Corrosion Engineering and Low-Carbon Energy Technology with the CED

Corrosion Engineering and Low-Carbon Energy Technology with the CED

Blogs, Coating and Inspection Training

Working Day and Symposium: Managing Corrosion in Low-Carbon Energy Technologies

On April 28th, 2021, you’re invited to the latest in a series of working days hosted by the Institute of Corrosion’s Corrosion Engineering Division.

Because of coronavirus restrictions, you can participate from anywhere in the world. All you need to do is register and join us on Zoom. This symposium is also a designated meeting of the European Federation of Corrosion, so it is one that corrosion engineers and specialists won’t want to miss.

Why corrosion engineering and low carbon technology?

Over recent years, low carbon technologies have become a strategic priority. The whole of society, from governments to the man on the street, has become focused on green issues. Technology is playing its part, across most industries, as we seek to develop greater sustainability through green, carbon-neutral technologies and innovations.

However, many of the technologies and equipment are deployed in severe corrosive environments – such as off-shore and near-shore wind turbines and pipelines – as well as providing new corrosion challenges (as in the case of biofuels).

This working day and symposium will give all delegates the opportunity to learn and exchange information across many aspects of managing corrosion in low-carbon energy technologies.

A Great Opportunity to Network

Although this working day is being held online, once more it gives you the opportunity to do some serious networking with corrosion specialists from many different industry sectors. Of course, you will also learn about some of the latest developments in managing corrosion in low-carbon energy technologies, including:

  • Wind power
  • Biofuels
  • Nuclear power
  • Hydrogen power
  • Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

After the talks, we will break into the individual CED working groups, or join a general discussion group on corrosion in low carbon energy technologies. The agendas for these will be published here when possible.

The CED Working Day programme

We’ll convene online at 9:15 am. Our Chair, Nick Smart, will present a welcome address at 9:30am, and the technical talks will begin at 9:45am.

During the day, there will be five talks, each lasting 30 minutes, including discussion. Lunch break between 12:40am and 1:30pm will be preceded by presentation of the 2021 Paul McIntyre Award and a short talk by the recipient.

There will be one final talk after lunch, before we break for the CED Working Group meetings.

A closing discussion rounds the day off at 4:45pm.

(All times are BST)

About the talks

As ever, we have gathered some of the leading names in their respective fields to present to you. The five talks, in order of presentation, are:

·       Pipeline Materials in a Hydrogen Environment, presented by Nancy Thompson (SGN) and Dr Julia Race (University of Strathclyde)

Nancy Thomson is experienced in high pressure oil and gas pipelines, onshore and offshore around the world. With an MSc, Nancy’s most recent work includes innovation projects on the Local Transmission Network (LTS) and investigating the repurposing of the LTS for hydrogen and CO2.

Dr Julia Race has a wide range of research expertise in metallurgy, failure analysis, welding and corrosion in the power, petrochemicals, and energy sectors. She worked in industry for more than 20 years, and for seven years as an integrity consultant for GE Oil and Gas. Now in an academic career, she joined Strathclyde University in 2014, where she continues to research CCS and hydrogen transport.

·       Cathodic Protection of Offshore Wind Design Using Upcoming ISO 24656, presented by Birit Buhr Jensen (Ørsted)

Birit Buhr Jensen is a senior lead specialist at Ørsted, specialising in cathodic protection and corrosion protection of steel structures, and corrosion evaluation and monitoring, assessment, repair, and sustainability of reinforced concrete structures.

·       Corrosion Challenges for Reliable Biorefineries, presented by Francois Ropital (IFPEN)

Francois Ropital is qualified as a Materials Engineer, Doctor of Chemical Engineering, and HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) in Applied Chemistry and Industrial Process Engineering. He has been Editor-in-Chief of the journal ‘Oil and Gas Science and Technology – Revue d’IFP Energies Nouvelles’, is co-director of the ‘Study of reaction mechanisms on an adapted scale’ of IFPEN fundamental research, and is the associate university Professor (PAST) at INSA-Lyon, MATEIS Laboratory and Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He is also Chairman of the Working Party “Corrosion in refinery and petrochemistry” of the European Federation of Corrosion. Francois has authored two books, several book chapters, more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, and 20 patents.

