As part of National Apprenticeship Week (Monday 9 to Friday 13 March 2015) and in collaboration with KITS College in Brighouse, second year apprentices Anthony Travers and Luis Lowe gave an insight into their current activities and achievements at 600 UK, their plans for the future and the crucial role that 600 UK and KITS have played in their professional development. 

600 UK, based in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire are manufacturers of high precision machine tool products, including world renown Colchester and Harrison lathes, Pratt Burnerd International workholding and Gamet Bearings. 

As a further example of the opportunities that are available to young apprentices, 600 UK employee and former KITS College apprentice Ryan McMaster was named runner-up in the MTA Manufacturing Industry Awards - Young Engineer of the Year on Thursday March 12 2015. 

Ryan joined 600 UK as 1st year apprentice in 2007 and a year later was awarded “Best Multi-Skilled Apprentice” by KITS college.  Ryan completed his apprenticeship in 2011 and was deployed within the machine tool assembly section as a skilled fitter, focused on the build of precision lathe headstocks.  The following year, Ryan was promoted to Team Leader within machine tool assembly section where responsibilities included build co-ordination and production planning. 

Ryan’s development over the past year has seen his skills enhanced across all products within the company and covering a number of disciplines including Quality Control, 3D design engineering and production engineering.  Last year, Ryan successfully project managed a special machine tool supply project through procurement, manufacturing, testing and despatch phases. 

We at 600 UK congratulate Ryan on this huge success at national level and wish him future success with us.  

For further information, contact: 

Mike Berry, 600 UK Managing Director   

Philip Cullen, Group Marketing Manager   

Tel: +44 (0) 1924 415000