The success of an apprenticeship scheme created by the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) is helping to develop a future workforce for the industry.
A third cohort of Powered Pedestrian Door Technician Apprentices started South Staffordshire College in June with places for a further course in September now being booked.
Members of the initial group, which began their two-year apprenticeship in March 2021, are completing projects for end point assessments with should be fully qualified by the end of the year. A second, which started last September is concluding its first academic year with another to follow.
Says ADSA Managing Director Ken Price, “Demand for places has been tremendous. It is good to know that the industry has embraced the opportunity to develop a future workforce utilising the apprenticeship. It provides a thorough learning opportunity, combining academic study with on-the-job experience. The automatic door sector is considered niche within the wider building products and construction industry – but it is one that requires a particular set of skills and learning to demonstrate competency and meet exacting standards.
“The nature of our business means that we have traditionally found it hard to attract new talent. Indeed, before starting on their apprenticeships, some of the candidates commented that they’d been unaware that PPD technicians ‘were a thing’.
“Automatic doors, gates and entrances may be widely used within commercial and public buildings, enabling convenience and accessibility but awareness of the businesses that make, install and maintain them may not have been as prominent as it might, which has led to a skills gap within the industry. ADSA’s efforts to professionalise it through the provision of end-to-end learning and development opportunities should help attract and retain talent for the future.”
In addition to the success of the apprenticeship on mainland UK, a new apprenticeship course is being launched in Northern Ireland, through South Eastern Regional College (SERC). The college will act as the industry delivery partner for the new Automated Entrances Apprenticeship which is being funded by the Department for the Economy NI.
The college is now recruiting students for an expected 15-strong cohort which will be introduced as part of a rolling programme, beginning this September. Qualifications include:
- EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Technologies
- EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations
Modules will comprise of engineering environment awareness, electrical installation methods, wiring and circuit protection, working safely in an engineering environment and maintaining electrical equipment/systems. Modules will be tailored to meet the needs of the industry.
Level two maths and English will also be provided for apprentices that do not already hold these qualifications.
Apprentices for the SERC course will need to be working for a company based in Northern Ireland or a UK company that works predominantly in NI.