·       Advanced Testing methods for PWR Environments that Could Support Other Zero Carbon Technologies, presented by Stuart Medway (Jacobs)

Dr. Stuart Medway works for Jacobs, where he is the technical lead for high temperature corrosion within the Material Science and Structural Integrity (MSSI) business. Stuart has been performing and developing laboratory research programmes to understand material performance in representative environments for over 14 years. Many of these have been focussed on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of materials in the primary cooling circuit of pressurised water reactors, where he is a recognised expert in this field. Stuart has been part of the EPRI expert panel for SCC of nickel-based alloys for a number of years and is the current technical chair for the Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems conference.

·       Methodology for Corrosion and Environmental Assisted Cracking Risk Assessment for Industrial Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), presented by Ivan Gutierrez (Pace Flow Assurance), Brad Healey (Oil and Gas Corrosion Ltd), and Matt Healey (Pace Flow Assurance)

Ivan Gutierrez is a national expert member of several national and international corrosion committees and task forces, and helps oil and gas operating companies to manage the risk of corrosion, delivering technical support throughout the life cycle of assets, from concept and Front End Engineering Design (FEED), through Engineering, Procurement, Installation and Commissioning (EPIC) operations, integrity management and evaluating options for asset life extension.

Brad Healey is a process engineer at Oil and Gas Corrosion Ltd. He works on global projects, manages a team of engineers, and has presented at the NACE conference. He has completed an industry-backed dissertation project regarding offshore H2S disposal methods and is now an industrial supervisor for an MEng project investigating the long-term environmental impact of scrubber discharges related to offshore H2S management.

Matt Healey is director at Pace Flow Assurance, with around 20 years of experience in CCUS, oil & gas, and large infrastructure projects.

How do you register for the working day?

You can register for this exciting Working Day and Symposium by downloading the event information and registration form and following the registration instructions. We look forward to seeing you there, from the comfort of your own home or workspace.

For details about membership of the Institute of Corrosion, visit our membership page.

Coating Survey Training – World-Class Course Is a World First

Coating Survey Training – World-Class Course Is a World First

Blogs, Coating and Inspection Training

The What and How of the Ground-Breaking Coating Survey Course

Up to now, there has been no coatung survey training available anywhere in the world specific to improving the provision and competency of coating condition surveys. Here at the Institute of Corrosion, we’re happy to say this has changed, with the arrival of a world first – the Coating Survey Course endorsed by ICorr and accredited by Lloyd’s Register and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Such an important addition to any industry – especially an addition that promises to revolutionise standards and improve health, safety, and cost-effectiveness across multiple industries and their infrastructure – deserves a proper introduction.

Why Is Coating Survey Training Needed?

A coating survey is crucial in the maintenance cycle of structures that benefit from coating systems. When it is properly planned and conducted, a coating condition survey helps to maximise the protection offered by coating systems. This is integral to ensure that safety hazards and operational interruptions are avoided.

Because of the critical nature of a coating survey, it should be conducted only by those who can assess circumstances competently. They will need to draw sound conclusions about the condition of the existing coating and how best to manage coating systems going forward.

Corrodere’s Coating Survey Course satisfies the need to ensure that those conducting coating surveys are suitably qualified and have the knowledge and expertise to carry out costing surveys from basic walk-throughs to the most comprehensive coating condition surveys.

Written by experts with impeccable credentials

The first thing to note about this course is that it is authored by experts in the industry: Brendan Fitzsimmons and Trevor Parry.

Brendan is a Fellow of the Institute of Corrosion, a Chartered Scientist, and has a Master’s degree in Materials Engineering. He is also a NACE Corrosion Specialist, Coating Inspector, Protective Coatings Specialist, and Peer Reviewer.

