NEWS

Danish colleges invest in CNC training with two new HTECs

In October 2009, Haas Automation Europe (HAE) celebrated the opening of the first Danish HTECs.  The two new facilities, at Metal College in Aalborg and Mercantec in Bjerringbro, house a total of 16 Haas machines, and are seen as centres of excellence by their local communities.  Launched in collaboration the Danish Haas Factory Outlet (HFO), a division of C. Henriksen & Co A/S in Hedehusene, the HTECs are part of an ambitious plan to change the way young CNC engineers are educated.

Over 230 people attended the two launches, including staff, students, local industrialists, government dignitaries and reporters from leading trade publications.  Also joining in the celebrations and welcoming guests were Peter Hall, managing director of HAE, and Kim Glad Andersen, HFO Sales Manager for C. Hendriksen & Co. 

Guests of honour at the HTEC opening in Bjerringbro on 28 October included the school’s Director Kirsten Holmgård, Education manager Mette Selschau and Knud Erik Larsen (the business director of the Viborg trade promotion board).  Mercantec now boasts eight brand-new Haas machines (an SL-20 CNC lathe, 2x SL-10 CNC lathes, 2x MiniMills, a VF-1 vertical machining centre with 110mm trunnion table, and 2x TM-1 toolroom mills).

As Mette Selschau said: “Our new HTEC gives Mercantec access to a network of industry leading partners and enables our apprentices to learn using the most advanced manufacturing technologies.  As a result, they will develop into highly skilled production engineers; so local and national companies can be confident that tomorrow's workforce will be trained to meet the challenges of the future.”

The new HTEC at Metal College Aalborg was opened on 29 October by the Mayor of Aalborg, Henning G. Jensen, supported by the school’s Director Lars Mahler, Vice Director Keld Skovsgaard and Education Manager Niels Kjeldsen.  Metal College is also the proud owner of eight new Haas machines (including a VF-1 vertical machining centre, 2x SL-10 CNC lathes, 2x MiniMills, one with an HA5C rotary indexer, a VF-3SS high-speed VMC with a 110mm trunnion table, and 2x SL-20 CNC lathes).

Director Lars Mahler pointed out: “Metal College has a central role in educating employees in a rapidly changing industry.  Our school is a leader in its field and our strategy is to maintain and develop that position by strengthening co-operation with the machining industry and specific companies.  Our new HTEC is a good example of how we are fully engaged in implementing that strategy.” 

Peter Hall also emphasised that “companies around the world face great difficulties in recruiting CNC operators with the right competencies.  Failing to attract more men and women into CNC related work will affect the welfare of society.  These HTECs show students that the machine industry is an exciting world with well-paid jobs."

Aalborg's mayor, Henning G. Jensen supported Mr Hall, saying: “Our city’s focus is on education.” He went on: “Everyone needs access to the finest technologies; otherwise our society cannot maintain its high standards of living.  Education is critical to an attractive future, so it is excellent to see such a strong collaboration between education and industry in the HTEC programme.”

Kim Glad Andersen sees both launches as a great opportunity for Danish industry: “C. Henriksen & Co are delighted to support efforts to encourage more people to train as industrial technicians in Denmark.  There is a shortage of young people on almost all machining courses; it is therefore important to offer them something extraordinary, such as new Haas machines.

Peter Hall is also keen to encourage more young engineers, saying: “We really hope that this high-tech, highly industrial equipment will attract more apprentices, especially more young women.”  He also praised Kim Glad Andersen, saying: “Your commitment to the HTEC concept is impressive.  Henriksen has made an excellent start with these two HTECs in Denmark.  With ongoing support from the HTEC industry partners, you will be able to involve more companies and customers in the HTECs’ activities and have a very positive effect on their local communities.”