TALAT - a training programme for aluminium application technologies in Europe

Aluminium is the most widely used non-ferrous metal with considerable growth potential in vital application areas, such as transport, electronics, machinery and civil engineering. Yet practising design and production engineers have received little or no specific training in the metalʹs characteristics or in application techniques. The TALAT Project under the European Commissionʹs COMETT II programme has allowed aluminium industries and universities in nine EU/EFTA countries to develop teaching materials to remedy this situation. Designed for both engineers and technologists already working in industry and those still in the higher educational system, these materials are based on the most up-to-date knowledge and experience available. They cover the areas of materials technology, product design and structural design, machining, forming, casting, joining and surface technologies and they are supplemented by multi-disciplinary case studies. The material volume extends over more than 150 lecture hours and follows the concept of a “tool box” from which elements can be selected on a “pick and mix” basis to address the needs of various target groups and topics. A system of model courses is designed to provide guidelines for course makers and for the achievement of certain qualification levels. The paper treats the objectives, contents and intended uses, the distribution and marketing concepts and gives an outlook for future extensions and updating.