Trevor is a Professional Member of the Institute of Corrosion, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a member of NACE, and an expert on ISO committees.

Between them, Brendan and Trevor have authored many publications and papers within their fields, perhaps most notably Brendan’s authorship of Fitz’s Atlas and Fitz’s Atlas 2.

Development of the Coating Survey Course has also benefitted from the input of major paint manufacturers.

Who should attend this course?

Developed in response to industry needs, if your responsibilities and duties include inspecting or surveying coating systems you will benefit from this formal training and qualification. You’ll benefit from completing this course if you currently perform any of the following roles:

  • Coating Surveyors
  • Coating Inspectors
  • Coating Engineers
  • Material Engineers
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Insurance Personnel
  • Plant Managers
  • Asset Integrity Personnel
  • Corrosion Engineers
  • Asset Owners
  • Marine Engineers
  • Ship Surveyors

How is the course structured?

The Coatings Course is delivered online by way of 24 hours of training divided into easy-to-manage units. These modules walk you through all the knowledge areas needed, covering:

  • Coating Surveys
  • Estimation of Percentages
  • European Scale of Degree of Rusting of Anticorrosive Paints
  • Common Defects
  • Marine Fouling
  • Dry Film Thickness Surveys
  • Passive Fire Protection
  • Adhesion Testing
  • Holiday Detection
  • Sampling Techniques
  • Standard Test Methods, Field Tests and Laboratory Analysis
  • Photography, Documentation and Reporting
  • Paint Testing, Paint Constituents and Paint Chemistry

The online delivery of course materials and training make it easy to complete the course in your own time and a learning pattern that suits you. The course materials will be available to complete over a 12-month period after registration.

The culmination of the training is an online assessment and final exam. The exam is a multiple-choice-style exam with a pass mark of 70%.

Those who successfully complete the course receive the Certificate of Achievement in Coating Surveys accredited by Lloyds’ Register and the Royal Society of Chemistry, endorsed by the Institute of Corrosion.

Do you qualify for this course?

There are two levels of certification available, and which you can achieve depends on your route onto the course.

Level 1:

You don’t need any formal qualifications within the coatings industry to register for Level 1 of the Coating Survey Training Course. You won’t be required to sit the final examination, but will need to successfully complete the online assessments during the course.

Upon successful completion you will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Level 2:

Those who complete Level 2, including passing the exam and online assessment, will be rewarded with full certification and a wallet card valid for four years. To register for this level of qualification you will need to meet one of the following entry criteria:

  • Qualified Coatings Inspector (ICorr Level 2, NACE Level 2, SSPC Level 2, FROSIO Level 2)
  • Paint Chemist with field experience
  • Coating Engineer with field experience

If you are a coating surveyor without formal qualification in coating inspection, you can still take the Level 2 qualification providing you can demonstrate a minimum of five years’ experience as a coating surveyor and provide two employer references.

Why you should take this course

This course, and the qualification it offers, will demonstrate your proficiency in coating surveys. It provides evidence that you conduct and report in-depth coating surveys and that your expertise will:

  • Help asset owners accurately plan future works
  • Help asset owners accurately target and plan funding for future works
  • Assist with paint guarantees, warranties, and disputes

Many industries require the experience and expertise of qualified coating surveyors. These industries include:

  • Road
  • Rail
  • Marine and Offshore
  • Nuclear
  • Petrochemical
  • Oil and Gas
  • Construction

At a time when all industries are becoming more highly regulated, with a growing need for asset owners to reduce costs and improve their health and safety, the knowledge that this course provides – including across standards NORSOK 501, ISO 12944, and ISO 4628 – is likely to become invaluable to all those who perform coating surveys and the companies that require them.

This training is currently not available anywhere else in the world. To find out more, you should contact Corrodere. Alternatively, email the admin team at the Institute of Corrosion who will be happy to help.

Coating Survey Training – World-Class Course Is a World First

How Is a Coating Condition Survey Conducted?

