Benefits of ICATS to Industrial Painting Contractors
Improving standards of safety and workmanship should be the objective of all companies and the Industrial Coating Applicator Training Scheme (ICATS) truly delivers this in the workplace.
Over the past 20 years advances in industrial paints and the associated preparation standards make the application of systems today a skilled operation. Using unskilled, unqualified operatives drastically increases the risk of a costly coating failure. Industry has never had a structured training scheme for industrial coating operatives to eliminate this risk. Having identified this skills shortage the Institute of Corrosion under its commercial arm Correx Ltd in conjunction with major structure owners and industry experts set up a task group to solve the problem. The key focus of the scheme is on safe working practices, surface preparation and application techniques working to recognised industry standards.
Today ICATS is delivering to industry the skills required through the ICATS Basic Module and its member companies. The scheme is mandated by both the Highways Agency and Network Rail and is the minimum requirement for any operative to carry out industrial coating application at any of their sites.
To further reinforce the skill level scheme has delivered it is now recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and any operative passing the ICATS Basic Module can apply for a CSCS card. CSCS will not recognise a skills scheme unless it meets at least the standard of NVQ level 2.
ICATS is designed as an in house, on the job, training course for both experienced operatives and newer recruits. Much of the course is practical as well as theoretical and will not require personnel in training to be away from the workface for any extended periods of time. Ongoing assessment allows the training to fit around the daily tasks of the operative.
Having a trained and qualified workforce will allow you to demonstrate to your current and potential customers your capability to tackle most industrial painting projects in an efficient and professional way. Hence giving them confidence that they have selected the right company for the job.
For more information, how to specify the scheme or a presentation of ICATS contact David Eyre, Scheme Coordinator.