The National Skills Academy

Composites Skills Alliance established to boost skills provision for employers in the sector

10/07/2011

Composites Skills Alliance established to boost skills provision for employers in the sector The National Skills Academy Process Industries has announced a new strategic partnership agreement with Semta, the sector skills council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, to ensure composites businesses have the training support they need. The agreement, which sees the formation of the Composites Skills Alliance, has been established to develop and maintain the industry-led occupational training delivery standards that support a growing range of composites qualifications and courses.

The Manufacturer of the Year Awards 2011

19/08/2011

Has your team achieved something special this year? Have you made significant improvements to your working practices or is someone in your team a rising star? These awards are dedicated to recognising and rewarding excellence achieved in all sectors of the industry and highlighting the diversity and strength of UK manufacturing. Shout about your success - enter today and benefit from: Extensive media exposure for your company The chance to benchmark your performance against peers and competitors Boost morale and team spirit Celebrate your team's hard work, determination and commitment Entry deadline: 31st August 2011 Visit www.themanufacturer.com/awards for more information or if you have any questions regarding your entry call Laura Williams on 01603 671323 or email l.williams@sayonemedia.com

Dr David Adams appointed as Cogent SSC Director of Science and Higher Education

29/09/2011

Dr David Adams has been appointed as Cogent Director of Science and Higher Education (HE). Dr Adams' responsibilities include leading on Science and HE, including policy, as well as project management of a number of key programmes within Cogent's strategic Life Sciences Skills Action Plan. Dr Adams has a long and established career in the biosciences, based largely in academia and with frequent interaction with industry. His most recent position was as the Director, UK Centre for Bioscience, Higher Education Academy; the Centre supported a large network of learning and teaching practitioners involved in HE bioscience throughout the UK. Prior to this he held senior academic posts with the University of Leeds. He is a prolific contributor to both academic journals and books, as well as holding memberships of a variety of national academic committees. Dr Adams said, "with the launch of Cogent's Skills Action plan for Growth in UK Life Sciences this is a particularly exciting time to join the Sector Skills Council. As Director of the UK Centre for Bioscience a major priority was promotion of key skills in the biosciences. "I now greatly welcome the opportunity to extend this work by collaborating with colleagues throughout the UK in ensuring students achieve their full potential as the well-equipped, communicative, critical and creative problem solvers sought by employers." Cogent CEO Joanna Woolf said, "I'm delighted to welcome David to Cogent, his background and experience will bring a tremendous focus to the delivery of our strategic programmes in life sciences, working closely with key stakeholders in HE, professional bodies and employers across the sector. "Our over-riding objective is to ensure that the wealth-creating life science industries are promoted as an exciting and accessible career choice and have access to the right skills, delivered through employer-shaped learning provision, which is underpinned by national industry standards and industry placement opportunities." Dr Adams has a PhD in Microbiology from theUniversity of Aberdeen. He has a particular interest in the promotion of creativity in bioscientists and recently edited the book Effective Learning in the Life Sciences: How Students Can Achieve Their Full Potential. He also helped introduce enterprise to bioscience modules at University of Leeds and elsewhere, and co-edited the book Enterprise for Life Scientists.

Demand soars for process safety leadership training

12/08/2011

Sixty top-tier COMAH companies have signalled their intention to upskill their Senior Executives and Board Members in the area of Process Safety Leadership, demonstrating their appetite for a quality assured approach to training delivery in the chemical and petrochemical industries. The National Skills Academyfor Process Industries has worked with Cogent, the sector skills council for the science-based industries and a consortium of trade bodies and senior industrialists to set the standards for theProcess Safety Leadership for Senior Executivescourse. This high level course will provide participants with a detailed understanding of the business case for effective process safety management. It will offer a clear insight into how to promote a positive safety culture throughout the organisation through the effective engagement of the workforce. The one day course is supplemented with a one to one follow up and review of actions taken and lessons learned by the participating organisations, delivered by the course leader. In the recent past, there have been several attempts by organisations to develop training in the area of process safety leadership and management. Ian Travers, from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) who sits on the Process Safety Project Board supports the objectives of the project by saying,