Blogs, Coating and Inspection Training

The eight-step coating survey methodology

Is a full coating condition survey necessary before applying a coating system? Isn’t understanding the environmental issues and operating in line with ISO 12944 enough?

In a short answer to these questions, imagine that your car is making strange noises from under the bonnet. You take it to two mechanics.

The first opens the bonnet, looks inside, taps the engine in a couple of places with a hammer, and then diagnoses the problem.

The second mechanic opens the bonnet, connects an electronic diagnostic machine, and invites you to have a tea while you’re waiting. Having received a computer printout, the mechanic then raises the car so he can look underneath. He makes a couple of phone calls, before presenting you with a detailed appraisal of the issue you have.

The question is this: which mechanic do you believe will provide the best, safest, longest-lasting, and most cost-effective solution? The one who carried out the most extensive and structured assessment, right?

In this article, we examine how an effective coating survey should be conducted to provide the knowledge needed to ensure the correct coating system is applied most cost-effectively.

When is a coating survey used?

A coating condition survey (or ‘coating survey’) should be used as a proactive measure in the protection of any previously coated structure. For example, this may include surveying coatings in the offshore environment or on bridges that are at risk of corrosion. Such proactive surveying will help to reduce maintenance costs, increase the integrity of infrastructure, and improve safety. A win/win/win.

Steps for successful surveying of coatings

To be effective, a coating survey must be designed, carried out in line with planning, recorded and reported. It’s essential to conduct coating surveys using a methodical and structured approach. This ensures that each survey benefits from the same rigorous standards. The following eight steps form the core of a coating condition survey.

1.     Planning the coating survey – what is needed?

It’s important to define the parameters of the survey before it is started. The information that is needed may depend upon factors such as:

  • Age of the asset
  • Time since the last coating survey
  • The value of the asset
  • When routine maintenance is due
  • If a new coating system will add value to the asset
  • Health and safety issues

2.     Planning the coating survey – what is the expected output of the survey?

The detail required of the survey should also be assessed. It is possible to produce a survey in too much detail. For example, consider an example of surveying the condition of a front door. Should you survey it as a single item, or assess each element separately? If the latter, then a survey will include each hinge, the letter box, the door knocker, each pane of glass, the inside and outside handles, the inserts, the frame, and the lock mechanism. One item becomes a survey of a dozen or more items.

If a survey is too detailed, it risks information overload and crucial details could be overlooked upon review. If not detailed enough, the survey may miss crucial details altogether.

3.     Planning the coating survey – how do you grade conditions?

The survey should carry out its assessment with a recognised and consistent grading system that establishes the severity of degradation of each component under the survey. The standards to which the assessment of coating/corrosion degrading must conform to are ISO 4624 parts 2-7 and the European Scale of Rusting for Anticorrosive Paint (commonly referred to as the Re Scale).

4.     Conducting the coating survey – note physical details

The survey should consider all the corrosive environmental issues that may affect the coating’s current condition. The location of the structure and the environmental factors associated with the location will affect how a coating performs. Factors include climate, moisture, and UV exposure.

5.     Conducting the coating survey – the original application

To better understand how the original coating has been affected by physical details, the survey should include key information about the original coating such as the date of application, the coating manufacturer, the applicator, and so on.

6.     Conducting the coating survey – note extraordinary events and occurrences

Over time, a structure’s coating may be affected by many events. These may include severe weather conditions, accidents, fire, maintenance, repairs, and refurbishment. The more detail that can be compiled within this section of the survey, the more informed the survey’s results will be.

7.     Conducting the coating survey – assessing the coating

The survey should move onto assessing the existing coating, considering adherence to the structure, dry film thickness, the percentage of failure across the system and its component parts, and the presence of aspects such as mill scale, chalking, pitting, etc.

