Engineering needs Lean
For the last two years we have worked with the UKESF ( United Kingdom Electronics Skills Foundation) teaching undergraduate electronics scholars an overview of what Lean is.
The UKESF provides an ever-growing education programme, inspiring students about Electronics at school and to pursue STEM-focused subjects through to A-level. They also run an expanding Scholarship Scheme for Electronics undergraduates, providing electronics and engineering industry placements, developing employability skills and encouraging innovation, in addition to giving financial support. The UKESF works closely with industry to ensure what the universities produce are capable for the what the industry requires. Where possible the UKESF seeks subject matter experts to close the gaps.
This is where Lean Practice comes in. Our founder Aaron delivers a short overview of Lean engineering so that the scholars have an appreciation of value and what to look out for in terms of waste.
If you have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and expertise, then I believe you have the responsibility to share it far and wide.
- Aaron Penwill, founder Lean Practice Ltd
“It’s been fantastic having Aaron involved with our UKESF Scholars’ Workshop. His subject knowledge and presentational delivery have both been excellent. Importantly, he has understood his audience and engaged really effectively with our students. Overall, he has delivered a really useful primer on lean principles and has done so in a most interactive way”
One of the first activities is to watch a time lapse video of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner being built. The team then use a Cause and Effect diagram to discuss what factors must have been in place for Boeing to achieve this build, with a new aircraft rolling of the line every 3 days (at their peak).
What the team realise is that they have captured a blue print of best practice for any business. The trick then is to get the blue print from concept to an in use reality!
Further insights into the 8 Wastes with a hands-on demonstration activity of Lean in practice finishes the session.
It is a privilege to share Lean principles to our future engineers and leaders. When inspiring others you get inspired yourself.
- Aaron Penwill
To support UKESF and the great work they do for the future of the electronics industry, an industry that is our future, please go to https://www.ukesf.org/donate
Image: Photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash
