14/06/2024
Dudley College is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Homer as Innovation Consultant and Catherine Jones as Innovation Technician for Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing as testament to its commitment in supporting innovation and technical excellence within businesses of the Black Country. The services are completely free to all businesses and are designed to increase productivity and help them grow.
These new roles have been developed through Innovate UK and the Further Education Innovation Fund, with funds distributed to support local FE colleges work with businesses to improve productivity across the region. Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency which helps companies to grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services.
This project will be bringing five Further Education colleges from across the region together to support SMEs to foster innovation and make efficiencies across the business.
Innovation consultants will be placed in each of the five partner colleges across the Black Country, each specialising in a key area, such as manufacturing, engineering, CNC, automotive and robotics, with Halesowen College leading on digital innovation, including Cyber Security, E-Commerce and Artificial Intelligence. Other colleges key to this project are, Halesowen College, Walsall College, South Staffordshire College, and City of Wolverhampton.
Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of innovation. Within his new role, as Innovation Consultant, he will provide local SMEs looking to implement digital projects with free audits, project advice and consultations for local SMEs looking to improve efficiency within their companies.
Catherine has worked across many industries, specialising in modern manufacturing techniques and will support Andrew in supporting local SMEs aiming to boost within their companies.
Neil Thomas, Principal and Chief Executive said “We are thrilled to appoint Andrew as our Innovation Consultant and Catherine as our Innovation Technician. Their passion for driving innovation and supporting local businesses will be instrumental in helping SMEs thrive in today’s advanced engineering and manufacturing landscape.”
Commenting on his new role, Andrew said “I am looking forward to sharing my experience and extensive knowledge in advanced engineering and manufacturing with local and regional SMEs. The goal of this project is to help businesses develop innovative practices utilising emerging technologies.”
Echoing Andrew’s sentiments, Catherine commented: “I am really excited to start this role, I am eager to apply my experience and skills and to support local SMEs.”
For more information contact
Andrew Homer
Mobile: 07436950432
Email address: andrew.homer@dudleycol.ac.uk
