October 31, 2024 Aerospace, News NEWS – AESQ and RM13145 Updates (APQP & PPAP): The Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) strategy group created RM13145 supplemental material to offer guidance and good practise on the application of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) & Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) in-line with the requirements of AS9145 and AS13100. RM13145 aligns the general APQP and PPAP methodologies to the specific needs of aero-engine manufacturers, focusing on early risk mitigation and robustness of the introduction of change in the product development process, striving for Zero Defects. RM13145 has recently been updated in August 2024. In addition to this supplemental material on the AESQ website, they have also added in October 2024, the PPAP Approval Form template, which supports RM13145 and is essential for confirming that suppliers meet the requirements of PPAP (AS13100). It serves to confirm that they have submitted the sufficient evidence based on the planned scope of the PPAP (submission level). The form also provides detail supporting the reason for the PPAP submission (supplied by the PPAP Co-ordinator) and also the disposition decision (supplied by the Customer Authorised Representative (CARe)). This template has been standardised to promote consistency across the aero-engine supply chain, facilitating reduced complexity in the PPAP submission process. The template includes the following sections: Supplier Information: Details of the company submitting the PPAP, including supplier code and contact information. Part Information: The specific part number, description, and revision level being approved. Submission Level: Defines the level of PPAP submission required (ranging from Level 1 to Level 5) and the reason for submission PPAP Submission Checklist and associated element acceptance (from customer). Corrective Actions: Section for planned, dated and owned actions. Signatures: From both the PPAP Co-ordinator and CARe, confirming that the PPAP has been reviewed and disposition. At SMMT Industry Forum, our AESQ-endorsed 3-day PPAP Co-ordinator & CARe course fully covers the syllabus and qualification requirements for PPAP Co-ordinators or CARe’s as defined by AESQ Reference Manual RM13145. The training reflects the latest revision of RM13145 (August 2024) and contains the latest templates, including the PPAP Approval Form (October 2024). The course draws from AS13100 sections B and C and follows the APQP/PPAP model as defined within AS9145 and AESQ RM13145. This course is available virtually in different timezones and also may be flexibly delivered over 4-slightly shorter days to accommodate these timezone differences. In this course, we cover in detail: Essentials of PPAP Process Management Explain the fundamentals of APQP Evaluating the PPAP File Preparing and evaluating the PPAP Submission Disposition of the PPAP Submission and Approval Form If you are interested in finding out more on this course, then please follow this link: https://industryforum.co.uk/courses/14-as13100-aligned-rm13145-ppap-co-ordinator-and-care-training-course/
July 23, 2024 News The SMMT Industry Forum and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help create a training infrastructure to support the UK’s emerging battery sector. The collaboration between the SMMT Industry Forum – the commercial arm of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) – and UKBIC, the UK’s national battery manufacturing development facility, is designed to better support the growing battery industry in the UK. The partnership aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of innovation and growth within the UK’s electrified technology sector. The MoU is expected to lead to an SMMT training programme designed to support suppliers at every stage, ensuring they are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of electrified technology development and production. Ashley Fernihough, chief executive officer of SMMT Industry Forum, said: “This MoU represents a significant step forward in the drive towards sustainable and competitive manufacturing in the UK. “The establishment of a comprehensive training infrastructure to cater for existing suppliers and new market entrants, guiding them through the entire journey from technology development to the establishment of robust supply chains and ultimately, OEM supply.” Sean Gilgunn, the managing director of UKBIC, added: “By combining the expertise of the SMMT Industry Forum and UKBIC, we’re poised to help deliver a more effective training programme to support the growing UK battery sector in the UK.”
July 18, 2024 Automotive, News SMMT were honoured to be invited to attend the 1st Meeting of the Chartered Quality Institute Council in July. Convened in central London we were privileged to input an automotive quality perspective to a fruitful and searching discussion featuring representatives from a variety of disciplines, across public and private sectors. Focused topics included how to develop culture and capability for quality, improvement and excellence in our economies and organisations; and how to make quality management a strategic tool. The output themes for the day centred on actions to promote the profession map, and to move towards it’s use as a tool to assess team competence and inform capability development. The CQI is the professional body for experts in improving product, project and service quality. They do so by championing professional standards for quality management in the UK and globally. The CQI was granted Royal Charter in 2006, having demonstrated pre-eminence, public interest, stability and permanence.
