Mining and Minerals Today Issue 104 January 2025 | Page 62

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to the team and themselves . It is a more formal route for qualification and there are plenty of diverse opportunities within the group of companies .

Pushing the envelope

“ I started in the commercial team ’ s estimating department , before being transferred to the methods department where I designed casting methods for manufacture using computer-aided design ( CAD ) technology . In the early 1990s , computing times were challenging – to say the least – and simulation work could be time consuming , so as a team we operated a multi-shift system to ensure the foundry was fully serviced . I have no doubt my smartphone has greater computing power than I had when I first started out in the industry ! However , of course , we now operate a much more technically advanced computer system supporting many of our

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info @ davidscottpatterns . co . uk www . davidscottpatterns . co . uk sub-systems which help us service our clients ’ needs . Information is key , and relevant current information has never been more important to performance in the industry . We employ dedicated software programmers whose input is invaluable to the smooth operation of the changing landscape of the foundry .

“ As my experience and understanding of casting manufacturing grew , I moved back to the commercial team , first as a Sales Manager and ultimately , I then became Sales Director ,” Brian recalls . “ Aside from computing technology , there have been significant changes over the years . To put it into perspective , the manufacture of a large net casting has risen from 5000 kilograms when I started in 1989 to 35,000 kilograms today . We ’ re always pushing the envelope and advancing where possible , with additional facilities enabling the manufacture of larger castings , including lifting capabilities , heat treatment , and extensive non-destructive examination ( NDE ) testing to verify the integrity of the casting .”

Investment in people

Amidst global skills and labor shortages , many traditional foundries are struggling to modernize , but GSC is certainly not faced with such a problem . Through continuous investment in its people , state-of-the-art technologies , and material research , GSC remains at the forefront of industry . Its inhouse apprentice training program means the business boasts a young and dynamic workforce ; the average age of its employees is under 45 , with an impressive average tenure of 11 years .

The scheme sees apprentices gain a BTEC Level 3 in the first six months of the structured four-year course through classroom and workshop experience . For the next 18 months , apprentices select ten modules from a choice of 25 options , all of which include classroom training , observations , practical

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