Maintaining the trajectory for innovation and growth

20 February, 2023

Jones reflects that as we settle into our new legislative frameworks post Brexit, trade associations are working together to ensure that common messages are not only delivered to the corridors of political power, but also that they provide a resource for government when it looks to make legislative changes. “Many of these legislative reviews have yet to crystalise into legislative change but, none the less, trade associations such as BCAS and lobby groups have been very active on the industry’s behalf,” says Jones. “The recent ‘UK Product Safety Review’ consultation is a case in point. We are used to working with the legacy legislation but must now work with government as it looks at the long-term approach to product safety and how to ensure that the regulatory framework is fit for the future.”

Jones adds that along with the UK ErP (Energy-related Products) Policy Framework proposal, this demonstrates the drive to review legacy legislation and she believes it is critical that all stakeholders are represented in this process. “This is where relationships between trade associations and government departments are critical, so that we can consolidate the voices of many into clearly communicated positions, ensuring that industry is represented,” she says.

Training

Do currently available training courses meet companies’ requirements? Loeffler explains that Jubilee Clips is always keen to recruit enthusiastic young people on to its apprenticeship program to secure ongoing excellence in toolmaking, maintenance and manufacturing. Additionally, he points out that the company has recruited young people to train as operatives in the warehouse, learning skills such as forklift truck driving or general packing, dispatch and warehouse management.

Anderton explains that Slack & Parr’s long-established apprenticeship and training schemes are fundamental to the structure and success of the company’s business. “We’ve developed a programme that is internationally recognised and produces highly skilled engineers in all disciplines, from mechanical engineering to machine operating,” he says. “In the past few years, the move from apprenticeship frameworks to Engineering Standards means we’re now forced to choose a fixed route for each apprentice at the start of their training.”

Anderton adds that, previously, Slack & Parr’s apprentices have had the opportunity to experience everything an engineering business such as Slack & Parr has to offer. This included the possibility of moving between disciplines with close supervision. “This meant we could provide tailored programmes of learning that nurtured each apprentice’s skills and supported their ambitions really well, allowing them the possibility of changing path as their understanding of engineering grew,” explains Anderton. “We found this was a particularly effective way of producing exceptionally well-rounded, experienced young engineers who knew what route they wanted their careers to take. Although we’re still focused on providing the very best experiences and training for our apprentices, the move to a more rigid and prescriptive model of training laid out in the new Engineering Standards approach to apprenticeships feels more restrictive and less intuitive.”

Butcher points out that many BFPA members offer training in flexible hose technology through their own business in partnership with the BFPA. This training has now become a recognised industry standard in both the UK and Overseas. The Association, together with its members, also provide fluid power training to a