Apprenticeship Main Provider status awarded to Lavender International
08/06/2023
Lavender International has announced that it has been awarded Main Provider status to deliver non-destructive testing (NDT) apprenticeships. This marks a significant milestone for the organisation, enabling it to directly deliver the Level 2 NDT Operator and Level 3 NDT Engineering Technician apprenticeship standards.
As a long-established provider of NDT training, examinations and consultancy services, Lavender International is in a prime position to offer the next generation of NDT technicians a new career route into the industry. For the last five years, Lavender has been an integral partner in the delivery of apprenticeship programmes, with over 120 apprentices trained by industry experts in their chosen NDT method.
With the addition of a dedicated apprenticeship delivery team and 27 certificated tutors with experience in multiple engineering sectors, the programmes offer a bespoke blend of training and support in the workplace, remote online learning options, hands-on practical tuition, coaching, mentoring, online tutorials and progress reviews. Inspirational one-day workshop events will also be held as an opportunity for networking, practical work experience and topical seminars with guest speakers.
Nicola Dodsley, Operations Director of Lavender International, said: “We have recognised the national skills gap in the NDT sector, which we would like to bridge: there is a huge demand for technicians, with very few individuals entering the industry to meet this need. Our aim is to boost the industry with highly trained professionals across the board.”
Receiving Main Provider status means that Lavender International is now able to offer the full NDT apprenticeship programme, covering every aspect in one convenient place. From initial assessment and induction to functional skills, the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the standards and a choice of NDT certification courses, as well as ensuring a smooth transition to gateway and the end-point assessment, Lavender International will be a sole point of contact. The majority of in-person training will be held at the employer’s workplace, as well as at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, where Lavender International has invested in the expansion of a new training facility exclusively for apprentices. The training resources are supported by an online system tailored to apprenticeship training.
Lavender International will be offering two programmes:
- Level 2 NDT Operator apprenticeship: this programme takes around 14 to 18 months to complete and includes one NDT method at Level 2 (PCN or EN 4179). An NDT Operator works as part of an inspection team, undertaking NDT method inspection to predefined NDT work instructions and reports the findings through quality management processes.
- Level 3 NDT Engineering Technician apprenticeship: this programme takes between 30 to 36 months to complete and includes three NDT methods at Level 2 (PCN or EN 4179), including at least one complex method. The role of the NDT Engineering Technician involves supervisory responsibility for NDT Operators.
- They will oversee, validate and audit inspections and manage projects through to completion.
Building upon previous experience from working closely with certification bodies to support the creation of the NDT apprenticeship standards, Lavender International will tailor its bespoke apprenticeship delivery plan by working with employers to meet the needs of both apprentices and employers.
Tim Armitt, Managing Director of Lavender International, said: “We are very pleased to have received Main Provider status from the UK government to deliver our first apprenticeship programmes. This provision will support employers nationwide by providing additional training and funding options, while also assisting apprentices in their future careers.”
With the first apprenticeship cohort starting this summer, Lavender International is looking to expand its relationship with new and existing customers and kickstart a new booming NDT age, whether this be through upskilling existing employees or taking on new
apprentices.
