Turbine Surface Technologies

Turbine Surface Technologies

Turbine Surface Technologies is a Rolls-Royce and Chromalloy joint venture that provides specialist coating systems for turbine components which allows them to operate in much higher temperatures. It has recruited apprentices through the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre since 2022.

The company had worked with other apprenticeship providers in the past, but after visiting our facilities their leaders decided to work with us. They were particularly impressed with our industry-standard equipment and focus on engineering.

For Turbine Surface Technologies, the AMRC Training Centre develops skills that are directly relevant to the business — including robotics, CAD and additive manufacturing — alongside studying for an internationally respected engineering degree with the University of Sheffield.

Operating in a highly specialised sector, the company sees apprenticeships as a long-term solution to recruiting skilled engineers. Rather than competing for experienced candidates in a limited talent pool, the business is developing its own engineers to support future growth.

The company's first apprentices have now completed their training and joined the engineering team in full-time roles. From their very first day apprentices add value to the business, working alongside experienced colleagues while taking on increasing responsibility as their skills develop. 

Eventually, they take on their own projects, which have had a big impact on Turbine Surface Technologies. The AMRC Training Centre apprentices have supported the installation and validation of new manufacturing equipment worth millions of pounds, delivered cost savings of thousands of pounds, and helped reduce scrap rates on key product lines by up to six per cent.

The business believes the shared support provided by engineers across the company, alongside regular contact with staff at the AMRC Training Centre, helps apprentices succeed while making mentoring responsibilities manageable for the wider team.

“Partnering with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre has allowed our business to grow. Recruiting experienced engineers in our sector is difficult, so developing our own talent through apprenticeships has given us the skilled people we need for the future. The AMRC Training Centre provides a great service and their staff are always happy to help.”

Tom Woods, manufacturing engineering manager, Turbine Surface Technologies