Test tools for competition

We recently reported the appointment of Fluke as sponsors of WorldSkills London 2011 (See"Sponsorship announced!" 1/7/2011).

Their test tools have been chosen by this event to be used by the Competitors within the ‘Manufacturing and Engineering Technology’ category at the Competition, to be held over four days at ExCeL London from 5-8 October 2011.

The Fluke 233 Remote Display Digital Multimeter (DMM) has been selected for the participants to use in the ‘Polymechanics/Automation’ skill. Polymechanics technicians, or mechanical and maintenance fitters, produce and install parts for the technical repair of production machinery. The Fluke 179/EDA2 DMM Combo Kit will be used in the ‘Manufacturing Team Challenge’ which involves designing and manufacturing equipment assemblies.

The Fluke 233 gives users ultimate flexibility in difficult test situations, using a wireless transmitter to send measurements to the detached display, and thus improving safety and increasing productivity for the technician. By simply sliding the wireless display out of the meter body, the user can place the display where it is most easily seen, up to 10 metres from the point of measurement, while putting the meter in the best position to take measurements.

The Fluke 233 includes a built-in thermometer that enables users to take temperature readings easily without carrying a separate instrument. It offers a 10,000 microF capacitance range, measures frequencies to 50kHz and captures min/max and average readings automatically. It will measure up to 1000V AC and DC and up to 10A. The removable display is magnetic and has a flat bottom, so it can be conveniently mounted or placed on a flat surface where it can easily be seen. When the display is attached, the Fluke 233 operates as a conventional multimeter.

Designed specifically for precision measurement by demanding front-line industrial technicians and engineers, the Fluke 170 Series was developed for use in environments that range from relatively clean bench areas to very harsh work environments. The Fluke 179/EDA2 DMM Combo Kit includes an industrial strength test lead probe kit, a magnetic meter-hanger and a compact lightweight soft case. With a category IV safety rating for use up to 1000V and 10A, AC and DC, the easy-to-use true-rms Fluke 179 DMM comes complete with a thermocouple temperature probe.

WorldSkills London 2011 will be the world's largest, international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the ‘best of the best’ in their chosen skill. 150,000 visitors are expected and they will see 1,000 competitors from over 50 countries/regions competing in 46 skill areas over four exciting days of competition. Hundreds of colleges from across Britain will be showcasing their skills and talents at the event. Experts will also be on hand to share their knowledge and careers advice. The event will be a great chance for young people from 11-19 to try out new skills and find out about career opportunities.

As a Global Industry Partner (GIP) of WorldSkills International since 2004, and a sponsor since 1999, Fluke Corporation uses WorldSkills as part of its international education programme. Working collectively with other GIPs, Fluke aims to develop best practices and standards globally across industries, while producing a mobile workforce with portable skills.

Sponsorship announced!

Fluke has announced its sponsorship of WorldSkills London 2011 scheduled for four days at the ExCeL London exhibition and conference centre in London's docklands (GB) from 5-8 October 2011.

As a Global Industry Partner (GIP) of WorldSkills International since 2004, and a sponsor since 1999, Fluke Corporation uses WorldSkills as part of its international education programme. Working collectively with other GIPs, Fluke aims to develop best practices and standards globally across industries, while producing a mobile workforce with portable skills.

WorldSkills London 2011 will be the world's largest, international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the ‘best of the best’ in their chosen skill. 150,000 visitors are expected and they will see 1,000 competitors from over 50 countries/regions competing in 45 skill areas over four exciting days of competition. The WorldSkills Competition takes place in a different country every two years and brings together skills 'olympians' from across the globe to compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. As well as a fabulous spectacle, WorldSkills offers the opportunity for visitors to ‘Have a Go’ at new skills, get involved and be inspired. Hundreds of colleges from across the UK will be showcasing their skills and talents at the event. Experts will also be on hand to share their knowledge and careers advice. The event will be a great chance for young people from 11-19 to try out new skills and find out about career opportunities.

Aidan Jones, CEO of WorldSkills London 2011, added: “We are delighted to receive Fluke sponsorship which includes the provision of some of the company’s rugged electrical and electronic test equipment for use by participants in a wide range of skills in ‘Construction and Building Technology’, ‘Manufacturing and Engineering Technology’ and ‘Transportation and Logistics’. Coming from the world leader in the manufacture, distribution and service of electronic test tools and software, we are assured that participants will be using the latest products offering high productivity and user safety.”

The first WorldSkills Competition was developed in Spain in 1950, as a way to convince young people, parents, teachers and prospective employers that their future depended on an effective vocational training system. The simple, but brilliant idea of watching skilled people at their workstations proved to be a great success and WorldSkills has come to symbolise excellence in skills development and delivery.

Today, being selected to compete in a WorldSkills Competition is a source of great pride and honour. In spite of language barriers, the experience has a lasting personal and professional impact on all of the participants. The competitions rank Member nations and award medals, and also aim to enhance and promote vocational training systems worldwide.

• Another story on this event: Northern Ireland duo progress in mechatronics

Northern Ireland duo progress in mechatronics

Festo is supplying all the equipment for the Mechatronics and Mobile Robotics competitions.

Mechatronics duo Chris Downey (left) and Mark Maginty from Northern Regional College in Northern Ireland have set their sights on selection for Team UK to go forward and compete in the 41st WorldSkills Competition in London later this year. They have already been selected as members of Squad UK which consists of young people, aged 18 to 24, who are currently in training for a place in the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills 2011. Festo, as founding global partner of WorldSkills and official sponsor of the Mechatronics and Mobile Robotics competitions, is supplying the equipment, as well as assisting in the competition organisation for both these skills categories.

Chris and Mark had their first taste of international competition at Euroskills in Lisbon (P) in December 2010 and since then they have been undergoing specialist training and performance coaching in preparation for the UK team selection in June. Training Manager and Senior Engineering Lecturer at NRC, David Russell said, “Both students have shown considerable enthusiasm and commitment to this competition and have continued to enhance and develop the skills necessary to perform on a world stage. If successful at the team selection stage, both Chris and Mark will undergo further training with Festo in Stuttgart, Germany in late June and a specialist training camp in Estonia, as final preparation for the competition. The support offered by UKSkills and Festo GB have allowed for the acquisition of specialist mechatronics training stations and equipment which should further enhance the training experience.”
To further develop their competition experience, they are currently attending competitions in Ireland, the Netherlands and Finland. NRC is delighted with their success to date and wish them both every success as they move forward in the competition.

The Mechatronics competition reflects reality on the shop floor – people working under pressure to design, implement solutions, maintain and constantly improve production and fix machines quickly when faults occur. Competitors enter as teams of two, reflecting the philosophy that only people working in a team – constantly learning from each other – can master the challenges of manufacturing excellence.

Promoting apprenticeships and generating enthusiasm for technology is important to Festo. “Education, innovation and technology are the key factors for further expanding our technological peak performance. Festo supports top performance in the areas of training and international educational standards by means of national and international projects such as WorldSkills Mechatronics”, explains Dr. Eberhard Veit, chairman of the Management board at Festo AG, “and we are very much looking forward to the WordSkills 2011 London events.”

Chris Downey and Mark Maginty are both in their second year of the BTEC HND Electrical/Electronic Engineering programme at the Farm Lodge Campus in Ballymena. Chris, who is employed by Michelin, is funded by UKSkills to allow him to attend further training to compete at the level required for this prestigious competition. Mark works for Russell Electrical Contractors and is also funded by UKSkills to support his progress in this competition.