Sixth Form Centre.”

Burnley College are also supporting the local fridge van manufacturer with the Make It In Manufacturing initiative set to take place later this year. Organised by The Manufacturing Institute, The Make It in Manufacturing North West Championship gives businesses the chance to work directly with schools to engage young people in manufacturing.

The Challenge involves engaging five businesses from each of the region’s counties – Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire and Greater Manchester – to support a one-day competitive activity for schoolchildren aged 13-14 from across their county.

The winning team of each heat will then go forward to the grand regional finals, where the champions will be crowned at Manchester United Football Stadium in March 2017. CoolKit and Burnley College are supporting the Lancashire heats, set to take place at Ribby Hall Village in Preston on 30th November 2016. Burnley College are proudly supporting the event by providing a representative to sit at the Dragons’ Den judging panel on the day of the competition, helping to inspire the students taking part throughout the day and providing feedback on each entry. This relationship will ensure students are aware of the possibilities of manufacturing apprenticeship as a future career opportunity and familiarise themselves with a local college who can assist in guiding them through a successful further education path.