Composites lead hired at National Skills Academy for Process Industries

10/10/2011

The National Skills Academy for Process Industries has recently welcomed Tom Preece to head up its new composites division. Tom was instrumental in writing the bid that saw the Academy win the extension to its remit of improving skills in the process industries. Appointed in April Tom comes from previous roles in skills and training. Most recently he was at the National Skills Academy for Manufacturing where he held the posts of East Midlands Regional Manager and subsequently Head of Finance and Admin. Prior to this Tom's early career was as an accountant, having graduated in Economics. He completed his MBA in 2001 and ran his own management consultancy for a number of years. Tom will be working under the banner of the Composites Skills Alliance, a partnership between the National Skills Academy for Process Industries and Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies. His ambition is to increase the skills and competence of UK composites businesses, predominantly in aerospace, automotive, construction and wind energy. The Composites Skills Alliance will ensure that the network of providers maintains the necessary provision to meet the needs of emerging technologies and market growth. Tom comments "We are unique in that we are licensed by the Government and led by employers, to deliver a national, co-coordinated training and skills service through our network of quality assured providers within the composites arena" For composites, a sector with a turnover of around £1.5bn and recent annual growth of 15% for carbon fibre composites, the Alliance can support growth in low carbon technologies and 'light weighting' of major structures such as wind-turbine blades and aircraft wings. Employing over 40,000 people, composites is seen as an important emerging technology in the UK but one that has only a limited number of quality assured training providers. The key role of the Alliance is to raise the quality of composites training as well as improving the skills of the existing manufacturing workforce with composites-specific skills. This includes developing and implementing new apprenticeship frameworks that will deliver more advanced training.

Composites training providers working together

10/10/2011

The Composites Skills Alliance has signed up the first of its training providers to deliver accredited Composites training across the UK. The Alliance, a partnership between the National Skills Academy for Process Industries and Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies, has confirmed four Further Education establishments as the Founder Providers. Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, Yeovil College, Southampton City College and Burnley College were all identified as having proven experience of Composites delivery. The four colleges offer training across aerospace, automotive, marine and motor sport and are being assisted by the Academy to develop further courses in line with employers needs. Course development will be informed by an Employer Steering Group which includes representatives from across the key composites sectors. Tom Preece, leading the Composites Skills Alliance, was encouraged by the response of the training providers at a recent event at Pera Innovation Park: "We have seen real strength in the colleges agreeing to work together and wanting to further develop their provision in line with the guidance coming from employers. The colleges differ by target market sector, training facilities and courses available so there is great synergy in them working together." Mike Williams from Burnley College added: "The Composites Skills Alliance is joining up the training provision in the Composites arena and helping colleges such as ours to develop further courses. Accrediting the college, facilities, trainers and course content will mean that all colleges are delivering to a specific standard. This in turn assures employers that their employees are receiving approved quality training. The Alliance will also benefit colleges by marketing Composites training collectively to employers."