June 28, 2024 Industry Forum Blog, News NEW COURSE INTRODUCTORY OFFER – ISO 45001:2018 Internal Auditor Training This course will help auditors develop relevant skills in judgement, decision-making, audit planning, audit non-conformity writing and subsequent close-out related to the ISO 45001:2018 standard. The ISO 45001:2018 Internal Auditor Training is an interactive course supported by group exercises and open discussion. The practical emphasis of this course and high tutor-to-delegate ratio provides a great opportunity for individual guidance, support and learning. Don’t miss this offer, book your place here…
June 13, 2024 Automotive, News We are thrilled to partner with HORIBA MIRA, a leader in automotive training. Their unparalleled expertise delivers exceptional scheduled and custom courses in Functional Safety, Electric Vehicles, and Cybersecurity. Led by industry specialists, these courses connect the next generation of engineers with professionals setting the highest standards in vehicle R&D. With new options added regularly, explore their current offerings or contact them for personalised guidance. View current courses: https://lnkd.in/gQ3BVMQ6 Together with Horiba Mira, we offer tailored training to tackle your unique challenges. Collaboratively, we design courses and materials focused on your team’s needs and growth areas, ensuring a learning experience that maximizes long-term success. Contact us to discuss your training needs.
May 30, 2024 Aerospace, News He joins us from his previous role working at an aerospace systems provider as a Principal Manufacturing Quality Engineer where he delivered training in APQP and PAPP, and the associated core tools, followed by in-house consultancy to assist in the implementation of such techniques, including the development of internal standards and procedures. Before that role, Joseph was a metrologist at an automotive OEM, conducting measurements to support the manufacturing process. He then moved to support the NPI phase of the business, before working as the metrology laboratory supervisor, including supporting warranty investigations and one-off specialist measurements. Joseph participates in the National Metrology Skills Alliance, where he performs a voluntary role in the special interest group to offer manufacturing metrology expertise. Welcome to the team Joseph.
April 10, 2024 Industry Forum Blog, News As part of the SMMT Group, we are really proud that The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has been recognised as one of Britain’s best places to work after gaining Gold accreditation from Investors in People (IIP), the international benchmark for workplace standards and people management. The Gold accolade, which is achieved by just 17% of organisations seeking IIP accreditation, was awarded to SMMT Group – including SMMT, Industry Forum and The Motor Ombudsman – for its ‘advanced’ levels of organisational leadership, with an emphasis on transparency, recognition, wellbeing and empowerment to encourage innovation and collaborative working. SMMT was recognised for its progressive people-focused policies, including all-staff engagement in decision-making, investment in career development, creating a culture that recognises high performance, developing flexible working practices, establishing an extensive network of employee support groups, and striving to ensure the workplace is diverse and inclusive of all needs. In addition, as part of SMMT’s remit to represent the UK automotive sector, the organisation was recognised for its committed to promoting workplace best practice across the wider industry. In 2022, under the auspices of the Automotive Council, it established the sector’s first ever Diversity Charter, and it continues to support businesses in the sector with their own development, with a DE&I Toolkit, specialist workshops and events. Katie Milbourn, Director of SMMT Group HR, said, “Every one of us at SMMT is essential to the Group’s success, so we support and develop everyone’s talents to help each other – and the wider sector – continue to thrive. As the voice of the automotive industry in the UK, it’s our duty and mission to set the highest standards, and we strive to ensure our people, with their expertise, experience and dedication, realise their full potential and support our members.” Tim Little, Practitioner, Investors in People, said, “Following the Investors in People programme is a journey SMMT started quite a few years ago, and the organisation’s drive, foresight and determination have kept it on the path to success and achieving Gold. SMMT has embraced IIP as a force for growth and put it at the heart of what it does. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with SMMT and watching its successes over the years.” IIP Gold status builds on SMMT Group’s previous Bronze and Silver awards in 2015 and 2022, and reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to the highest standards of people management. Such an approach is essential not just to attract and retain the best talent but to enhance mental health and wellbeing in the workplace – particularly important given that stress, anxiety and depression accounted for more than half of all workplace-related illness in the UK last year. Investors in People was founded by the UK government in 1991 and has since become a globally recognised certification of best practice for modern, high performing workplaces. The scheme requires an organisation to work closely with a practitioner to review its ‘people strategy’ – or its policies to attract, develop, retain, inspire and engage employees – as well as its long-term progress plan. The review also requires anonymous employee feedback on the organisation’s people strategy through surveys and interviews.
