BEL Engineering partners with NCMT to kit out training academy

Technology is the great leveller when addressing the skills gap. Choosing the right technology partner to meet this challenge is essential for engineering firms. That’s why BEL Engineering partnered with NCMT to kit out its training academy with the Okuma GENOS M460V-5AX five-axis vertical machining centre. The aim was simple: to create a safe, industry-realistic environment for apprentices to learn true multi-axis machining.

Andrew Skee, Sales Manager for Northeast England & Scotland at NCMT, outlines the challenge: “BEL Engineering previously found it difficult to recruit suitably skilled machinists, prompting the company to invest in developing its own talent. By focusing on apprenticeships, BEL is building the next generation of engineers from the ground up, trained on the best technology available. To do this effectively, the company needed a versatile platform that reflects real-world workshop practices, supported by responsive training and a partner committed to long-term capability building.”

Simon McLeod, Manufacturing Training & Development Lead at BEL Engineering, takes up the story: “The majority of machining work that we see in the future is five-axis based, so our investment strategy is focused on this technology. We’re building our training academy to reflect the realities of production. We need common controls, probing and offline programming so learners build a transferable model of how jobs really run.”

He continues: “The Okuma GENOS M460V-5AX is versatile and has similar specification to the machines and controls we use on the shop floor. It’s adaptable for different materials and different cutting strategies, making it perfect for the needs of our business.”

Training for success

“The earlier we can get our apprentice thinking like engineers the better,” says Chief Engineer at BEL Engineering, Phil Westgarth. “That’s why ensuring the next generation of talent is properly equipped with the knowledge and expertise to thrive once they pass their apprenticeship is an ongoing challenge.”

The Okuma GENOS M460V-5AX five-axis vertical machining centre is purpose-built for high-precision work and serious metal removal in a compact footprint. A rigid bridge type construction and a trunnion-type layout with full simultaneous five-axis control and thermal stability lets apprentices cut everything from aluminium to titanium with confidence. Moreover, the OSP-P300M control, PC-based digital verification and optional five-axis auto tuning support “easy operation, even for inexperienced users”.

Comments Andrew: “We made sure the machine was the best possible fit for BEL’s training academy by selecting Okuma’s GENOS M460V-5AX. It may be compact, but it’s certainly powerful. The machine offers generous travel, a fully rotating table that can handle parts up to 300 kg and a high-speed 15,000 rpm spindle. With rapid movements across all axes and space for 48 tools, it’s designed to take on everything from small precision components to demanding die and mould work, as well as tough aerospace alloys.”

He adds: “This machine will ensure the apprentices build their knowledge so they can confidently execute one-hit, multi-sided machining that mirrors real shop-floor practice without the risk.”

Most training schools focus on the fundamentals of engineering, giving apprentices a broad grounding in machinery, material tolerances and core manufacturing principles. BEL Engineering has built on this foundation with a strategy that develops early confidence in complex work with the support of NCMT. Apprentices progress rapidly from five-sided positioning to full simultaneous five-axis machining, ensuring they can deliver impact for the business while gaining the skills and experience they need to thrive in their career.

Apprentices engaging in new ways

Today’s apprentices are finding new channels to accelerate their learning. Increasingly, many are turning to TikTok and other social platforms to see machining techniques, compare tool paths and understand the creative possibilities of five-axis capability. From short clips showing the intricate milling of aerospace components, to demonstrations of probing cycles and tool set-ups, this digital-native generation is combining formal training with online exploration.

As Simon notes: “They’re not only learning in the classroom, they’re seeing what their peers and engineers around the world are creating. It gives them inspiration and context for what these machines can achieve, which in turn boosts their confidence to try new approaches in our training academy.”

Installation and training: Service that builds confidence

NCMT’s involvement did not end at delivery. The installation was supported by its engineering team, ensuring the GENOS M460V-5AX was fully optimised and integrated into the BEL Engineering training environment. In addition, NCMT delivered structured training sessions with the instructors, reinforcing correct machine operation, programming strategies, and best practices for safety and efficiency.

“Being honest, we’ve had excellent support,” states Simon. “The training was not just informative, it was built specifically around the needs of our team. The purpose was to train the trainers, so that our people could take that knowledge and pass it on to apprentices, ensuring the skills are shared across the business. NCMT made it very adaptable. We had real input into what was included, so it felt like our training, shaped to suit us. Coming to NCMT’s HQ was an excellent experience too, and the service that came with the machine delivery and installation was second to none. That’s what we always expect of NCMT, because their customer service has that reputation and they delivered again.”

This hands-on approach underlines NCMT’s commitment to customer service, ensuring that every machine investment is backed by responsive technical support and training tailored to the user’s needs.

Building a future together

The collaboration between BEL Engineering and NCMT is more than a technology purchase, it represents a long-term investment in people. By combining cutting-edge five-axis capability with a tailored training programme, apprentices are gaining the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a modern engineering environment.

With young people increasingly inspired through social channels, and with robust on-the-ground training supported by trusted partners, the skills gap can be tackled head-on.

This is what a modern training ecosystem looks like: industry-realistic machines, digital-first learning and a service partner committed to the long game. Together, BEL Engineering and NCMT are not only machining parts, they are tackling the skills gap and ensuring a bright future for British manufacturing and engineering.