‘We must teach young people more about the more practical day-to-day tasks of our industry to create smoother transitions into the workplace’, says Thomas.
Joining Unipart in 2024 as an Innovation Engineer after earning a First Class Masters degree in Robotics from the University of Plymouth, Thomas Stinton is already making a significant impact in Unipart’s Advanced Supply Chain Institute.
The Institute is a cutting-edge, multi-purpose learning space in Unipart’s headquarters in Oxford. Since opening in November 2021, it’s been a collaboration space for research and development, and learning and ideation, bridging skills gaps for the next generation of supply chain professionals through the power of digital technology.
In his role, Thomas is leveraging emerging technologies to develop pioneering supply chain solutions for Unipart colleagues and customers, tackling the unique and often complex challenges inherent in supply chains, from optimising warehouse storage to streamlining distribution.
He explained: “By using innovative technologies, such as CAD [computer aided design] software for 3D printing, I’m able to continuously drive operational efficiencies in our customer’s supply chains whilst enhancing my own skills.”
Working with local education institutions like Oxford Brookes University and Abingdon & Witney College, the Institute is creating a vital development journey for young people who get real-time insight into the trends and technology driving the supply chains of tomorrow.
“If we are to truly bridge the skills gap,” said Thomas, “we must teach young people more about the more practical day-to-day tasks of our industry to create smoother transitions into the workplace.”
Utilising the innovative freedom of the Institute, Thomas explained one exciting innovation he is currently exploring: “One new project I’m currently working on is the ‘Eco-page’, born from the challenge of creating a visual management system for warehouse racks without reliable power. My solution uses E-paper displays and custom circuitry, allowing it to show three different states in multiple colors. This means months of battery life on just three AA batteries, offering a versatile, off-grid visual tool for various applications.
“The ever-present need for new innovations, such as these, is precisely what makes my role at Unipart so exciting.”