Launch of new Technical Apprenticeship Service for Science-based Industries

17/10/2011

The Technical Apprenticeship Service (TAS) is an easy to use recruitment service for employers, providers and apprentices. It was officially launched on 13th October, by Cogent Chairman, Tom Crotty at Cogent SSC's Annual Skills Forum hosted by Wirral West MP, Esther McVey, at the House of Commons. It is a new subsidiary of Cogent, initially funded from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Growth and Innovation Fund, but with a longer term remit to be fully self-sustaining. The newly-formed Technical Apprenticeship Service is an employer-led organisation which attracts, selects and places technical apprentices. It is aimed at companies involved in the process manufacturing industries: chemicals, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, polymers and associated industries. The service aims to increase Apprenticeship numbers in the Process Sector by addressing barriers - for example, establishing new provision in areas which have previously lacked specialist technical training. The over-riding aim is finding "real jobs for real apprentices" but TAS will support employers who might not be able to employ the apprentice at the outset. It will also encourage apprentices to progress to higher levels of learning and promote the new Higher Level Apprenticeships, particularly in Life Sciences. With University fees escalating, this offers a debt-free route to degree-level employment while gaining essential workplace skills. Jayne Edwards, newly appointed Managing Director of TAS said, "the wide support for TAS demonstrates the importance of science-based Apprenticeships to the economy; we look forward to supporting employers, particularly SMEs, in finding the right calibre of people for their business." Phil Jones, CEO of the National Skills Academy Process Industries added,"the Skills Academywill support the delivery of TAS - and we've already identified a strong appetite from employers who are seeking talented, motivated individuals, who are equipped with the specialist, high value, skills these industries need to succeed." Joanna Woolf Cogent CEO added, "our event at the House of Commons was a real celebration of the specialist apprentices across the science-using footprint. The launch of TAS will support companies to boost their skills base, increase capacity to meet future demand and is a cost-effective way to address skills gaps." More about TAS For employers TAS: Helps to create the specification for the ideal apprentice Recruits, screens, skills tests and interviews candidates Provides employers with a shortlist of the most suitable candidates Employs the apprentice on behalf of a company (if required) managing all payroll and HR functions Matches the employer with the most suitable provider to access the associated government funded training Mentors the apprentices throughout their Apprenticeship. For individuals TAS: Identifies paid positions they might like to apply for Supports them throughout the programme Helps them to use the Apprenticeship to move on to a career in their specialism, or take studies A bursary is available for individuals who complete their Apprenticeship and want to go on to access higher level studies, for example, a High Level Apprenticeship Provides the opportunity to earn a living and avoid student debts Provides exit support - at the end of the Apprenticeship it is expected that the apprentice will be offered a job with their host employer. If not, they will be supported to find another position. For providers TAS: Provides an additional service to their current employers who are unable to employ the apprentice at the start of the programme Brings employers looking for training to the provider acting as an extension of their business development team Acts as the point of liaison between the apprentice, training organisation and employer to ensure all needs are being met Works in partnership with them to promote Apprenticeships to stakeholders Makes their programmes viable Supports them to extend provision into new programme areas. Employers who are interested in the services of TAS, can call 01925 515 219 or email, tony.prior@cogent-ssc.com www.the-tas.com

The Manufacturer interview with Paul Newton

20/10/2011

The September edition of The Manufacturer looks at energy and sustainable manufacturing with Croda's Paul Newton, VP Corporate Finance. http://issuu.com/themanufacturer/docs/tm_september_2011 Pages 33 - 35.

Bayer CropScience receives a Cogent Gold Standard Certificate for its Process Operator Training Programme

07/11/2011

Bayer CropScience Ltd inNorwich, has received a prestigious Roll of Honour Certificate in recognition of its commitment to the Gold Standard, the industry skills benchmark for world class performance, from Cogent, the Sector Skills Council for the chemical industry. The Gold Standard, which was also signed up by Europe in April this year, is a national framework for continuing professional development, setting out the skills required for world class performance in key job roles in the process industries. It encompasses job role skills, knowledge and behaviours and requires participating employees to achieve high levels of understanding regarding the theory, principles and practices associated with a variety of appropriate business improvement techniques as well as the concepts of Resource Efficiency applied to energy, water and waste. As part of the process, Bayer went through the ASET (Assessment System for Employer Training) procedure, one of a suite of National Skills Academy Assessment Tools designed to allow employers to have their own in-house training benchmarked against the national Gold Standard. The result of this exercise revealed that in-house training met and exceeded Gold Standard requirements. The Bayer Training Team, led by Hilary Wright, is delighted to have achieved the Award: "We have been very focused on working towards the standard, to ensure that employees are trained in high-value skills, aligned to business need, and ultimately to increase the company's competitive advantage. Also, in providing clear progression routes and career pathways which allow individuals to reach their full potential. We are very happy to have achieved this Nationally recognised standard." Jenny Clucasfrom Cogent, who presented the Certificate, added: "I have been very impressed with Bayer's investment in the site itself and equally, having met some of the people, by their positive attitude and competence. Bayer is clearly committed to the development of their workforce in line with their company strategy and the Gold Standard Framework, and to train personnel to be highly-skilled business aware individuals." Roger Langford from the National Skills Academy Process Industries was also at the presentation and commented: "Bayer has demonstrated that companies can take up and develop a competency based programme using their own in-house resources. I couldn't have done it better myself. The Academy is structured to deliver such outcomes but Bayer CropScience is fortunate to have the resource to facilitate delivery internally." Plant tour: l-r: Colin Dann , Bayer CropScience; Jenny Clucas, Cogent; Roger Langford, National Skills Academy Process Industries and

