Reynolds Training Services, which is based in Lincolnshire and provides training competence assessment and management for the bulk liquid and gas sector has had its Bulk Storage Operator Technician level 3 diploma course approved by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
The diploma is part of a two-year apprenticeship scheme which includes process and occupational safety, human factors and emergency response, and includes vocational and academic training delivered in conjunction with Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA) at Reynolds’ base at the CATCH Training facility in Stallingborough, North East Lincolnshire.
‘The new qualification creates clear career pathways for individuals. It’s about showing them how they can not only advance their own aspirations, but those of our industry. As a technical qualification, it signposts a career journey through IChemE’s engineering technician process. From managerial, safety engineering, maintenance and beyond, it empowers people to broaden their career horizons, advance their skills and, crucially, keep those ever-burgeoning skills within the sector,’ says Reynolds Training’s managing director, John Reynolds.
It is the first level 3 diploma to be approved by IChemE under its Engineering Technician (EngTech) approval programme. The EngTech scheme was set up by the UK’s Engineering Council to provide professional registration for engineering technicians, in much the same way as its Chartered Engineer scheme, demonstrating high standards of competence and knowledge, and is internationally recognised. The Engineering Council licences IChemE to approve apprenticeships, training programmes and qualifications. Technicians successfully completing approved programmes then have a pathway towards EngTech registration.
IChemE particularly praised Reynolds’ full-scale tank farm simulation facility, and the quality of the course leaders’ teaching of process safety fundamentals.
‘It is hugely encouraging to see the trainees are highly committed to the profession and acting as ambassadors for the programme, inspiring others to consider this as a pathway to professional qualification. Congratulations to Reynolds Training Services for being the first, of hopefully many, level 3 qualifications given approval by IChemE in recognition of their high standards that enables a route to technical qualification,’ said IChemE lead assessor Bill Harper.
Reynolds is an associate member of the UK’s Tank Storage Association (TSA), which congratulated the company on its achievement.
‘The bulk liquid storage sector is and will continue to be an important source of career opportunities. With a new wave of innovation and extensive demand for skilled and qualified specialists, we are delighted that this Level 3 Qualification that is embedded into the sector leading apprenticeship programme has received IChemE recognition, a testament to Reynolds Training Services’ commitment to the development of the next generation of talent in the UK,’ says TSA executive director Peter Davidson.