There are some exciting developments in the world of training coming up. The “fundamentals of corrosion” course that fills the gap for people wishing to upgrade to professional membership, but lacking in formal corrosion training, is now in place. In addition ISO 15257 has been published, which means the current BS EN 15257 will become BS EN ISO 15257. It just needs translating from ISO standard languages (English and French) to the European standard languages (English, French and German). This standard extends the reach of the Cathodic Protection (CP) training and certification scheme, and incorporates the existing NACE CP scheme. As a result the certification paperwork and training courses need a little tweaking (the ISO has 5 levels and the BS EN currently only has 3). Levels 1 to 3 in the current CP schemes correspond to levels 2 to 4 in the ISO scheme. PDTC are working on a rapid implementation of the ISO standard to limit the confusion. As soon as this is done it is planned to offer a trade-up option where people with existing CP cards can have a fresh card with the ISO level stated on it. The CP certification means that clients can be sure that people designing testing and installing cathodic protection schemes have the correct paperwork to demonstrate competence in the correct area, not just a generic CP qualification. It also means that those installing CP systems can demonstrate to clients they have the right skills for the job, and justify why they should be included on CP tenders. It also means they have the best chance of not having to repeat work and revisit sites to rectify problems caused by using unskilled, uncertificated people.
The new Senior Cathodic Protection Technician Level 2 Marine Metallic structures Course was run successfully on 8h – 12 May at Poole Museum and RNLI College jetty.
The course, written and presented by David Harvey CEng, FICorr, covered the application of cathodic protection to harbours and jetties, offshore structures, subsea structures and pipelines. Date and venue for the next course is yet to be set.
The National Highway Sector Scheme 19A is pushing to get apprentice schemes set up that are based on the ICATS scheme. This enables companies to draw down on monies that have been taken as a levy, and placed in a government training bank. Once this has been sorted out for the ICATS scheme, the possibility of extending it to cover other training options, will be considered. It’s not a straightforward process, but it’s a goal for ICorr. As part of the apprenticeship schemes ICorr are looking at becoming registered with OfQual, to give our training schemes and qualifications a more widespread status.
If anyone has any training needs, concerns or worries, feel free to email admin@icorr.org, and a member of PTDC will respond to them.
