An engineering company which recently gained royal recognition has opened a new training academy at its Shipley base – which is marking its 50th anniversary this year.

Carnaud Metalbox Engineer-ing, a leading worldwide provider of can-making machinery, has opened the industry-first CMB Academy of Canmaking and Seaming at its Dockfield Road site where it will provide training for CMB engineering apprentices and employees as well as classes for the company’s customers.

The training will give apprentices in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of canmaking and seaming and they will practice on a range of machinery, including the CMB 5500 Canmaker.

The US-owned company said the Academy was an opportunity to strengthen relationships with its apprentices and with global customers by demonstrating its commitment to excellence and quality.

Andrew Truelove, CMB Engineering general manager, said: “The CMB Academy will be a valuable resource for our future engineers who one day hope to be responsible for the care, maintenance and operation of can-making and seaming equipment. We will be offering in-depth courses that are truly ‘hands on’.

“The team at CMB Engineering is extremely excited about this additional training resource, which will allow trainees to benefit from both our knowledge and from the latest equipment on-site.”

The company already runs a four-year apprenticeship scheme which has resulted in most apprentices continuing to work at CMB Engineering. Recent graduates have progressed to more senior roles within the design, electrical and service departments, while others now travel worldwide providing servicing support to customers.

CMB Engineering is also looking to develop links with local schools and universities.

“At CMB Engineering we firmly believe that a commitment to developing the workforce and prospective employees is crucial to any business. For this reason we continue to show financial and academic support through our apprenticeship scheme, which is a real testament to our vision for the next 50 years and beyond,” Mr Truelove added.

The new academy was formally inaugurated by Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s executive member for employment, skills and culture.

Coun Hinchliffe: said: “I love Carnaud Metalbox, it’s exactly the kind of business I’d like to see more of in Bradford. They invest in training apprentices and when they’re through their apprenticeship programme they then offer to fund further training, including degree courses