Your help is needed to increase NEPIC membership

08/11/2011

Dear Colleague/Partner, The North East Process Industry, which includes the chemistry using industries of chemicals, fine & speciality chemicals, petrochemicals, polymers and composites, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, bioresources, biofuels and renewable energy and low carbon materials, are vital to the future of the North East economy. More than 1400 companies directly involved or in the supply chain of these important sectors in the region and generate £26bn of annual sales, employ 190,000 people and export £12bn each year. As a member of the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) we play an active role in helping to secure the future of these sectors. If you are not already a member I would recommend that you consider joining and contribute to our future success. NEPIC has a strategic role in shaping the future of our sectors and has made significant impact since its formation in 2005, just one clear indication is the 3,600 plus jobs NEPIC has helped create or safeguard which equates to generating over £1 billion of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the north east regional economy. In addition to playing an active role in shaping the future of our industry your company will see a multitude of additional benefits which far outweigh the modest membership fee. About NEPIC membership NEPIC is a not for profit organisation limited by guarantee and membership is restricted to companies and not personal membership. Fees start from as little as £200 + VAT per annum and based on a company's number ofUKemployees. Individually companies benefit from increased sales, better local supply chains which help reduce costs and inventory levels and improved productivity and resource efficiency. Companies have reported up to £2million per annum of bottom line benefit through these activities. This helps those companies remain competitive within their own organisation which hopefully leads to future investment. Whilst collectively the cluster has a stronger voice to regional, UK and EU government; and through the coordination of mutually beneficial activities ( led by industry) the competitiveness of the North East Process Industries is improved. In addition the sector has a greater international profile and has benefited from new companies establishing investing in the region. Membership Benefits Networking opportunities through our regular business & social meetings Publicising your business and the regions capabilities on a global level through the NEPIC website, NEPIC Directory, our Focal Point newsletter and a number of bespoke marketing brochures Increased profitability through Energy & Resource Efficiency & Productivity Programmes International Trade, New Business Opportunities & Supply Chain Connections Support for your Regional Investments with Technical & Funding advice Impacting on Skills, Education & Stakeholders Access to World Class Technology Opportunityto join the NEPIC Buying Group - average saving of £65,000 per member per annum Opportunityto benefit from the NEPIC Insurance scheme which guarantees members saving of at least 10% with enhanced policy coverage and market leading risk management advice How membership helps you market members businesses FocalPoint newsletter A free half page editorial feature on your company in the 'New Members' section of our bi-monthly Focal Point magazine. FocalPoint is distributed to over 17,000 industry contacts and is a great opportunity to introduce your company to the NEPIC membership and wider process industry. Free editorial opportunities for good new stories in future editions of FocalPoint, inclusion subject to NEPIC's editorial discretion. NEPIC Directory - Free ¼ page company profile, with additional advertising opportunities NEPIC website - Free webpage linked directly to your own website designed to promote your company's capabilities to the global web Members Portal - Access to the NEPIC members portal (launched April 2011) providing a central point for process related products, services, information, knowledge sharing, sector events (including a facility to advertise your own events free), networking, exclusive member to member offers and much more. NEPIC events - Discounted rates for delegates and exhibitors DOWNLOADS Membership Presentation Membership Form Or for further membership information please contact Paul Butler, Customer Services Manager on 07802 255118 or email paul.butler@nepic.co.uk. Kind regards Ian Stark NEPIC M&C Thrust Team Chair Commercial Director Dow Haltermann Custom Processing Peter Snaith NEPIC M&C Thrust Team Chair Partner DickinsonDees LLP

Employer Investment Fund to support ambitious skills programmes for science-based industries

