Skills Training UK welcomed into BINDT community
02/11/2017
New apprenticeships dedicated to non-destructive testing (NDT) will help to improve standards and address a widening skills gap within the sector, BINDT’s Chief Executive has said. Cameron Sinclair has welcomed the launch of Skills Training UK’s Ofqual Level 2 NDT Operator and Ofqual Level 3 NDT Engineering Technician apprenticeship training.
The apprenticeships have been developed in partnership with employers as part of the Trailblazer group led by BINDT.
Cameron said: “There is a national problem surrounding production in the engineering and materials testing sectors. Part of the problem is that we need to make the workforce more productive and to do so they need more skills.
“We welcome Skills Training UK as part of the BINDT community and it is great to see them proactively engaging with employers to develop apprenticeships and training programmes within the sector.”
Skills Training UK is a leading independent provider of apprenticeships and traineeships, with particular expertise in STEM sectors. It has now joined BINDT as a Corporate Member.
Stephen Crawley, Skills Director at Skills Training UK, said: “We are looking forward to building new relationships with employers and delivering a real return on investment through NDT apprenticeships.
“We will be working closely with BINDT and its members to further develop education and training within the materials testing sector.” GB Inspection Systems Ltd, a West Midlands-based manufacturer and designer of ultrasonic probes and NDT accessories, has already enrolled two employees on Skills Training UK’s NDT programme.
The company was a significant participant in the apprenticeship Trailblazer group that helped set the new apprenticeship standards, led by Apprenticeships Project Manager and former BINDT President Roger Lyon.
“For many years, we have had nothing at all in terms of formal apprenticeships for NDT,” said Roger. “We saw the Trailblazer group as a good opportunity to work with employers and key influencers in the industry and to find out exactly what they need to upskill their workforce.”
Skills Training UK and GB Inspection Systems are now exploring the possibility of opening a dedicated NDT training facility in the Midlands.
Neil Smith, General Manager at GB Inspection Systems, added: “The relationship we have with Skills Training UK has gone from strength to strength. They know exactly what we are looking for and understand the aims of our business.”
Training provider and NDT expert Lavender International is subcontracted to deliver the specialist elements of the new Skills Training UK apprenticeships.
Tim Armitt, Director at Lavender International, said: “Apprenticeships are of great value to everyone, as individuals learn on the job as opposed to just learning in a classroom. This cuts training costs for employers and allows learners to benefit from practical experience.
“Lavender International is really looking forward to working with Skills Training UK and BINDT to further develop the workforce, not only of our people but also the wider NDT community.”
Skills Training UK will be at the Advanced Engineering exhibition in Birmingham, which takes place 1-2 November 2017. Stephen Crawley will be speaking on the second day of the conference at 2.40 pm and will focus, in particular, on how larger employers (with an annual payroll greater than £3 million) can best manage the apprenticeship levy payments they make in order to maximise the opportunities for workforce development. He will also explain the opportunities and incentives for smaller employers to use apprenticeships to develop their teams.
Visit stand O2 for more information from Skills Training UK and stand O4 for BINDT.
www.skillstraininguk.com
