Hydraulics & Pneumatics March 2022

www.hpmag.co.uk Have you tried our brand new webstore? EASIER . FASTER . MORE INTUITIVE . A simplified shopping experience from beginning to end. Compressors & Ancillary Equipment Pneumatic Control Equipment Process Control & Pumping Vacuum Products & Solutions Electro Mechanical Drives 0800 034 5850 www.thorite.co.uk 10% OFF* HPMAG10 YOUR FIRST ONLINE ORDER USE OFFER CODE FREE P&P* In the engineering sector and in many others, continuous training is of the utmost importance. As tools, technologies, and processes improve at a rapid pace, you should always be ready to polish and enhance your skills. Therefore, it is fundamental to keep up to speed with new innovations and certain required skillsets. How does this modern, specific piece of machinery work? How to go about repairing it and keeping it functioning properly? These are questions that, as a maintenance engineer, you should always be able to answer with confidence. With this in mind, we will discuss the reasons for which ongoing training and education is paramount in the world of engineering. Why is CPD important? First, it is worth clarifying why Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is so important to engineers. The Engineering Council expects all its members to persist in continued training and development to both keep pace with the newest updates in the field and to solidify their competence in the role. In fact, CPD can help improve credibility and confidence in your abilities, facilitating career progression in the long term. From achieving formal qualifications to on-the-job machinery training and external volunteering, there are many ways in which you can benefit from continued development. What is more, members of the Engineering Council who do not adhere to CPD standards can be stripped of their professional titles. Therefore, it goes without saying that continued training is fundamental. But in which ways does it help? Decrease the risk of injury Safety should be your number one priority. Hence, it is fair to say that checking machinery and equipment on a regular basis is crucial. With ongoing training and teaching, you will be able to learn how to operate different brands’ tools and how to repair new models. By understanding the various procedures, including skilful tasks such as fitting new hydraulic cylinder parts, you will always have the chance to handle machinery safely and effectively. That said, however, if you do not feel confident doing this yourself, do not be afraid to outsource specific technical tasks to other employees. Boost your career Is there anything more rewarding than climbing the work ladder? Ongoing training and education can massively support your career progression. In fact, constantly upskilling your qualities and knowledge can lead to promotions and other enticing job opportunities. Continued training, in fact, can help you develop your knowledge while giving you the skillsets to gradually operate at a more senior level. Make the most of technology With the introduction of machine learning (ML), automation, and artificial intelligence (AI), digital solutions have rapidly become embedded in the engineering industry. New, avant-garde equipment may not scare emerging engineers, who have grown up around tech devices. However, ongoing training and education can provide ‘mature’ professionals, who are not as tech-savvy as their younger counterparts, with precious guidance on these innovations. Making the most of technology is vital in the engineering sector. If you or your business are not trained effectively on its features, you’ll end up being left behind. www.fpeseals.com The importance of training when operating machinery By Steve Ellis, managing director, FPE Seals.