8.     Recording and reporting – planning the next steps

The survey should record all details required of it, as set out in the planning steps. The survey should make recommendations as to:

  • Whether immediate maintenance is required
  • What maintenance should be planned for the next one to three years
  • The locations that are difficult to reach and which may require extra measures
  • Whether coating of an area may lead to the need for adjacent areas to be recoated

Answering these points will form the basis of a full coating maintenance programme that is designed to ensure asset integrity during the expected lifetime of the asset.

In Summary

A coating condition survey should form part of the routine maintenance checks for all structures on which protective coatings are used to combat corrosion. The survey should assess all components of the structure that have been identified as required to be surveyed, and assessment should be conducted in a manner that ensures consistency and completeness.

By following a consistent survey methodology, the survey should establish the current state of the existing coating, and the reasons for any degradation.

By monitoring the performance of a structure’s coating, an asset owner can understand the action needed to reduce the effects and consequences of corrosion. To ensure this, it is imperative that surveys are carried out by those with the training, experience, and qualifications to do so.

In our next article, we examine a world first that will define the coating survey professional and how industry carries out coating condition surveys in the future. In the meantime, to find out more about the Coating Survey Course, email the Institute of Corrosion or contact Corrodere.

Coating Survey Training – World-Class Course Is a World First

What Is a Coating Survey and Why Is it Crucial?

Blogs, Coating and Inspection Training

Assessing Structures to Improve Asset Integrity

In a world first, Corrodere has introduced a Coating Survey Course endorsed by ICorr and accredited by Lloyd’s Register and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Written by industry experts and presented and examined online, this course will set the standard for those who conduct coating surveys as part of their responsibilities.

In this article, we answer two key questions about coating surveys – what are they, and why are they needed?

Why is a coating survey needed?

To apply an effective coatings solution that will protect a steel structure against corrosion, coatings applicators must understand two things:

  1. The environmental factors that affect the structure
  2. The condition of the existing coating on the structure to be protected

ISO 12944 is the internationally recognised standard that covers coatings for steel structures in atmospheric, immersed, and buried environments. However, without conducting a survey of the existing condition of the structure, any coating system that is applied risks falling short of its primary objective – to maximise the protection offered by the coating system, thus ensuring that safety hazards and operational interruptions are avoided.

The only way that it is possible to gain a proper understanding of the existing structure’s coating is by examining. Thus, the need for a coating condition survey.

A coating survey is essential not only prior to a new coating being applied. It may also be conducted as preparation for regular maintenance and inspections for structural or coatings failures.

What answers does a coating survey provide?

A coating survey is the foundation of a successful application of a protective coating system. It provides crucial information that will help determine what preparatory work is needed, the maintenance required, and which coating system should be used.

The survey should provide information that covers the following elements:

  • The base material to which the coatings will be applied
  • Existing coating system used and its condition
  • If the existing coating material is hazardous
  • Repair and remedial work required prior to application of the new coating system

The survey should help to address questions that include:

  • Are there any special maintenance requirements needed, such as specialised removal of hazardous materials?
  • What has caused existing degradation and deterioration of the structure (for example, damage, age, environment)?
  • Is there any other maintenance and repair work required before protective coatings can be applied?
  • What will be the most cost-effective coating application that can be applied to achieve the objectives?

The benefits of coating surveys

Unfortunately, in many cases companies rely on surveys that are based upon a walk-through and visual assessment of a structure. Such inspections trust the instinct and experience of those conducting the survey, instead of standardised testing, sampling, and analysis.

Applying protective coating systems is a major maintenance function. An effective survey will help to ensure that this maintenance achieves what it should – to safeguard the structure and protect employees and others from the disastrous consequences of poor corrosion protection in infrastructure and transport.

In short, effective coating surveys save lives, ensure the integrity of a structure, and reduce costs as well as potential loss and reputational damage caused by avoidable accidents because of corrosion.

To learn more about this groundbreaking coating survey course and the benefits it offers to companies, contractors, and employees, you should contact Corrodere. Alternatively, email the admin team at the Institute of Corrosion who will be happy to help.

In our next article, we describe an eight-step coating survey methodology that will ensure a survey delivers its expected outcomes.

