The Process Manufacturing Centre (PMC), part of Kirklees College, opened its doors last week as a specialist training site for process manufacturing industries.
“The PMC is focussed on engaging and partnering with manufacturers to provide solutions to skill shortages and apprenticeship programmes,” Brian Lawson, head of process manufacturing at Kirklees College, told in-Pharmatechnologist.com.
“It can be used to train in processes and activities which are associated with manufacturing. Often the early parts of a product lifecycle do not have any training associated with them and is typically assumed to be ‘known’ by those involved! We can train offer training for every stage.”
He added there will be synergies between employers, the process manufacturing centre and the Northern Powerhouse – a government-backed project intended to boost economic growth and industry in the North of England.
Among the industries involved in the centre, the pharma sector is well served, Lawson – who was at Dr Reddy’s before joining the College – said.
“We have one ‘specials manufacturer’ with an apprentice on the Science Industry Manufacturing Technician programme. We have had interest from others such as Thornton and Ross, Dechra and Dr Reddy’s.
“In addition there are Pharma companies in Yorkshire who we will be engaging with in coming months,” he continued, adding that the offering will not be limited to the region with plans being explored to deliver these programmes with residential and online capability.
The PMC consists of a process plant, a filling and packaging area and documentations systems.
The process plant includes 2,000L of batch mixing capacity and two storage tanks, a stand-alone 400L mixing vessel and centrifuge, and integrated powder induction and filtration loops.