There are many different ways of training to become competent in the chemical sector. However, very few offer the wide range of development that apprenticeships can. They are able to teach the learner a wide range of skills whilst being able to use them to contribute to the efficiency of the company.

8-Judith-and-Apprentices-for-Apprentices-in-NW-articleA modern apprenticeship can be offered in many different ways. It can be provided by a third party and the company sponsor the learner, or the company can run its own apprenticeship scheme. The basis of any scheme is the practical learning combined with self-development. Many third party apprenticeship providers take their apprentices to outdoor pursuit facilities to help them grow as an individual and give them the skills to cope with challenging situations, such as those they will face within the chemical sector.  Whilst also developing the individual and their practical knowledge to become competent in the workplace, the professional qualifications gained also stand the learner in good stead for the future. Focused around the new QCF qualification, apprenticeships are a nationally recognised way of learning that offers the best of practical learning whilst still ensuring that the learner has the right qualification level, often moving onto higher education.

One of the main apprenticeship providers in the Northwest is TTE Training LTD (one of our member companies), they predominately offer a 3½ year Advanced Apprenticeship where a company in the Northwest will sponsor a learner with the possibility of employing them after their apprenticeship ends. Once the learner has completed their apprenticeship, they will have a well-rounded set of skills to enable them to work within the chemical sector, Chemicals Northwest actively supports the work of CIA’s Future forum, a group of ‘new’ people to the industry wanting to share their views and experiences.

For more information please see
www.cia.org.uk/FutureForum/AboutFutureForum.aspx