The Composites Skills Alliance has launched its new training courses for the composites industry.

The Alliance which is a partnership of the National Skills Academy for Process Industries and Semta, the sector skills council for advanced manufacturing and engineering, is working with training providers and employers to ensure that composites training is fit for purpose and in line with industry needs.

The 'Awareness in Composites' course has been developed with the Founder Providers of the Alliance and is targeted at non-technical employees and new starters in composites organisations.

Accredited providers Belfast Metropolitan College, Burnley College, Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, City College Southampton and Yeovil College all contributed to the development of the courses. They also supplied best practice course materials and have since been the delivery partners. Courses have been delivered at both in-house and public locations around the UK since the start of the year.

Bookings are now being taken for these one-day courses from May onwards following the April courses being oversubscribed. The content covers composites materials and processes, applications, H&S issues, working around composites materials, handling and damage. 

Stuart Carter, Skills Development Manager at Aircelle Ltd attended a course delivered by Burnley College and said it was "A thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the importance of composite manufacture and processes within our industry." 

The National Composites Centre (NCC) has been a venue for both in-house and public courses. Michelle Armitage is the Head of HR at NCC and said "The course was hands on and a fascinating introduction to composites pitched at just the right level. I have since used the information gained in the course to help me to do my non-technical role. Absolutely recommended." 

The Founder Providers are now assisting the Alliance with shaping the 'Introduction to Composites' courses which are aimed at a more technical audience.

For further information on courses or to book your place please email h.jenkinson@process.nsacademy.co.uk