Fluid power qualifications for all

Citation

Bartlett, R. (2000), "Fluid power qualifications for all", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772baf.002

Fluid power qualifications for all

Fluid power qualifications for all

Keywords: Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Qualifications

Fluid power is the world's most widely applied power and motion control solution. Hydraulics and pneumatics, as it is better known, is used in applications as diverse as aerospace, marine, cranes, lifting, automotive, mobile, off-road etc. as well as industrial applications.

Whilst the basic fundamentals remain the same, each particular industry or application may require completely different skills in the maintenance, control, design and commissioning of fluid power systems. This begs the question "how do you ensure that your staff have the necessary competences and underpinning knowledge to fulfil that role?" The answer is City & Guilds 2340 "Fluid Power Engineering Competences" - the series of fluid power qualifications developed by the Education & Training Committee of the British Fluid Power Association.

The scheme has units covering hydraulic hose assembly, hydraulic pipe fitting, compressed air installation (2340-1), separate maintenance units for hydraulics and pneumatics (2340-2) and a 2340-3 unit in electrical/electronic control. All units are competence based and non-time based. Students must successfully complete a series of practical tasks and a two-and-a-half hour written examination. BFPA's own team of External Verifiers ensures that the 2340 programme is one of the best-policed schemes in the City & Guilds portfolio and that the Association's high standards are maintained.

To complement the 2340 programme, BFPA are in the final throes of developing a "Mobile Hydraulics" qualification. The new unit, which is to be offered to City & Guilds, covers those aspects which are specific to the mobile/construction/earth-moving industries. Over 40 companies - fluid power component manufacturers and OEMs alike - have developed the programme, which is scheduled to be launched in early 2000.

BFPA is also developing a new "System Design Qualification", designed to fit neatly between the previously mentioned vocational qualifications and the HNC/HND/MSc products normally offered by academic institutions. BFPA sets great store by this new qualification, and will be implementing, verifying and awarding the qualification itself.

BFPA, in co-operation with EMTA, have also developed a series of fluid power NVQ units available to students studying an Engineering Maintenance NVQ.

GNVQs in hydraulics and pneumatics are also available to 16-17 year olds in full-time education and now that the National Curriculum includes coverage of pneumatics, BFPA will be looking to put in place suitable assistance and products to help schools in the delivery of this very important subject.

For further details of the BFPA fluid power qualification portfolio, contact BFPA. Tel: +44 (0)1608 647900. Web site: http://www.BFPA.co.uk

Rob BartlettTechnical Manager, FPA