Apprenticeship training launch

The exciting new initiative to help train the coatings workforce of the future, the BCF Coatings Industry Operations Apprenticeship Training Programme, was officially launched at the end of September. At the CATCH training facility associated with Hull College, members of the Coatings Industry and the world of education came together to witness the signing of a critical Agreement between Hull College and the BCF, which ensures that the training programmes designed for industry apprentices will cover the full range of topics to help them develop their careers. Tony Mash, BCF CEO, says: “This Agreement reflects the importance of the BCF’s technical knowledge to the training of the industry’s future employees, and acknowledges the hard work of past generations of BCF members in putting this training programme together.”

 

The Apprenticeship programme consists of Functional Skills (Maths and English), Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS), Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) and a Technical Certificate/Diploma for Knowledge. The programme is delivered by Hull College with the Technical Knowledge element being delivered by the BCF. The competence and knowledge qualifications are certified by the GQA Qualifications  awarding body and the Apprenticeship Framework certificate is issued by Proskills.

 

Apprenticeships now  available in the Coatings Industry are: Level 2 Intermediate “Apprenticeship in Production of Coatings” and the Level 3 Advanced “Apprenticeship in Production and Laboratory Operations in Coatings”. The Level 3 apprenticeship qualification has pathways for both Production Operations and Laboratory Operations staff. The Apprenticeship training programme in England is split into three age bands:  16-18, 19-24, 25+. This goes beyond the Government’s priority of targeting 16 to 18 year olds and demonstrates a significant commitment to improving knowledge and skills in the Coatings Industry.