The CAP scheme will give individuals and companies a mechanism of demonstrating competence across a wide range of technologies, processes and methodologies. Subject areas are yet to be defined but are likely to include manufacturing processes such as wet lay-up, prepreg and resin infusion; technologies such as metrology and non-destructive testing; and methodologies such as quality control. Within each subject area will be a list of core competencies; achievement of these competencies through approved training and assessment will qualify the individual for a bronze, silver or gold CAP.
The CAP scheme will be overseen by the British Composites Society to provide the link to the professional institutes, and will enable companies to demonstrate compliance of their work-force within audited schemes such as NADCAP, ISO standards and SC21.
Chris Little, Chairman of Composites UK said: “As the growing demands of the industry to have skilled people, I felt the time was right to engage with industry and develop a method of competence that could really meet all the criteria required to build a sustainable scheme.”
The concept of the CAP scheme will be initially discussed at the Composites UK Annual Conference, 13-14 May 2014, Bristol, with the full details of the scheme being developed and launched over the coming months. Industry will be invited to contribute at each stage through local development workshops and electronic communications.
This scheme will give UK industry a supply chain improvement mechanism, helping companies to de-risk and de-cost. Long-term, it will link with apprenticeship schemes and graduate programmes to give a unified approach across the full skill set. Ensure you get involved, have your say and make sure you benefit from the tool.
