BCAS launches new compressed air industry apprentice pack

27 March, 2025

Included in the pack is a new best practice guide for employers, to support the recruitment, management, and development of apprentices in the compressed air and vacuum industry.

The guide offers comprehensive advice on apprenticeship structures, recruitment strategies, mentoring, and legal obligations, helping businesses attract and nurture new talent. It highlights the importance of paid apprenticeships, structured induction processes, and safeguarding measures, ensuring apprentices receive the best possible start to their careers.

In addition, a handy guide for apprentices explains the areas to consider when choosing an apprenticeship and what to expect during studies. Plus, there is a step-by-step overview for parents and guardians that are keen to support their child to get the best out of their new career.

BCAS, alongside its members and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Education (IfATE), was instrumental in the development of a dedicated compressed air and vacuum industry apprenticeship, an industry first.

Industry-specific pathway

The industry-specific pathway has already helped the next generation of skilled professionals, providing standardisation of their skills, competence, behaviours and safe working. The standard ensures that upon successful completion, the apprentice achieves a national apprenticeship, academic qualifications and may apply for the professional recognition of EngTech with The Society of Operations Engineers.

However, as Terry Collier, Learning and Development Officer at BCAS explains, many businesses, especially those new to recruiting apprentices are keen to receive extra support. He said: “Many of our BCAS members are smaller SMEs that do not have access to large HR departments to assist with recruitment and training. At the same time, these members have a highly skilled workforce made up of professional engineers that have a vast amount of knowledge and experience. There is a real desire to pass this expertise onto the next generation, especially to help address the continuing engineering skills gap.

“Our new apprenticeship pack has been launched to help our members, and the wider compressed air engineering community achieve precisely this. A key focus is on workplace integration, with guidance on creating a structured work plan, assigning meaningful tasks, and providing effective mentorship.

‘In addition, our accompanying apprentice and parents’ guides provide practical, friendly advice during this key stage in a young person’s career.”

The guide also outlines the recent government funding changes, including full funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and increased flexibility in Apprenticeship Levy transfers

For more information, enquiries@bcas.org.uk or call 0207 935 2464 or visit:  www.bcas.org.uk

https://twitter.com/bcas

https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-compressed-air-society/