Over the last decade, the manufacturing and engineering sectors have been evolving, with recent technological advancements presenting an opportunity to bridge the skills gap in the industry. As this technology changes, so does the need for engineers equipped with fundamental knowledge, skills and hands-on experience that will help them in their future careers.
The academy offers a comprehensive approach to training with diverse courses, including basic and advanced courses to help students understand standardised machine elements and technical design.
Marcus Schneck, CEO of Norelem, explained: “Our academy actively promotes the development of young talent by offering free expert lectures that provide insights into current technological innovations, ensuring that students stay up to date on industry trends.
“We offer this training in accordance with the general conditions of educational institutions and universities. Our programme provides in-depth insights into various mechanical engineering subject areas through focused lectures, attracting approximately 2,000 participants per year across Europe.”
In addition to these lectures, Norelem’s technical training delves into more detail on specific products and applications, allowing budding engineers to thoroughly understand their intricacies. For beginners, the interactive basic training offers a comprehensive introduction to fundamental technical concepts via online courses, allowing students to advance at their own pace. Advanced learning content is also available for experienced engineers who want to improve their skills with specialist knowledge.
Schneck added: “On top of general courses, individual product training is also one of our most popular offerings at the academy. This training is particularly beneficial because it is entirely adaptable to your needs, allowing you to easily learn about everything from fixture construction to linear technology while also providing the option of online or on-site sessions for flexibility.”
The Norelem Academy provides insights into the latest technological advancements. The hands-on training is said to ensure a deep understanding of practical applications, setting students apart in the job market.
Beyond standard training, the academy also sponsors various hands-on projects that offer practical experience, such as the Norelem Design Competition, which encourages young engineers to push the boundaries of mechanical engineering with their innovative designs.
Taking the academy to the road, Norelem’s Showtruck offers a mobile learning space to complement classroom learning. This space allows students to experience practical, real-time demonstrations without the need for a traditional classroom setting. The Showtruck tours universities around Europe, offering customised product training courses, bridging the gap between practical and theoretical learning. With space for 10-15 people, the environment encourages collaboration and interactive learning.
Supporting hands-on experience
One of the academy's most notable efforts is its support for Formula Student teams, which Norelem has been running since 2016. For example, the 2023 VDI Racing Camp hosted 19 teams from across Germany, giving students a unique opportunity to test their vehicles in real-world situations and prepare them for competition.
Antonio Stepan, technical director of the University of Birmingham racing team, UBRacing, who is involved in VDI Racing events in the UK, said: "By sponsoring the team, Norelem directly impacts our performance in the Formula Student competition, enhancing our learning by allowing us to apply theoretical ideas in practical situations."
The academy also provides a comprehensive online training centre where students can access a variety of resources such as videos, tutorials and technical publications. This flexibility allows students to learn mechanical engineering principles at their own pace.
Likewise, Norelem's relationships with industry partners guarantee its resources and training content remain current with the most recent standards and technical breakthroughs. Also, academic partnerships further integrate Norelem's resources into university curricula.
Norelem's assistance for Formula Student teams extends beyond technical resources to provide experience and coaching. Norelem offers components, such as Shoulder Bolts for Differential Hangers and Loctite Thread locker for chassis insert installation. Teams also benefit from help during the design stage, which is essential for making educated technical decisions. This hands-on support improves competition performance as well as an understanding of important mechanical principles.
Stepan continued: "Our partnership with Norelem has allowed us to save money on tools and fasteners, enabling us to focus on resources and the development of more competitive cars.”
Looking ahead to the future
For many students, the relationship with Norelem allows them to interact with experts, attend industry shows and work on projects; in particular, they gain exposure to the latest advancements in technology and engineering practices.
Stepan shared: "The opportunity to attend shows such as MACH and exhibit alongside Norelem has allowed our team to network with external companies, improve communication skills and gain exposure to the latest industry technologies."
Schneck finished by explaining: “Looking ahead, Norelem's partnership with young engineers and educational institutions has huge promise. The academy's commitment to developing and cultivating talent guarantees that the next generation of engineers may thrive. Students themselves express a desire for a long-term collaboration with Norelem, ready to benefit from its assistance for years to come.”
With its comprehensive training offerings, hands-on projects and expert support, the Norelem Academy is not just an educational resource but a launchpad for the engineers of tomorrow, helping them turn their innovative ideas into reality.