Tackling the skills gap

FIGURES FROM the recent Employer Skills Survey (2022) from the Department for Education show that the amount spent on training in England has dropped to its lowest ever level.

In the manufacturing sector, there was also a decrease in employers providing training, a drop of six percentage points in 2017 to 54% in 2022 and the sector was one of the establishments most likely to have skills gaps at 19%.

However, there are many employers that are bucking this trend, working with organisations like the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) to ensure their employees are suitably trained and upskilled.

Indeed, Make UK, the Manufacturers’ Organisation states in its 2030 Skills, Closing the Gap report that "The majority of those who will be working in manufacturing in 2030 are already in the workforce. As such, employers are increasingly focused on upskilling and retraining their existing employees, both to ensure that their technical skills keep pace with changing needs, and to retain that talent in the business over the longer term. This is the key priority for manufacturers over the next decade."

Why learning and development?

We’ll begin by exploring the purpose of learning and development (L&D) activities and how these fit within an organisation's people policies. 

In simple terms, L&D is about ensuring the right people are on board, with the right skills, at the right time. This is a significant challenge for all HR departments and individuals. 

However, BCAS is making positive strides, and working in a sector of professional, highly skilled specialists sets us apart, making this a key benefit of investing in one of our many training courses.

The role of BCAS

BCAS is committed to supporting users of compressed air and its members on this journey. We employ specialists in learning and development as well as technical standards. Some of the current initiatives we are working on with the industry include:

• An employer's guide for apprenticeships: This guide aims to assist organisations from the initial strategic planning phase, through recruitment, and into day-to-day management. It provides templates that organisations can adapt or adopt, all based on best practices.
• Development of new resources focused on compressor energy saving: Launched as the 10% Taskforce, the initiative aims to reduce unnecessary energy wastage from compressed air use by 10%. Eight short modules cover topics such as heat recovery, managing air leaks, and correct specification. These brief, ‘coffee break’ sessions are CPD certified.
• ISO 11011 development: This training, based on the compressed air energy standard is in its final stages, with a planned launch in the coming weeks or months.

Feedback from individuals and businesses is crucial to the effectiveness of L&D. We are updating training materials and developing new initiatives continually. BCAS remains dedicated to helping member organisations achieve the necessary skill levels in the sector, and users of compressed air to be able to upskill their workforce and have access to unbiased information.

Like all businesses, we adapt to the ever-changing external environment and communicate these changes as needed through committee meetings, discussions, and L&D events.

A comprehensive range of training courses

BCAS offers a diverse range of fully online and blended learning courses tailored to fit the convenience of trainees, whether they're learning from the office or at home. These courses are designed to be flexible, accommodating the pace and place that best suits the learner.

Discounts and affordability

Courses start at just £35.00, with additional discounts of up to 25% available for customers of BCAS members, along with free associate membership. To access these benefits, customers need only inform BCAS of their compressed air supplier when booking.

eLearning Courses

• Certificate in Working Safely with Compressed Air (WSWCA): This one-hour course highlights the safety responsibilities of employers and employees, covering the hazards associated with compressed air, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe working practices.
• Certificate in Compressed Air Treatment Technology (CATT): Focused on the origins of contaminants and methods for their removal, this course is relevant for manufacturers, distributors, and anyone requiring clean, dry compressed air systems.
• Certificate in Compressed Air System Technology (CAST): CAST provides a comprehensive overview of compressed air systems, including production, usage, relevant health and safety issues, legislation, and energy efficiency.
• Understanding Breathing Air (BS EN 12021): This one-hour course educates participants on the importance of providing clean breathing air, covering regulations, standards, and legal requirements for the safe provision of breathable air.
• Compressed Air Service Engineer Health and Safety Training: Designed for service engineers, this course integrates various aspects of health and safety related to compressed air systems, ensuring compliance with legislation and efficient equipment operation.

Blended Learning Courses

BCAS’s CPD-approved blended learning courses combine online tutorials with guided learning and assessments led by qualified tutors. This format allows for flexible study, with invigilated exams ensuring comprehension and competence.

• Certificate in Understanding the Pressure Systems’ Safety Regulations (PSSR): This workshop delves into the Pressure Systems’ Safety Regulations, offering insights into the written scheme of examination for compressed air systems.
• Certificate in Understanding ISO8573: The course provides an in-depth understanding of ISO 8573, covering all aspects of compressed air systems for various professionals, including suppliers, consultants, and users.
• Diploma in Compressed Air Management (DipCam): This comprehensive qualification covers the technical aspects of compressed air systems, designed for individuals responsible for installations who seek advanced technical knowledge.
• Certificate in Compressed Air Systems’ Testing and Examinations: This course covers the essential knowledge and skills required for conducting competent examinations of compressed air systems, as required by Regulation 9 of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations.

BCAS’s training courses are a valuable resource for anyone involved in the compressed air industry, offering a range of qualifications from basic safety to advanced technical management. For more information, visit the BCAS eLearning portal at e-learning.bcas.org.uk or  email [email protected]

For more information:

www.bcas.org.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 207 935 2464