Future-proofing the compressed air industry

AS THE first female chair of BCAS’ Training and Development Committee, Meltem Soydan Middleton Duff, highlights the importance of attracting young apprentices and graduates to the compressed air and vacuum sector while working to achieve gender parity. 

"The compressed air and vacuum industry is a very diverse sector. Our products and services play a role in almost every industrial application. Given this, for young people, I’d like to spotlight how our sector can offer a rewarding and fulfilling career," she explains. "This has been something I’ve strived to instil in my four young daughters, demonstrating that with the right training and support, there are a range of opportunities for progression, while there is always something new to learn each day. 

"As the first female chair of a BCAS committee, I particularly want to see more female apprentices and graduates considering a career in our sector. I’m optimistic that through the work of the committee we can continue to showcase the many opportunities available," Middleton Duff adds. 

As a provider of training and development for engineers, technical professionals and users of compressed air, BCAS provides a full range of specialist courses that are tailored to the needs of industry professionals, combining safe working practices, with specific guidance on all aspects of compressed air performance.

Flexible training via eLearning

"Our specialist eLearning platform (elearning.bcas.org.uk/) offers practical training for compressed air and vacuum users, together with a range of health and safety tutorials," continues Middleton Duff. "In addition, we provide CPD-approved, blended learning courses, combining online tutorials and training with guided learning and assessment by a BCAS qualified tutor.

"These courses are proving very popular, we’ve had positive feedback from a number of delegates on how the courses allow them to fit their training around their work commitments."

The Training and Development Committee has also been one of the driving forces behind the launch of the industry’s first, dedicated apprenticeship.

"Bringing this new apprenticeship to market was a real collaborative effort. Working with our members and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Education (IfATE), the Committee has been instrumental in the development of the new Compressed Air and Vacuum Technician (CAVT) apprenticeship," says Middleton Duff.

"It reflects the vital importance of developing the specific engineering skills required to work in the compressed air and vacuum industry while helping to release funding to develop the engineers of the future. 

"Last August, we were pleased to announce that EAL, part of the Enginuity group, has been selected as the end point assessor organisation (EPAO) – and in February, we were delighted to see the first candidate enrol." 

Owen Webb, from Alton Compressor Services Ltd in Fareham is the first young engineer in the UK to benefit from the scheme. His training will be delivered by Semester Learning and Development, also the first provider in the UK to run the apprenticeship. 

Looking forward, the Training and Development Committee plans to improve and expand the range of training courses it provides, aiming to address the new legislation and standards which will come into effect post Brexit.

"Our Diploma in Compressed Air (DipCAM) blended learning course continues to be popular, and we’re hoping to broaden our offer to make it even more accessible," says Middleton Duff. 

"Above all, we want to support our members, their engineers and end-users, helping equip them with the practical skills required to make sure their compressed air installation is fit for the future – improving safety, energy efficiency and compliance," she concludes. 

Meltem Soydan Middleton Duff is a director at BCAS and chair of its Training and Development Committee

For more information: 

www.bcas.org.uk

Tel: 020 7935 2464