January 24, 2024 News In an era where organisations are placing an increased emphasis on workplace well-being and safety, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has introduced the ISO 45001:2018 standard to set a new benchmark for occupational health and safety management systems. This groundbreaking standard is designed to empower organisations to prioritise the welfare of their workforce and create a safer working environment.Recently, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“CSDDD”). This new major piece of EU legislation will require that EU and non-EU companies conduct environmental and human rights due diligence across their operations, subsidiaries, and value chains. Implementing ISO45001:2018 supports the human rights due diligence of this far-reaching legislation.ISO45001:2018 was developed with the aim of providing a robust framework that organisations can adopt to proactively manage occupational health and safety risks. It aligns seamlessly with other ISO management system standards, making integration into existing management systems a more straightforward process.To support organisations with implementing ISO45001:2018 SMMT Industry Forum has created two training courses – a one day Essentials Training Course and a two-day Internal Auditor Course.The Essentials Training course is designed to help leaders understand how ISO45001:2018 provides structure to their already existing occupational health and safety obligations. It will help them identify the steps they need to take to implement the standard into their organisations.The two-day internal auditor course will provide internal auditors with an understanding of the standard and the skills required to successfully carry out internal audits and support their organisations with external audits.The courses will be delivered by one of our senior consultants, Sarah Grainger. Sarah has recently returned to the UK after living and working for BMW AG in Munich, Germany for 12 years. She spent the last fours years at BMW managing the global Occupational Health and Safety Management System and so has extensive audit experience in the German and International production plants as well as experience implementing this management system in locations working towards their initial certification. The courses are available to book online:Essentials Training ISO 45001:2018 Essentials Training Internal Auditor ISO 45001:2018 Internal Auditor Training SMMT Industry Forum can also deliver this training in house at your location. For such training enquiries please contact: [email protected].
January 23, 2024 Industry Forum Blog, News SMMT Industry Forum is active globally supporting automotive manufacturing, bringing best practices and expertise honed over decades to new and expanding markets. Our CEO Ashley Fernihough is currently on a Trade Mission in Ghana to support discussion on increasing new automotive trade in the country. We look forward to sharing his experience and thoughts on how global manufacturing can benefit from shared knowledge exchange.
December 15, 2023 News Industry Forum (IF), the manufacturing training subsidiary of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and WMG at the University of Warwick, have today announced a new partnership to develop and deliver cutting-edge training solutions to help boost the competitiveness of manufacturers across the UK. The collaboration harnesses IF’s proven success in growing productivity and profitability of businesses across the automotive, aerospace, and other industries, and WMG at the University of Warwick’s expertise in helping companies across multiple sectors to turn ideas into commercial realities. It is set to help manufacturers, from start-up to multinational, to boost their competitiveness and growth potential as all sectors undergo radical transformation to deliver next generation electrified and automated technologies. The venture will give manufacturers across a range of industrial sectors access to development opportunities to enable them to conceive, design, prototype, market and, ultimately, deliver cutting-edge supply chain solutions to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). It will also support OEMs to integrate new technologies and processes into their own operations, making them agile and resilient. Ashley Fernihough, Industry Forum Chief Executive, said: “Industry Forum has a track record in helping companies to upskill, reskill and accelerate productivity and profitability – and at this pivotal time for the UK’s critical manufacturing sectors, we’re delighted to partner with WMG to take our training offering to the next level. Together we will help to harness ideas, innovation, and skills across the industrial spectrum, unlocking their commercial potential to deliver growth and global success.” Dr Ben Silverstone, Head of WMG Skills Centre, said: “WMG and Industry Forum have partnered to create world-leading operational and technical training solutions for UK Industry. With a rich heritage in enabling the UK automotive industry to meet the challenges of the future, together we will make use of the wealth of previous experience to make it easier for manufacturers from a range of industrial sectors to access the training they need to allow them to continue to compete in a rapidly and ever-changing market.”
