A Year of Innovation and Impact at the NFTC: Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025

2024 has been a year of challenges, progress, and innovation for our team, despite operating with only a small group of dedicated individuals at the NFTC. It’s been a busy and transformative period, and we’re proud to reflect on the accomplishments we’ve achieved together.

Tackling Knife Crime Through Creativity

At the start of 2024, we embarked on an inspiring collaboration with West Midlands 
Police, taking on the critical issue of knife crime in the UK. Together, we transformed 
confiscated swords and knives into stunning medals and trophies, which are being 
awarded at sports events for underprivileged children. This initiative not only raises 
awareness about the dangers of knife crime but also redirects the narrative towards 
hope, empowerment, and opportunity through sport. Colin Whorton, ECMS Foundry 
Manager & Business Development Manager had this to say: ‘It has been a privilege to contribute to such an impactful project, addressing one of the UK’s ever growing social challenges with creativity and purpose’.

A finished trophy and gel insert badge

Pushing PPE to its Limits in Fiery Experiments

In another exciting venture, we had the opportunity to test personal protective 
equipment (PPE) in extreme conditions. By splashing and pouring molten steel and 
aluminium onto heat-resistant jackets and trousers in a controlled environment, we 
compared their performance to that of standard clothing like jeans and shirts. The 
results were dramatic and highlighted the critical importance of wearing appropriate safety gear. This fiery experiment served as a vivid demonstration of the life-saving value of PPE and reaffirmed the importance of rigorous safety standards in industrial environments.

Pictured left to right: Richard Heath (H+S Lead), Colin Whorton (BDM) and Alan Vickerstaff (EDC Protection)

Pictured left to right: Slight discolouration of resistant jacket and trousers. Jeans and shirt splashed with Aluminium

Addressing the Skills Gap in the Cast Metals Industry

As we approach the conclusion of our project targets and the winding down of our SME business support initiatives, we’ve been steadfast in tackling one of the industry’s most 
pressing challenges: the widening skills gap. In the later part of 2024 Colin travelled to the cold outskirts of Britain to deliver a 12-hour training course to three pattern-making apprentices at Progress Rail. Fully funded and essential to the sustainability of the cast metals sector, this CPD course is a vital step in addressing the lack of training opportunities available in this field. It has been deeply rewarding to contribute to the development of these apprentices, ensuring the next generation of skilled professionals is equipped to carry the industry forward.

Pictured: Alan Brown (Far Left) Operations Manager and Colin Whorton (Far Right) with the apprentices at Progress Rail.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and the Green Electric Materials Manufacturing Project

As we bid farewell to 2024, we look forward to an exciting new chapter for the National Foundry Training Centre. As we start the year we welcome our newest member to our team, Martin Appiah. Martin will join the ECMS team as Knowledge Exchange Associate . Martin will strengthen our position in both the University and industry as leaders of Research Excellence, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange with his qualifications gained- PhD, PGCE & B.Eng, Martin will certainly have an impact. The incoming year will mark our transition into the Green Electric Materials 
Manufacturing (GEMM) project, a groundbreaking initiative that positions us as a unique leader in the UK’s drive towards sustainable manufacturing. Several projects are already underway, and we are confident that they will deliver on this promise, with Martin’s expertise and support proving invaluable to our success.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our journey. The challenges we’ve faced have been met with resilience and innovation, and the 
opportunities we’ve embraced have laid the foundation for a brighter, greener future. 

Martin Appiah

Here’s to an impactful and transformative 2025!

Author: Victoria Bayliss