02/12/2011

Cogent, the Skills Council for the science-based industries, has today 24 November, announced the launch of a series of UK-wide employer-led and owned skills programmes co-funded by the second round of the Employer Investment Fund (EIF), which is managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES). The £4.8m EIF investment is across three extensive programmes, which have been shaped by the employers themselves and are aimed at raising employer ambition and investment in skills. They are central to a strategy for growth, in which skills are a key lever in delivering economic expansion across the UK. Tom Crotty, Director of Ineos, and Chair of Cogent's Board said: "This is really great news for employers across the process, life sciences and nuclear industries. Their leadership has been central to securing funding for these successful bids which are centred around what employers want. "The EIF is a positive force and a key investment in skills. Through this investment Cogent will work with employers to raise ambition on skills increasing the productivity and competitiveness of these vital, strategic global industries. This approach to investment led by the UKCES ensures the best return on Government funds and clear employer ownership of the programmes so essential for success." The EIF funding is set to replace previous "core" grant funding which all Sector Skills Councils will see come to an end in March 2012. It means that Government funds are even more transparently invested in tangible deliverables linked to higher skill levels across the workforce. The fund provides the opportunity for SSCs to take action to establish the skills infrastructure, to change behaviours and to influence positively the way employers secure sustainable skills investment across the UK. The EIF funding is contestable, and all the bids submitted to the UKCES have been the subject of a thorough evaluation against some robust criteria. Central to this is the requirement for the proposals to be underpinned by employer input, as well as contribution in time and money. Funding is limited, and to ensure impact, only ambitious and high quality proposals make the grade. All the programmes must be sustainable and must leave a lasting legacy. Cogent CEO, Joanna Woolf added: "The allocation of funding under EIF will see us achieve real traction with employers in the science-using sector. The employers in turn will feel more "ownership" for these initiatives and the solutions they themselves have designed. "The projects will build further momentum from employers from the very large to the very small and will lead to higher skill levels across the Sector, as well as ensuring those skills are applied in the workplace, based on the very highest of standards." Cogent is already successfully delivering two programmes under the first phase of EIF; Life Sciences SMEs and Women and Work. The successful EIF2 programmes: Nuclear Life Cycle Skills - supporting a skilled nuclear renaissance This programme will deliver a dynamic workforce model for the UK's nuclear workforce, providing the clear granular labour market information to enable forward planning and capacity building by providers and employers alike. Knowing the skills required is a fundamental ingredient to successful delivery. The existing Nuclear Industry Training Framework will be extended to embrace the nuclear supply chain, capturing the nuclear relevant training and qualifications to be recorded on the Nuclear Skills Passport managed by the National Skills Academy Nuclear. These programmes will support the UK's Nuclear Industry ambitions both within the UK and to allow it to compete in the global civil nuclear market. Upskilling the Process Industries - Gold Standard To establish the employer-led Gold Standard competency framework as the Process Industry standard for skills and to expand into areas such as formulation, water treatment, explosives and industrial biotechnology. Through 3 strands: • Expanding Gold Standards coverage into new sectors • Developing products for new sectors • Developing products for existing sectors The National Skills Academy Process Industries, Cogent's delivery arm, helps employers assess workforce capability against the Gold Standard, to identify skills gaps and opportunities for performance improvement. Mobilising Life Sciences Skills for Growth - A Skills Gateway Through this strand Cogent and partners will sustain the skills community and infrastructure to support home-grown talent to be the best it can be. The strand is also aimed at increasing the UK value proposition internationally by growing a skilled life sciences workforce. Cogent will undertake more detailed research to better understand the needs of this growing and developing sector and produce a BioHorizons series of labour market reports, as well as working with employers to develop employer-led skills solutions to drive the life sciences economy forwards. Central to this strand is a Window on the World for life sciences which will be delivered through an interactive web portal.

New Composites Awareness and Introduction courses

06/12/2011

The Composites Skills Alliance has launched a series of Awareness and Introduction courses for people working in or with the composites industry. The Alliance, a partnership between the National Skills Academy Process Industries and Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies, recently exhibited at the Composites Engineering Show in Birmingham where it launched the courses. An employer group, with representation from aerospace, automotive, renewable energies and the composites supply chain, advised the Alliance on the courses required by industry and the design of the courses reflect their demands. They have been designed in a modular format to offer flexibility in how and where they are studied as well as to adapt to different career progression routes. The courses are tailored for people across the organisations from business leaders to support teams. They have been independently verified and accredited and include the following modules: Composites - Issues & Opportunities Composites - Individual Awareness Composites - Business & Organisation Introduction to Composites Manufacturing Processes Introduction to Composites Materials & Properties Practical Introduction to 3 Common Composites Manufacturing Processes Interest in the courses at the exhibition was high. Tom Preece, Composites Business Manager for the Academy said, 'The response we had illustrates the importance of these awareness courses. We work with a number of training providers who deliver specialist and technical courses but there is a real appetite among employers in the industry for employees to undertake general awareness courses.' The courses will be rolling out in January and will be delivered in house or at convenient locations across the country. To register your interest you can email info@composites-skills-alliance.com