Passive Fire Protection (PFP) Epoxy Coating Inspector Level 3 – Classroom

Passive Fire Protection (PFP) Epoxy Coating Inspector Level 3 – Classroom

Coating and Inspection Training, Fire Proofing Inspector

Passive Fire Protection (PFP) Coating Inspector (Epoxy) Level 3

Why attend this course?

The changing market dynamics and a number of PFP failures on major new construction projects will dictate the need for a more rigorous fire protection coatings Inspector course in order to further improve competency in this safety critical area of our market. The Institute of Corrosion and PFPNet have collaborated to develop the first detailed training programme for inspectors and technicians, written and produced by experts in this field who have extensive, practical ‘real world’ experience.

The purpose of this course

Special note

It has been agreed by ICorr to add an experience assessment to all ICorr certifications for personnel engaged in painting and coating inspection. If certification is required, candidates must as a minimum have held ICorr Painting Inspector Level 1 or Coating Inspector Level 1 for a period of two years. It is possible to transition across from other certification schemes here. If a suitable qualification is not held, then dispensation to gain certification may be given if an individual has 5 years’ experience relating to painting or coating inspection.

Why attend this course?

Changing market dynamics and a number of PFP failures on major new construction projects have led the Institute of Corrosion and PFPNet to collaborate and develop the first advanced training programme for Inspectors of Epoxy Intumescent Passive Fire Protection.

This course has been written and produced by experts in the field who have extensive, practical ‘real world’ experience.
This is an advanced course for experienced Inspectors that will enable them to further improve their competency in this safety critical area of the market.

Course Content
  • Role and duties of the PFP Inspector (part one)
  • Introduction to PFP (what is it for)
  • PFP types (introduction)
  • PFP types (detailed overview)
  • PFP of structures, divisions, process and storage vessels
  • Classification Society type approval, other types of approval (e.g. UL)
  • Qualification of PFP systems (the importance of supporting documentation)
  • How PFP materials and systems are developed, tested and approved
  • Epoxy PFP degradation mechanisms (pre-fire durability, survivability in a fire)
  • Examples of application defects
  • How fire performance can be affected by defective application
  • The specification; relevance, errors or omissions, epoxy PFP manufacturer manual, epoxy PFP extent and thickness/details,
  • Class Approvals
  • Pre-job meeting, ITP, quality control at all stages of application
  • The critical importance of good surface preparation
  • Epoxy PFP application equipment (types and checks you can do)
  • Final thickness, topcoat, role and duties of epoxy PFP inspector (part two)
  • What to look out for, test equipment, reporting
  • Practice test
  • Safety overview
  • Examination (150 multiple-choice questions)
  • Peer review
Who should attend this course?

This is a Level III course aimed at specialist inspectors and technicians who are looking to demonstrate their own distinctive competence to properly understand and inspect PFP installations in new construction or
retrofit situations. The inspection of existing PFP to test for worthiness is a separate and specialist activity not considered in this course.

Candidates should ideally have a PFP Level 2 qualification or a minimum of ICorr Painting Inspector or Coating Inspector Level 1 with a minimum of two years’ experience. Inspectors from other schemes can transition to ICorr Painting Inspector here. This requirement is to ensure that attendees have a fundamental understanding of corrosion and protective coatings.

Course Details and Price

Duration: 5 days
Ref: ICorr/PFPNet CITP

Price (excl. VAT)

Training: £1100
Exam £500
Total: £1600

 

Book Now

Contact our Customer Service team on 0114 399 5720 or email us at enquiries@argyllruane.com to check availability or through our website

ICAA – The New Acronym Exciting the Industrial Coatings Industry

ICAA – The New Acronym Exciting the Industrial Coatings Industry

Blogs, Coating and Inspection Training

100% Apprentice Success Delivered by Jack Tighe Ltd.

In August 2020, seven apprentices at Jack Tighe Ltd. became the first to complete the new ICAA – Industrial Coatings Applicator Apprenticeship.

