Regional support for teachers

Support centres have been established around the UK, offering advice and guidance relating to the use of Pro/ENGINEER, Pro/DESKTOP, ArtCAM and Speed Step. While your accredited trainer is always your first point of contact for any post-course needs, the support centres collaborate with each other to share common queries/resolutions and tips.  Details of the support centres are detailed on the Regional Support section of this site.

Possible Methods for Funding CAM Equipment Purchase

The funding for the purchase of equipment is a critical aspect and will ultimately govern the rate at which CAM equipment can be introduced into schools. Imaginative ways of securing the monies needed for acquiring the equipment have to be reviewed.

• Outright purchase, using funds from the school's capital budget allocation
• Regional Development Agencies with monies available for the creation and retention of jobs, also the training of people in new computer based skills in the local community.
• Education lease agreements, which allow schools to switch the cost from capital expenditure to revenue funding.  These lease agreements are designed to meet individual circumstances and usually provide considerable flexibility regarding items to be included, start dates and such.
• Refurbish suitable equipment with new control systems and drive motors. This reduces the capital outlay while providing access to the new CAM technologies.
• Hold special fund raising events, raffles and such aimed at purchasing CAM equipment.
• Straight appeal for funds to help purchase new CAM equipment
• Seek Specialist School status that provides additional funds from the government (requires the school to raise significant funds in order to qualify for the award)
• Sell time on the equipment to third party user groups interested in gaining access to the facilities for training, model making/hobbies and such.
• Produce articles for local companies using equipment in the design and technology departments. This could also provide small companies with access to modern technology, helping them develop new products and alternative manufacturing routes.
• Employ sixth form pupils, inviting them to stay on an extra year to gain practical and commercial experience and use the equipment in the design and technology department to undertake work for local companies
• Manufacture products that can be sold by the school, including open days and other events. Using the equipment available in a relatively well-equipped school provides an opportunity to manufacture an extensive range of articles
• Obtain sponsorship from local industry and past pupils that could benefit from people having the relevant technical skills
• Sell training to teachers in other schools and colleges on how to best use the equipment. Also package and promote the sale of good teaching materials
• Offer a bureau service to local primary schools and other schools less well equipped, allowing them to purchase time on equipment
• Involve national supermarkets and/or large companies with interests in selling their products to school age children in a campaign to promote the funding of CAM in schools
• Apply for Lottery funding to equip schools with state of the art CAM tools
• Seek out funds in professional institutions and charitable trusts for monies that have been bequeathed for funding educational projects.