The winning formula

It became clear to the AMRC Training Centre during its apprentice recruitment that schools werent teaching our young people the right kind of maths to be an engineer. Its subjects like calculus and quadratic formulas that help engineers solve problems but they are out of favour on the national curriculum.

One of the trainers, David Smith, decided to bolt on extra maths support lessons to help broaden the apprentices knowledge and a few months on its starting to pay dividends.

Ryan Lee is 17 and on a machining pathway working for ATI Allvac Ltd. He had studied maths to foundation level, while some of his counterparts had done A-levels so he felt that they had the edge on him. Hes ambitious though and not wanting to be left behind has studied hard in his extra maths class each week. Very quickly hes learned the theory and is applying it in practical situations.

Ryan says “Now Ive got the formulas in my head Im finding it much easier to do assignments. Its really helpful to look back at my notes, for example if Im asked to do a v-slot I need to be able to work out the degree, the angle, the depth and what size of tool I need. Now I can do that easily.” When asked about how he is enjoying his apprenticeship he added “Its great being an apprentice here as there is so much support available and the staff really want you to achieve. Im going to work hard and Im hopeful that Ill be able to work in lots of different departments in ATI Allvac Ltd, specialise in an area and progress through the company.”

David Smith, trainer, said “The maths support consists of three voluntary classes taking place on a Friday. The apprentices who have taken the lessons have given very positive feedback saying in some cases they have got a distinction instead of a pass or credit.  Ryan, in particular, has really grown in confidence and aptitude. I find this very satisfying knowing that I am making a difference in the development of apprentices in a subject that some find very difficult.”