Abstract
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), working with the metrology industry, has received approval from government to develop two Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standards. The apprenticeship programme is a valuable tool for recruiting new talent and to support the transfer of industry knowledge. The Trailblazer process is designed to make apprenticeship programmes more rigorous and responsive to the needs of employers. Trailblazers will allow industry to design and develop apprenticeship standards to meet the needs of their sector.
Apprentices in NPL’s hemi-anechoic chamber
NPL undertook a survey in the autumn of 2014 to assess the need for metrology apprenticeships within the industry. The results of the survey confirmed the value and importance of metrology skills to industry and provided primary evidence of metrology skills’ gaps and shortages, which are having an impact within industry, affecting productivity, quality of output and technical development.
The two standards which will be developed by the industry are as follows:
Metrology Technician (Advanced Apprenticeship);
Senior Metrology Technician (Higher Apprenticeship).
The Metrology Trailblazer employer group consists of over 30 employer (see section ‘Employer Organisations’) representatives and has been established in order to develop the standards. The group is chaired by Suzanne Wells, Operations Manager for NPL Training at NPL, and is supported by Kapow Learning Solutions. The employers involved will participate in the development and implementation of the apprenticeship. The group aims to have a new apprenticeship approved for first delivery in the 2016–2017 academic year.
Suzanne Wells said, The Trailblazer initiative will provide an opportunity for a focused Apprenticeship which fits the needs of employers and provides a wonderful career opportunity and recognition for those working in Metrology.
Matthew Scarff, Managing Director of Kapow Learning Solutions said, Through trailblazers, government is giving employers control over the design and content of Apprenticeships. Employers, led by NPL, are designing a robust framework that will not only deliver the technical scientific skills they need as an industry, but will also provide a great starting block for a rewarding career. Kapow are very excited to support this work.
I. How to Get Involved
Employers and key stakeholders will have an opportunity to contribute to this exciting development via an industry-wide consultation on the draft metrology standards, which is due to take place in the spring of 2016.
Should you wish to register your interest in the consultation or find out more about how to get involved, please contact Kelly Saliba.
II. Employer Organisations
AgustaWestland, BAE SYSTEMS Submarines, British Measurement and Testing Association, BSI Group, Coventry University, Dupont Teijin Polyester Films UK Ltd, Gauge and Tool Makers Association, Hexagon Metrology, Institute of Measurement and Control, Institute of Physics, Jaguar Land Rover, LGC Group, London Borough of Havering, Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), Manufacturing Technology Centre, Mitutoyo, National Physical Laboratory, National Measurement & Regulation Office, Reliance Precision Ltd, Renishaw, Rhopoint Metrology Ltd, Rolls-Royce Plc, Science Council, Semta, SGS Emics, Taylor Hobson Ltd, TUV SUD (NEL), United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), United Kingdom Weighing Federation (UKWF), University College London, Waters Corporation.