Getting a head start

A group of local young people were given an opportunity to visit one of Europe's most advanced manufacturing facilities when Yamazaki Mazak opened its doors as part of The Prince's Trust ‘Get Started with Robots programme'.

Mazak, one of the world's largest manufacturers of metalcutting machine tools invited the group to its European headquarters as part of a week long course organised by the youth charity and Roaming Robots, the company behind TV show Robot Wars.

The Get Started with Robots course was funded as a pilot project using a £500,000 donation from Black Eyed Peas front man and judge on BBC One's The Voice, Will.i.am, to The Prince's Trust in 2012. The course aims to give young people from the Midlands an opportunity to design their own robot whilst learning valuable STEM skills.

During the visit, the young people were able to use a Mazak Quick Turn Nexus 250-II MY machine tool to manufacture a robotic part to be used on their own robot, and were also given an extensive tour of the company's European Technology Centre and the factory floor.

Neil Parker, programme manager at The Prince's Trust, commented: “We work with many young people who come from a wide range of backgrounds and personal circumstances. Through the Get Started programme we're aiming to help those with an interest in a career in STEM subjects but may not have had access to the necessary qualifications.

“I'd like to extend my thanks on behalf of The Prince's Trust to all at Yamazaki Mazak for opening their doors to the group and taking the time to give them an insight into life inside a state of the art manufacturing facility.”

Marcus Burton, European group managing director at Yamazaki Mazak, added: “It was a real pleasure to host the Get Started with Robots programme at our Worcester facility. The Prince's Trust provides young people with an invaluable link to the working world and opens doors to a better future which may have previously remained closed. I hope their experiences at Mazak will act as a stimulus to spur them on to develop their interest in STEM and open up new opportunities.”

Yamazaki Mazak UK
www.mazak.eu