Vince Cable opens up opportunities for UK composites companies

06/12/2011

An innovative car, flight refuelling kit and turbine blades showcased the latest in composite technology to the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. Dr Cable formally opened the National Composites Centre (NCC) in Bristol on Thursday 24 November. Dr Cable was joined by more than 200 guests to see first-hand the fantastic capabilities of the centre. He was shown state-of-the-art machinery, including a world-leading £2.5m robotic, automatic fibre placement. Dr Cable also met some of the highly skilled engineers that will assist UK manufacturers to develop and commercialise new technologies and products. The event was accompanied by an exhibition of the NCC's members showing what composite technology can do across a wide range of industries. The Composites Skills Alliance exhibited at this opening event and highlighted the importance of increasing the skills of the composites workforce in order to compete on the global stage. The Alliance has recently formed the National Composites Hub with partners the National Composites Centre and Composites UK. Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "This centre will work with our world class universities and international businesses based in the South West and across the UK, to develop and commercialise new technologies. Its work will strengthen our manufacturing sector, exploiting the next generation of advanced composite materials and helping maintain our global lead in this technology area. I look forward to seeing what they produce." The NCC is a £25m investment and has powerful support from industry. The private sector was involved from its inception. Tier 1 members - AgustaWestland, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN, Umeco and Vestas - have committed almost £5½m of work over three years, and that's not to underestimate the importance of small and medium sized enterprises. Jim Godman, Chair of the NCC's Steering Board, added: "The NCC is a fantastic national asset and is a catalyst for real change in the industry. It has something for all businesses involved in composites manufacture, across all sectors. We already have commitments from large and medium sized enterprises involved in renewable energy, aerospace, automotive, defence, marine and rail, and expect this list to grow. "We are now focussed on working closely with our partners to ensure the UK remains competitive in the expanding global market place and therefore that the UK Composites manufacturing industry can contribute significantly to the country's economy."

Welcome to our December eBulletin

09/12/2011

2012 is set to be a very exciting year. Following the success of its Process Safety Leadership training which began in the autumn, the Skills Academy will celebrate the launch of its second Process Safety Management (PSM) course at the beginning of the year and it will also be holding a Process Safety Management Conference on the 15 March 2012: Raising the bar on Process Safety. The theme of the conference will be the launch of the National Strategy for Process Safety Management. The conference will also present recent PSM case studies with research updates and networking opportunities. Judith Hackitt, HSE Chair, will make the keynote speech alongside other prominent speakers from the Process Industry sector. The one day conference will provide a topical afternoon session, ensuring delegates are provided with plenty of time for discussion, debate and learning. The power and the success of the national PSM strategy depends on your input, and so I would encourage you to make a note of the date and come along and contribute. Process Safety should permeate through the culture of a Top Tier COMAH company from its business leaders to operator technicians. Senior Executives must "get it", understand the major risks and manage the company accordingly. At the sharp end, Operator Technicians must have the training and levels of competence to deal with the processes confidently and safely. I look forward to seeing you at the PSM Conference in March. Allan Laing Chief Executive Pentagon Chemicals and Chair of NSAPI and the Process Safety Management Board

Increased engagement with refinery companies leads to key product developments

09/12/2011

During 2011 the Academy increased its engagement activities with the refinery companies, leading to the development of some very positive outcomes for the Sector. Mid-way through the year the Cogent launched Guidelines for Competency Management for Downstream and Petroleum sites. These new guidelines were the subject of extensive consultation and designed with input from industry experts, including members of the Cogent Downstream Advisory Council. In the downstream sector, a good quality, highly effective competency management system is absolutely critical to ensuring a strong safety performance. The need for organisation-wide processes for both developing and monitoring the competence of staff is paramount within both the Sector and its supply chain. The guidelines are applicable to all sizes of organisation, from non COMAH smaller sites, through to large top-tier COMAH sites. Work also continued throughout 2011 to develop the Petroleum Safety Card. The ambition for the project is to ensure that all personnel working in the downstream sector can provide evidence of their safety related competencies, demonstrating a detailed awareness of the risks and hazards associated with working on a top-tier COMAH site. The Petroleum Safety Card (or COMAH card) will lead to heightened safety performance, whilst also improving the transferability of skills within the Sector. As 2011 draws to a close, the key challenge for the Academy in 2012 will be expanding its service delivery to other parts of the Sector, to continue to provide employers with the skills and knowhow to assure operational safety through improved collaboration and upskilling programmes.

Providers have their say

09/12/2011

Wednesday 30 November saw the Academy host its third provider event at the home of FESTO in Northampton. The annual event brought together Academy Accredited Training Providers from around the UK to network and receive updates from the Academy Team and Board Members. This year's theme ofmaximsing business performanceproved to be very popular with those attending. Neil Smith, Academy Network Development Director said,"The day is a great opportunity for providers to get together to discuss the year ahead and to hear first-hand from the Academy about new opportunities in 2012." Neil continues,"It's always a productive session and another chance for us to let providers have their say. Over the years we have been able to shape our service offering to suit providers and so we place a high value on the two way communication." In 2012 the Academy will be introducing more regular regional meetings. If you would like to get involved contact Heather Smithson, Provider Account Manager. Presentations from the 2011 Annual Provider Event can be found on the Presentation tab.

Four more apprentices recruited through the Tees Valley Apprenticeship Programme

09/12/2011

C&A Pumps offers a large range of pumps from small cellar drainers to large flood defence pumps. As well as a comprehensive selection of pumps and accessories, they also supply packaged sewage pumping stations and treatment plants, and a range of rainwater harvesting equipment. In its 27 year history the company has steadily expanded from pump sales and repair in a small unit inDurham, to a wide range of mechanical and electrical services together with pump sales and repair, metal fabrication and health & safety consultancy and training. C&A Pumps is a long time supporter of apprentices and has picked up various accolades a long the way for the support they have shown to young people in the region. The company was also recognised by the MoD at a special ceremony to reward their commitment to recruiting and training ex forces personnel. C&A Pumps employs four apprentices through the Tees Valley Apprenticeship Programme (TVAP) as well as an additional four apprentices taken on in 2011. The initial TVAP fund was to be used by the company to expand on apprentice recruitment policy. With the additional four apprentices employed through TVAP, the company soon noticed that it was beginning to put a strain on the management and production teams. The solution would be to train a recently qualified adult apprentice to become the company's on site mentor. This would then mean that their chargeable productivity rate would need to be reduced by approximately 60% in this new role as a mentor. With the second round of TVAP funding secured, the company was able to put their newly appointed mentor through a mentoring training programme and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Train the Trainer course. Additional monies secured the purchase of specialist tools and additional AutoCAD licenses. The company has also gone on to set aside a training day each month to allow apprentices to complete assignments and portfolio work with the support of the mentor and wider management team. Alan Roberts, Managing Director of the Durham base company said,'without the second round of funding from TVAP we would have struggled to maintain the same level of direct support we have shown to apprentices in the past. The fact that we now have a dedicated team member to mentor apprentices has put us in a really advantageous position.' Recognised commitment to training C&A Pumps Ltd has also received the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (North East), Training Company of the Year 2011 Award. Photo: A proud moment for C&A Pump as they receive their SaBRE certificate from the Government. (Alan Roberts pictured)

Save the date: Raising the bar on Process Safety Management

09/12/2011

National Strategy Launch On the 15 March 2012 the National Skills Academy for Process Industries will be launching its national strategy for skills in process safety management. The new national strategy provides a framework to address the skills challenges associated with managing major hazard risk and improving safety culture, it will detail: Strong leadership Competence at all levels Workforce involvement More information will follow. In the meantime if you would like to pre-register your interest contact the Skills Academy on 0845 607 0140.

Rising to the challenge of upskilling the Biotechnology sector

09/12/2011

Biotechnology, a sector with a turnover in the UK of over £5bn and a workforce of around 38,000 is expected to grow through increased adoption by many sectors in the economy including pharmaceutical production, fuel production, novel plastics and chemicals. Biotechnology will become increasingly important as it helps the UK meet societal challenges of an aging population, improving sustainability and decarbonising our industry and transport sectors.

Academy Training Providers The University of Lancaster and TOPRA, a regulatory affairs organisation are the two most recent training providers in biotechnology going through the Academy accreditation process. These 'founder providers' will benefit from having Academy accredited courses, and trainers and will have access to funding to develop further courses in areas identified by industry. They will also have the support of the Academy in finding new learners and marketing their facilities and courses.