How Does the STGB Operate to Help Deliver ICorr’s Mission?
The Surface Treatment Governing Board (STGB) is one of two sub-committees that advise and support the Professional Development and Training Committee (PDTC). As such, it is instrumental in helping to ensure that the training, qualifications, and certifications offered by the Institute of Corrosion in the area of protective coatings remain aligned with the evolving needs of industry and at the forefront of professional development opportunities globally.
Structure of the Surface Treatment Governing Board
The STGB generally consists of six members of the Institute, though this number may vary from time to time. Because of the role they play within the overarching structure of the PDTC, each member of the STGB must have knowledge and experience of the coatings industry and coating-related inspections.
Heading the STGB, the chairperson has extensive coatings experience and will be qualified as a Level 3 Coating Inspector.
Roles and responsibilities of the STGB
The STGB reports directly to the PDTC, with specific responsibility for all the Institute’s Surface Treatment Training Courses.
It’s main responsibility is to ensure that the Requirement Documents (REQ-DOCS) for all Surface Treatment schemes reflect current standards, guidance, and best practice. These documents describe the requirements that must be satisfied by all surface treatment schemes, including all coating inspection courses (hence the need for STGB committee members to have relevant experience and qualifications themselves).
The REQ-DOCS cover both classroom learning for corrosion specialists and online learning schemes.
The STGB is also responsible for:
- Reviewing new Surface Treatment courses that are submitted to ICorr through the PDTC. The STGB will identify a suitable reviewer, and make recommendations to the PDTC to ensure that the new course meets the standards required under existing REQ-DOCS.
- Reviewing the applications of candidates who wish to become course tutors or course assessors from course providers. The STGB will then make a recommendation as to whether to approve or reject the application. In all cases, a prerequisite is that the applicant holds relevant ICorr certification.
How the STGB works
A REQ-DOC guides how courses operate as well as providing specific details about the syllabus that must be followed. It also provides guidance about the associated examinations and qualifications that each course leads to.
As an example, the REQ-DOC for the Coating Inspector training scheme describes details that include:
- Eligibility criteria for each of its three levels
- The topics that must be covered in each of the three levels of certification
- Experience assessment for personnel engaged in painting and coating inspection
- Examination requirements
The Protective Coating Inspectors scheme also includes specific training requirements for:
- Insulation Coating Inspectors (Level 2)
- Pipeline Coating Inspectors (Level 2)
- Hot Dip Galvanising Coating Inspectors (Level 2)
The STGB keeps the REQ-DOCS under review, updating as necessary to ensure that the Institute’s Surface Treatment courses are continuously improved – and thus meeting one of the core components of our mission: to advance science technology and ideas in the corrosion industry, and assist in corrosion prevention by ‘delivering training that meets the requirements of current standards and leading by example to help advance corrosion science and technology and allowing ideas to flourish’.
When changes are made to a REQ-DOC by the STGB, the REQ-DOC is submitted to the PDTC with a recommendation that the updated version is approved and published.
Are you the future of the STGB?
As a not-for-profit organisation, the Institute of Corrosion is run by its members for the benefit of its members. Under the umbrella of the PDTC, the STGB plays a critical role in delivering our mission and ensuring that the Institute aligns with its values.
As with all our committees, the success of the work that the STGB does relies on the dedication of its members. We are always seeking new members with the relevant experience and qualifications to help us in the valuable work that we undertake for our membership. If you are interested in joining the STGB, please send an email to our head office, marking for the attention of Keith Wagner.