Quartz proves a precious gem of a training scheme

Citation

(2005), "Quartz proves a precious gem of a training scheme", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 37 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2005.03737fab.008

Quartz proves a precious gem of a training scheme

BP Chemicals and Hull College have developed a gem of an idea to ensure engineering and processing staff in Hull have the skills to keep pace with technological advances in the industry.

They have developed a successful Modern Apprenticeship programme, which they call Quartz. It has earned the two organizations a Yorkshire and Humber prize in the latest National Training Awards.

Paul Read, BP Chemicals’ engineering training adviser, based at Salt End, Hull, explained how the scheme got its name. “Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral that, with hard work, can be turned into an attractive, desirable semi-precious gem.”

The apprenticeships have been developed over some years, and are designed to produce multi-skilled teams able to combine traditional industry skills with computer-based operating and planning systems. Training is based on a four-year Advanced Modern Apprenticeship and linked to BTEC National Certificates and NVQs at levels II and III.

The college, where Antony Delaine is the Quartz co-ordinator, provides training and assesses students in the workplace to ensure they attain NVQs.

Quartz apprentices have won a range of local and national awards – one was Chemical Industry Young Person of the Year and last year two won trophies from the Hull Association of Engineers. Last year, Hull College received the Association for Colleges Beacon Award for the work in engaging employers.

In all, 201 BP trainees have followed the programme – 136 are working on the Hull site and 12 work at other BP sites.

The works general manager at Hull, Gareth James, said: “It is fundamentally important that organizations like ours have in place training schemes such as the Quartz programme, to develop the skills of young people to a quality level that supports our business assets and maintains BP Chemicals’ leadership in a very competitive market.”

Quartz is now being followed by groups of Angolans coming to the UK to train, and Hull College is offering the programme to other local engineering and operational employers.