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Overview
Innovate UK is the UK’s national innovation agency, part of UK Research and Innovation, that provides funding and support to help businesses develop and commercialise new products, processes and services. It strengthens the innovation ecosystem by connecting businesses with experts, funding and partner organisations, offering support from early stage businesses to scale ups across all sectors and UK regions.
Chorley resident, Michael Hadfield is a Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist at Innovate UK North’s Business Growth Team who advises manufacturers on Industry 4.0 and helps SMEs plan innovation and growth strategies. He joined the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Bootcamps to sharpen his own skills so he could guide others with confidence.
Background
Working across engineering and manufacturing, Mick supports firms exploring additive manufacturing and digital tools from ERP and CRM to AI. He selected 3D 360’s Skills Bootcamps as a formal personal development step. The nature of his role means he needs to keep his skills current. The application was simple and, once he realised the programme was also open to larger organisations, he applied.
Programme Delivery
Mick describes the experience as one of the best courses he has taken in years, praising the blend of practical skills training such as building a 3D printer, learning 3D CAD and slicing, and an enthusiastic trainer made the content stick and encouraged him to put skills to work straight away. A big data training module that seemed less relevant and of interest, at first, became central once he began tackling AI topics in his day job.
Outcomes & Impact
- Confidence and credibility: understanding processes like 3D printing methods, data migration and AI helps him bridge generations in boardrooms where ROI is the focus. He now discusses Industry 4.0 with clarity and confidence.
- Real world influence: Since the course he has presented to Chorley Council and to around 70 delegates across Manchester Metropolitan University and Greater Manchester colleges on AI in construction. His applied examples help organisations move from curiosity to action.
- Wider network and impartial guidance: The Bootcamps expanded his network. He connects SMEs with suitable machine providers and research centres such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, while signposting 3D 360 as one of three neutral starting points. Because 3D 360 does not sell printers or commercial services, the guidance is independent and trusted.
- Applied learning, every day: Mick puts CAD, additive manufacturing and digital tools to work in daily conversations with SMEs, helping firms diversify and adopt emerging technologies with practical next steps.
Future Developments
Mick is applying Skills Bootcamps learning in security and defence contexts and sees strong roles for digital twin software and AR guided maintenance in complex environments. He also champions 3D CAD as the essential starting point for any additive manufacturing workflow.
Looking to build practical 3D printing skills and Industry 4.0 know how that delivers real impact and fast?
3D 360’s 3D Printing & Industry 4.0 Skills Bootcamps offer hands-on, industry-focused training that equips beginners, educators and professionals with the tools to solve problems, improve efficiency and drive innovation. They cover 3D CAD, robotics, automation and much more. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill your team, these programmes provide a solid foundation in additive manufacturing.
Places go quickly, so register your interest or request a call back to find out more.
Objective
To build hands on Industry 4.0 capability to advise SMEs credibly and accelerate adoption.
Solution
3D 360’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Bootcamps combining 3D CAD, printer build, slicing and AI/big data modules delivered with an enthusiastic, practical trainer style.
Outcome
Greater confidence, broader network and measurable influence, from council briefings to sector events – with clear, impartial guidance that helps companies take their first steps.
“The course was the spark that started the fire. It gave me confidence to discuss Industry 4.0 with companies one-on-one, in boardrooms and at public events,”
“Hands-on learning shows that Industry 4.0 isn’t just for young people, it equips decision makers of all ages to engage with new technologies,” he notes. The training demystifies 3D printing and AI for executives, bridging generational gaps and supporting ROI-focused decision making.”
Some of Mick’s home creations:
