Toolbox and tools used during AEI apprenticeship

Toolbox and set of tools used and, in some cases Toolbox and set of tools used and, in some cases

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Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Toolbox and set of tools used and, in some cases
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Toolbox and set of tools used and, in some cases
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Toolbox and set of tools used and, in some cases, made by Alan Pedder when serving his engineering apprenticeship at AEI (Associated Electrical Industries, formerly Metropolitan Vickers) in Trafford Park, Manchester, 1963-1969.

This toolbox provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape.

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Details

Category:
Hand and Machine Tools
Object Number:
2021-1694
Materials:
metal (unknown)
type:
toolbox
credit:
Gift of Alan Pedder

Parts

Toolbox used during AEI apprenticeship

Sheet metal toolbox, fabricated from sheet mild steel and spot welded together, 1963. Made and used by Alan Pedder when serving his engineering apprenticeship at AEI (Associated Electrical Industries) in Trafford Park, Manchester, 1963-1969. Alan made this toolbox while on the sheet metal section of the AEI Training School, and it features a small brass plate with his name.

More

This toolbox provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape.

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Measurements:
overall: 152 mm x 406 mm x 254 mm,
Materials:
steel (metal) and brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
2021-1694/1
type:
toolbox
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

AEI apprentice school pin badge

Pin badge, with AA Apprentice Association TS Training School and AEI logo, 1963.

More

This badge shows micrometer calipers and a flaming torch. It was given to apprentices and provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape.

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
2021-1694/2
type:
badge
Tap wrench, made during AEI apprenticeship

Tap wrench, made during AEI apprenticeship

Large tap wrench, made on a centre lathe, 1963-1969.

More

This tool provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. It was made as part of the learning process. Apprentices would first make, and then use, their own tools.

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/3
type:
wrench
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Small tap wrench made during AEI apprenticeship

Small tap wrench made during AEI apprenticeship

Mini/small tap wrench made on a centre lathe, 1963-1969.

More

This tool provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. It was made as part of the learning process. Apprentices would first make, and then use, their own tools.

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/4
type:
wrench
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Tap wrench made during AEI apprenticeship

Tap wrench made during AEI apprenticeship

Small handmade tap wrench, made by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

This tool provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. It was made as part of the learning process. Apprentices would first make, and then use, their own tools.

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/5
type:
wrench
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Depth gauge made during AEI apprenticeship

Depth gauge made during AEI apprenticeship

Depth gauge (missing centre rod), made by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

This tool provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. It was made as part of the learning process. Apprentices would first make, and then use, their own tools.

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/6
type:
gauge
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Calipers used during AEI apprenticeship

Calipers used during AEI apprenticeship

Pair of outside calipers, made by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

This tool provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. It was made as part of the learning process. Apprentices would first make, and then use, their own tools.

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/7
type:
calipers
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Thread cutting taps used during AEI apprenticeship

Thread cutting taps used during AEI apprenticeship

16 x thread cutting taps, used by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

These tools provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. They are mass produced, either gifted to or purchased by apprentices. There was great significance of having good quality tools. For example, Alan explains that ‘as a young apprentice the joy of owning of a set of chrome vanadium spanners was unbelievable.’

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/8
type:
taps
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Die handle used during AEI apprenticeship

Die handle used during AEI apprenticeship

Die handle and 7 dies, used by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

These tools provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. They are mass produced, either gifted to or purchased by apprentices. There was great significance of having good quality tools. For example, Alan explains that ‘as a young apprentice the joy of owning of a set of chrome vanadium spanners was unbelievable.’

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/9
type:
die
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Micrometer, used during AEI apprenticeship

Micrometer, used during AEI apprenticeship

Micrometer, 0-2inch, used by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

This tools provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. It is mass produced, either gifted to or purchased by apprentices. There was great significance of having good quality tools. For example, Alan explains that ‘as a young apprentice the joy of owning of a set of chrome vanadium spanners was unbelievable.’

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/10
type:
micrometer
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Drill bit, used during AEI apprenticeship

Drill bit, used during AEI apprenticeship

Large steel drill bit, used by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

This tools provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. It is mass produced, either gifted to or purchased. There was great significance of having good quality tools. For example, Alan explains that ‘as a young apprentice the joy of owning of a set of chrome vanadium spanners was unbelievable.’

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/11
type:
drill bit
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Set of chromium-vanadium spanners, used during AEI apprenticeship

Set of chromium-vanadium spanners, used during AEI apprenticeship

Set of 5 chromium-vanadium steel spanners, used by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

These tools provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. They are mass produced, either gifted to or purchased. There was great significance of having good quality tools. For example, Alan explains that ‘as a young apprentice the joy of owning of a set of chrome vanadium spanners was unbelievable.’

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/12
type:
spanner
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Three steel ring spanners, used during AEI apprenticeship

Three steel ring spanners, used during AEI apprenticeship

Three steel ring spanners, used by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

These tools provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. They are mass produced, either gifted to or purchased. There was great significance of having good quality tools. For example, Alan explains that ‘as a young apprentice the joy of owning of a set of chrome vanadium spanners was unbelievable.’

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/13
type:
spanner
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Two steel open spanners, used during AEI apprenticeship

Two steel open spanners, used during AEI apprenticeship

Two steel open spanners, used by AEI apprentice Alan Pedder, 1963-1969.

More

These tools provides a snapshot of an interesting transition point in Manchester’s technical education landscape. They are mass produced, either gifted to or purchased. There was great significance of having good quality tools. For example, Alan explains that ‘as a young apprentice the joy of owning of a set of chrome vanadium spanners was unbelievable.’

The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Engineering Company (later to become AEI) apprenticeship and technical education system was developed in the first half of the 20th century by its Director of Research and Education, Sir Arthur Percy Morris Fleming.

After 12 months in the Training School the apprentice's trade or skill was determined. They could continue in the field of tool maker, pattern maker, welder, mechanical fitter, electrical fitter, sheet metal worker, turner, instrument maker, wireman, armature winder, draughtsman or foundry worker.

Apprenticeships and attending Technical College made it possible to enter a successful engineering career. This form of education and training was not open to women.

Materials:
steel (metal)
Object Number:
2021-1694/14
type:
spanner
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum