In this article, originally published by Electrical Times magazine, The Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists (Atlas) calls for record levels of apprenticeships to meet the unprecedented growth in client demand:
The Atlas Training Group is committed to consistent investment in a robust apprenticeship programme. They want a new breed of highly trained specialist Access and Lightning Protection operatives to meet the challenges ahead.
Despite a record level of business and an unprecedented demand for Lightning Protection and Specialist Access (steeplejack) courses few people realise that there is only one centre of excellence to which apprentices can be sent.
The National Construction College at Bircham Newton offers the only courses to achieve an NVQ in this highly specialised sector. Many companies are still under the misapprehension that putting your future staff through an apprenticeship will cost an arm and a leg.
All Apprenticeship training for 16-24 year olds is government funded via the CITB, so there is no cost to the employer. Without this support, the cost to employers has been estimated at £24,000 per apprentice.
Practical classes:
The National Construction College at Bircham Newton offers two apprenticeship training courses - Lightning Conductor and Steeplejacking. Unlike traditional colleges the apprentices are offered the ability to learn through practical classes. Sixteen and seventeen year olds are out in the field learning all there is to know about these specialist industries in a practical way, rather than just sitting in a classroom all day.
The courses allow apprentices and mature students the opportunity to learn and earn their qualification through their hands on experience. There is a proper balance of theory and experience training which is geared to ensuring the work is carried out safely and to the highest standards at all times.
June Turney Chairman of the Atlas Training Group and Managing Director of Central High Rise said: "It just needs a little time and patience and it really is rewarding to see that individual at the industry awards ceremony collecting a trophy as a result of their effort and your support."
The Lightning Conductor Engineering Course is a two-year apprenticeship which has been tailored to meet the construction industry's specialist needs. Candidates spend 12 weeks a year at Bircham Newton and the remainder of the year putting into practice their new skills on site with their employer.
Three-year course:
The Specialist Access (or Steeplejack) apprenticeship is a three-year course, which is divided into five four-week blocks in the first year, a seven-week block in the second year and a three-week block in the third. The remainder of the year is spent on site with a construction company to gain on the job work experience.
All apprenticeships consist of a technical certificate, key skills training and most importantly, an NVQ. Unlike simple training courses, apprenticeships ensure that young people have all the practical skills to do the job. As training is done both at the college and with the employer you can make sure they are learning the best skills for your business.
Chris Stevenson a Bircham Newton Steeplejack instructor said: "The lads need to know what the job is about. It's not a job it's a way of life. Many lads expect to climb up and down ladders, we offer a reality check.
"The lads know that if they don't work hard towards their NVQ, their employers might cancel their apprenticeship. That's the hard line, so we all work together as a team to make sure that it doesn't happen.
"It is also very important that Employers visit the college and support their candidates. It really motivates the apprentices and it supports the message that the lads are a key and valued business investment."
The college's residential complex can accommodate up to 500 delegates, with all having access to many on-site training facilities. One such facility is a converted RAF hanger which used to house the famous Lancaster Bombers and is now a specialist access depot training the industry's finest.
Other training facilities include one 24m and one 40m steel chimney and a training tower, which dominates the National Construction College's landscape.
David Gaughran, Bircham Newton's Senior Instructor, added: "We believe putting students through their apprenticeship is the best route to training young people. The first thing any Health and Safety guy will ask for is 'where is your proof of training?'
"I am always very proud of the positive effect our apprentices have on the old boys when they leave college and join their new team. There is no messing about here. Safety comes first - always! We don't have time for time-wasters. Training is a very serious business."
The way in which these apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience with quality training and study helps to produce highly competent and motivated staff who are a credit to any organisation. In many cases, an apprentice's training can be tailored to meet a company's individual business needs.
Atlas member Bert Bird, chairman of Delta International, argued: "You cannot overstate the importance of apprenticeships in our industry. Apprentices maintain and shape Delta International and the quality reputation we aim to maintain. Business minded apprentices are a cost efficient safety net for those who aim to contend with market leaders in an increasingly competitive market."
Apprentice Craig Travis, who is 17 years old, pulls no punches: "I wasn't looking forward to coming here. I thought I would be bored out of my brains. I could not have been more wrong. I soon found myself enjoying the work.
"I like the fact that we don't have to spend all day stuck at a desk. Everything I do here is practical, just like it would be on the job."
Contact Atlas Training Group at www.atlastraininggroup.org.uk.
This article was originally published in Electrical Times magazine (May 2005) by Highbury Fulfilment Services - a Voltimum UK Media Partner.
The pictures show: (1) the training tower, which dominates the National Construction College’s landscape; (2) June Turney – “It just needs a little patience”; (3) Travis – “I soon found myself enjoying the work”.
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