Increasing demand for measurement skills in UK industry will be met by a new apprenticeship curriculum for metrology technicians that has been launched by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
Announcement of the curriculum for the Metrology Technician Level 3 Standard came during National Apprenticeship Week, which ran from 5-9 March.
It is the first ever apprenticeship measurement standard to be approved by the Government and, it is hoped, will help integrate world class measurement skills into UK industry to unlock productivity and efficiency gains.
“Measurement underpins a broad variety of sectors, so it is extremely important the UK takes hold of this opportunity to build a solid foundation of skills in this field,” said NPL head of training Phil Cooper.
Metrology – the science of measurement – plays a crucial role in industrial processes from a quality control perspective, ensuring that products are in line with specifications and regulatory standards. Some £600bn worth of goods and utilities are sold in the UK every year based on measurement of their quantity and quality, it is estimated.
Mr Cooper added that the new apprenticeship standard would “help to prove the worth of our products and services not only here but across the international market, and unlock potential in the UK economy”.
Metrology skills are in high demand, with 75% of managers in industry telling an NPL survey that they would use an apprenticeship in measurement to recruit, train and develop their employees.
Manufacturer’s association EEF is the first training provider to license and introduce the Metrology Technician Level 3 Standard. “No doubt more providers will follow, helping to bring valuable measurement skills into the UK workforce in the near future,” said Mr Cooper.
EEF director of apprentices & technology training Stephen Mitchel said: “Apprenticeships provide an excellent route to develop skills to meet industry needs of the future – the Metrology Level 3 Standard is an excellent example of those skill needs being identified and met.”
Other training providers will be able to incorporate specific modules into the NPL curriculum, which have been designed with the option of being selected separately for bespoke packages.
The full metrology technician apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-level passes, allowing for an accessible, non-traditional route into measurement that is benchmarked to industry standards.
This fast track option is expected boost the appeal of a measurement career for apprentices and help to increase the rate of graduates and apprentices entering full time measurement employment.
The new standard was developed by the Metrology Trailblazer Group, which brings together over 25 UK companies.
Further information on the Metrology Technician Standard Level 3 is available here