Asda's mechatronics apprentices get hands-on in college workshop

Supermarket giant Asda is working with NWSLC for the first time to train the technicians that keep its logistics and warehousing operations moving. Six new engineering apprentices, following the mechatronics pathway, started their first session at the college’s Nuneaton Campus in January. They will return to the workshops every seven weeks for two week stints, taking the skills they learn back to Asda Logistics Services’ hubs at Magna Park in Leicestershire, as well as Warrington, North-East Clothing Washington, and Lymedale Clothing in Stoke-on-Trent.

The engineering technicians are learning to look after the maintenance and repair of logistics equipment including conveyor belts and chutes, and robotic equipment. The apprentices are expected to achieve their in-depth qualification in mechatronics – specialist skills for the advanced automated manufacturing industry – in around three and a half years.