Running an apprenticeship scheme is a sizeable commitment. It must be done for the right reasons, and provide the potential to deliver your goals. It’s an even bigger undertaking when the apprenticeship scheme you are considering has not been tested elsewhere.

In this article, you’ll learn why Jack Tighe decided to take the apprenticeship route with the ICAA.

An apprenticeship that delivers to the needs of the employer

The industry is experiencing an increasing average age of coatings applicators, and Jack Tighe mirrors this. Concerned about the possible effects of a workforce getting nearer to retirement, the company undertook an analysis of its workforce to assess the scale of the issue.

What it found was disturbing. Almost a third of its workforce are aged between 55 and 65. With no new applicators coming through the company, and the whole industry experiencing the same issue, Jack Tighe’s forward-thinking management team could see big problems on the horizon.

Without new employees, natural employee attrition would soon leave a hole in their workforce.

“We looked at how we could fill this void for the future,” says Martin Hillyard, Chairman of the Jack Tighe Group. “We realised, though, that if we were to hire experienced employees, our new recruits would be likely to fall into the same age bracket as our existing employees,” Martin says. That wouldn’t solve the looming staffing issues.

They also determined that, without an apprenticeship programme in place, there was only one option available and that was to train new recruits through the Industrial Coating Applicator Training Scheme (ICATS).

The advantages of delivering apprenticeships

There are many benefits for employers who take on apprentices. These include:

  • Potential government incentives. Employers will receive £1,000 for each apprentice between 16 and 18 years of age. In certain circumstances, financial incentives are also available when an employer hires an apprentice aged up to 24 years old.
  • Another financial benefit is that the employer does not pay class 1 National Insurance contributions if the apprentice is under 25 years of age and earns below £827 per week.
  • Companies that pay into the Apprenticeship Levy have a fund to develop apprentices through a training course. Those who don’t pay into the Levy only need pay 5% of the course cost, with the remainder subsidised by the government.

For the apprentice, the experience and learning they receive provides a valuable and nationally recognised qualification. While learning, they are also earning.

The real benefit of employing apprentices

While all the above advantages clearly incentivise both employers to take on apprentices and employees to seek apprenticeships, for Jack Tighe there were two much bigger benefits.

“An apprenticeship programme will be a more long-term solution than hiring already qualified coatings applicators,” says Martin Hillyard. “But there’s also an additional benefit. We work with a blank canvas.”

Hiring and training apprentices meets Jack Tighe’s strategic goals of:

  • Upskilling its workforce
  • Shifting its workforce age demographic down
  • Growing and developing a workforce aligned to its company culture

Tailoring the training of apprentice industrial coatings applicators

Working with ICATS, Jack Tighe was also able to tailor its apprenticeship delivery to suit its unique needs.

“We could have an input into the type and standard of training to be delivered – which is tailored to our industry,” says Martin Hillyard.

The 18-month apprenticeship scheme started in 2018. Now completed, Martin reviews the apprenticeship with great satisfaction.

“We’re so very proud of the first ever industrial coatings apprentices in this country,” he said. “They all passed their End Point Assessment (EPA) with distinction.” That’s some achievement.

Of course, the proof of how worthwhile the experience has been is if the provider would repeat it. In this, Martin Hillyard has no hesitation.

“Considering the success of the first and second cohorts in the Industrial Coatings Applicator Apprenticeship, we have had no hesitation in deciding to recruit another 10 apprentices to commence in October 2020.

“In addition, we’re more than happy to include any other company’s apprentices on this course.”

We’re sure that making the decision to run the first ever apprenticeship scheme for industrial coatings applicators, with the 18-month course provided in association with DN colleges and the Institute of Corrosion, was a tougher decision to make than Martin Hillyard admits.

However, this first for the industry has proved to be a runaway success. To learn more about the ICAA, send an email to the admin team at the Institute of Corrosion. In the final part of this series detailing the design, delivery, and success of the ICAA, we examine how the apprenticeship was delivered at Jack Tighe.