The mechanical department is split into three main areas - the machine shop and the light and heavy plant areas.

        The machine shop is equipped with a wide range of machine tools and has facilities for precision marking out and measurement.

        The light plant area provides training in pipework systems and valve maintenance.

        The heavy plant area is given over to the maintenance of pumps, compressors, soot-blowers, gearboxes and other rotating machinery. It is also equipped with a 10-ton crane.

CRAFT APPRENTICE TRAINING

        Selection of apprentices for the mechanical trade is based on their technical and practical ability during a nine-month block release course at a technical college. The apprentice's own preference is also considered in deciding his trade apprenticeship.

        When an apprentice comes to the centre, he spends the first two days of a nine week training period getting to know the centre, and learning lifting and handling techniques, fire-fighting drill and first-aid.

        The mechanical maintenance training programme starts with a two-week period in the machine shop.

        The course is designed to familiarise trainees with the equipment available in the department. Emphasis is placed on practical machine and bench work and lessons are given in workshop safety and practice.

        The next four weeks of training is spent on the maintenance of valves and boiler fittings, the work covering both the convential and more specialised types of this equipment.

        The final three weeks of the first phase of training are devoted to the manipulation and application of pipework systems.

        On completion of their nine-week training period, the apprentices leave

the centre to attend college. Then after 12 weeks, they return to the centre for their second period of training. This lasts 17 weeks.

        In the first two weeks, they learn about power station plant. This is basically a theoretical treatment of the subject, supplemented by visits to power stations and plant manufacturers.

        Then comes a seven-week period devoted to transmission systems which involves the apprentice in maintenance work on a wide range of equipment They also undertake theoretical and practical work on coupling alignment.

        Maintenance of pumps and compressors occupies the next seven weeks of the training programme.

        The performance of an apprentice is constantly monitored throughout his training, both in the workshop and the classroom. Particular emphasis is placed on personal safety and current safety practices being used on stations. He is also given instruction in permit-to-work systems.

        Part of the final week of the mechanical craft apprentice's training is spent on formal tests, designed to assess his overall performance.

STUDENT APPRENTICE TRAINING

        Student apprentices attend the centre in their first year for a six-week period of mechanical training.

        The centre provides for an intensive study of mechanical plant, some of it of a theoretical nature with emphasis on an appreciation of items of plant. Some skills training is given.

ADULT TRAINING

        A series of intensive short duration courses is provided for adult craftsmen. These cover a wide range of mechanical studies in accordance with Regional requirements. Details of courses for craftsmen are available from the education and training department at Midlands Region Headquarters.