National recognition for development of NDT Apprenticeships

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The development and promotion of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Apprenticeships has won national recognition at the FE Week & AELP (AAC) Apprenticeship Awards 2019.

Skills Training UK has been shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Apprenticeships (Provider)’ category, for its work with BINDT, trailblazers and specialist NDT training schools to develop new standards for the industry and grow career interest within the sector.

Employers in sectors including engineering, aerospace and nuclear have welcomed the new Apprenticeships and in the past 18 months, Skills Training UK has become the largest NDT Apprenticeships provider in the UK, enrolling 105 NDT Apprentices at 50 businesses.

Stephen Crawley, chief operating officer, Skills Training UK, said: “We are delighted to be recognised for our hard work in developing our innovative Apprenticeship programmes, which are in high demand and are proving to have a positive impact on the skills growth within the materials testing sector.

“This recognition doesn’t just reflect our hard work, but the hard work across the BINDT community and our specialist NDT training school partners, who have proven that by working together we can help address some of the challenges faced by our industry, tackling the skills gap and an ageing workforce.”

Roger Lyon, project manager for Apprenticeship schemes and a director of BINDT, said: “In terms of NDT Apprenticeships, Skills Training UK started with a blank sheet of paper and within a very short space of time has become extremely successful and has surpassed the expectations of the Professional Body and the Employer Group.

“As one of the lead NDT Apprenticeship providers, strengthened by the recruitment of experienced NDT staff, Skills Training UK has been very proactive and has successfully partnered with several specialist NDT training schools in the past couple of years. I’m very pleased to hear that they have been recognised for this award, which shines a light on everybody who has supported the Apprenticeship programme development since the standards were launched – keep up the good work.”