Coatings specialist hails apprenticeship successes

Jack Tighe’s second intake of apprentices on the Industrial Coatings Applicator Apprenticeship scheme have completed their End Point Assessment (EPA).

Having started in February 2020, the youngsters have all achieved passes with distinction, surpassing coating specialist Jack Tighe’s expectations. The company hopes its third intake will be equally successfully with their EPA in 2022.

Jack Tighe Chairman Martin Hillyard said: “All of the apprentices have shown great attitude and enthusiasm, which they will be able to bring forward into our industry.

“We would like to thank all the people who have mentored the apprentices both on site and within our factory facilities. Taking the time to pass on your valuable skills, knowledge and experience is invaluable to the success of the candidates on the course.

“The Jack Tighe Group feels very strongly towards the apprenticeship programme and we have taken the decision to commence intake number four in September 2021.”

The British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) helped to develop the apprenticeship standard with Highways England, through its National Highways Sector Scheme (NHSS) Committee for Corrosion Protection (NHSS 19A).

BCSA Director of Health, Safety & Training Peter Walker said: “Jack Tighe has recognised the value of this trailblazer apprenticeship standard in addressing a skills shortage in coating applicators and it is now reaping the rewards.

“For others wishing to follow, the costs are minimal, as out of the 18 months to complete the apprenticeship, which is mostly spent at the employer’s facilities, students only attend the training facilities in Scunthorpe for a total of 16 weeks and the standard attracts an apprenticeship funding of £9,000 to pay for the training and EPA.”

More information on the apprenticeship standard and EPA are available at: https://
www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/industrial-coatings-applicator-v1-0