Nationally recognised apprenticeship programme aims to tackle lack of plastics training

In partnership with Cambridge Regional College, Peterborough-based G&A Moulding Technology is launching a Polymer Processing Apprenticeship with the goal of addressing the significant lack of funded, recognised and formal training in the plastics industry.

The nationally recognised qualification for polymer processing in the UK aims to address the need for trainees to learn practical skills that will necessitate the apprentice to work quickly on complicated tasks, use numeracy skills, understand polymeric materials and have an eye for detail.

“The training is unique to other training/educational establishments in that the majority of the training will be based on vocational skills which are essential to the businesses we aim to support, delivered in the state-of-the-art facilities at G&A Moulding Technology,” commented Richard Brown, Managing Director at G&A.

Both industry and vocational experts will provide the training in order to ensure the apprentices are learning relevant and up-to-date business skills. “The polymer industry is an important area of manufacturing in the UK and the aim of this initiative is to ensure the future workforce has the required skills,” continued Brown.

An apprentice would normally work in either a factory or a workshop and learn how to mass-produce plastic components. They would weigh and mix raw materials, learn about the production process, test products, maintain machinery and ensure items are made on time without wasting materials.

The aim of G&A and Cambridge Regional College, however, is to take apprentices early in their career path and immerse them in a polymer learning environment over a two-year training period to impart the knowledge required to be successful in the workplace at the expected performance criteria.

The apprenticeship will be carried out at an individual’s own workplace, with the technical training at G&A’s facilities. Support will be given by CVC to assist apprentices taking the Polymer Operations (QCF) exam, which is endorsed by the Qualification Awarding Body PAA\VQ-SET.

For more information on prices, course dates and benefits, telephone:

 01223 418778 or 0800 334 5582 or visit www.camre.ac.uk